Isbell and his band delivered a fan-rousing set at State Theatre on Saturday, part of an active week of live shows from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Electric Forest. The photos at Local Spins.
Illuminating Songs: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit at Kalamazoo State Theatre. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
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It’s no surprise that Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit’s “Weathervanes” was the No. 1 Americana radio album of 2023, and that their tracks, “When We Were Close” and “Death Wish” ranked No. 1 and No. 3 as the year’s top singles.
Because judging by fan reactions Saturday to live renditions of those songs — as well as Isbell classics “Super 8,” “Cover Me Up” and “24 Frames” — the consummate songwriter and his band held the Kalamazoo State Theatre audience in the palm of their hands and never let go.
After a 16-song main set, the band even kicked off its encore with a cover of “The One I Love” by the legendary R.E.M., helping cap off a fun night that had many on their feet throughout the show — with “Super 8” emerging as a fan-energizing highlight.
Many also sang along throughout the evening, though most were simply mesmerized by the captivating songs and musical talent on stage.
Folk singer-songwriter Courtney Marie Andrews opened night with a solo acoustic set.
Browse a photo gallery from the concert below, and check out the Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit set list online here.
The Kalamazoo tour stop was just part of a week of live music kicking off the summer across West Michigan, with O.A.R. playing another sold-out show at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, and Keb’ Mo’ and Phillip-Michael Scales heating up Kalamazoo State Theatre.
Along with another photo gallery below, check out separate Local Spins coverage of Electric Forest in Rothbury — which had to evacuate the venue for some time on Saturday due to a rainstorm — and Little Feat with Los Lobos at Meijer Gardens.
PHOTO GALLERY: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Courtney Marie Andrews
Kalamazoo State Theatre
Photos by Derek Ketchum
Photos by Joshua Tufts
Kalamazoo State Theatre
Photos by Derek Ketchum
