Emeli Sande Gives Uplifting Performance During Rainy Show at New York’s Rumsey Playfield

Rain poured down over New York City Wednesday evening (Aug. 28), but the skies cleared up right before U.K. songstress Emeli Sande hit the stage at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Her loyal fans pulled out their umbrellas and chanted, "Emeli, Emeli, Emeli" until she walked out and took her seat at a piano in the center of the stage.

Sande gave spirited live renditions of songs from her debut album, 'Our Version of Events,' including 'Heaven,' 'Clown' and 'Suitcase.' Before she sang the power ballad 'My Kinda Love,' she said her mother was the inspiration for writing the song. Whenever she messed up, Sande said her mother never said, "I told you so," but instead told her, "I'm here."

The singer, dressed in all black, also dedicated her song 'Read All About It' to the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech. "He used his words to say something," the 26-year-old said. She encouraged her fans to speak up for what they believe in as well.

In addition to album cuts, Sande performed a new song called 'Lifted,' an upbeat, inspirational record. "Thank you for being wonderful," she stated before exiting the stage.

As a native of the U.K., Sande brought along company from her home country. Her opening act Rudimental, a multi-genre electronic band, performed songs from their new album, 'Home.' The group reworked their songs into house, reggae and pop sounds for the Rumsey Playfield stage.

See photos from the show below.

Rudimental

Emeli Sande