Story and Photos: Haley Mullenix
Yesterday (2/15) Noah Kahan brought his Stick Season Tour, joined by Jack Van Cleaf to the Heartland. The bands and crew found themselves in a sea of red and orange as Kansas City residents hit the streets to celebrate the Chiefs in their Super Bowl championship, just a couple blocks away.
The party didn’t stop there though. A line of fans wrapping around the corner made their way inside The Truman for a totally packed, “SOLD OUT AF” show. A few people made their way up and down the line hoping to find someone with an extra ticket, but alas no one was letting those babies go.
It was cold out so everyone seemed thankful to finally be inside. With a pre show playlist including songs like “Shake the Frost” by Tyler Childers and a Phoebe Bridgers cover of “Day After Tomorrow” the mood was set and everyone seemed cozy and ready for a serenade.
First to the stage was Jack Van Cleaf joined by his friends Ethan Fortenberry on guitar and Bennett Emery on bass and drums. Last year Jack released an album Fruit from the Trees and an EP Music City Murder Ballad. Jack’s contemporary and folky style provided a connection with the crowd, one that felt deeply heartful and raw. If you are a fan of artists such as Gregory Alan Isakov, Houndmouth, even The Backseat Lovers, I think you could find a piece you relate to and enjoy. Jack was honest with the crowd, saying being on stage can erupt feelings of insecurity and he often wonders if his fly is down. Luckily, he was cleared by a couple voices from the crowd who yelled, ‘You’re good!” with a thumbs up.
Tomorrow (2/17) Jack is set to release a new single Terrestrial Man, which you can pre-save on his site! Be sure to check it out, I personally have found a new favorite!
Up next was the man himself Noah Kahan joined by his bandmates, Alex Bachari on bass, Marcos Valles on drums, Noah Levine on guitar, and Dylan Jones on keys. The small room exploded with energy and it had me rethinking our Kansas City title as having the loudest stadium, and maybe we're just the loudest city in general! I stepped outside and could hear the crowd roaring from down the street! Honestly though, the fans were ecstatic, and the band themselves were full of smiles and jokes for the crowd. Kahan proclaimed, “Some people call me the Jewish Ed Sheeran, but tonight I'm Post Malone!” as he held up two braided pigtails.
Currently Noah is touring his latest album Stick Season which was released in October of last year. The album differs a bit from his previous releases which toed the pop genre line. Stick Season though has been said to be a bit of an homage to his home state roots of Vermont as he switches between a guitar and a mandolin. Noah’s lyrics are pure from the heart and don’t hold back. You’ll find tales of his experience with therapy, love, his family, mental health and so much more. It’s an album with so much depth, and much to unpack and relate to. Effortlessly he brought his journey to the stage, and shared so much of himself with the crowd. I didn't want this show to end! You can’t help but feel all the feels when Noah sings! The show was all around an incredibly moving experience, that I feel so grateful to have attended.
Catch Noah on the road this summer with guests Joy Oladokum and Ruston Kelly, be sure to get tickets while you can, cause they will sell out! Check out the gallery and tour dates below.
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Noah Kahan
05/26/23 - Lewiston, NY - ARTPARK Amphitheater
05/30/23 - Albany, NY - Palace Theatre
06/01/23 - Montreal, QC - MTELUS
06/02/23 - Montreal, QC - MTELUS
06/03/23 - Lafayette, NY - Beak & Skiff Orchards
06/06/23 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE
06/07/23 - New York, NY - Radio City Music Hall *SOLD OUT*
06/09/23 - Columbia, MD - Merriweather Post Pavilion *SOLD OUT*
06/10/23 - Philadelphia, PA - The Mann Center *SOLD OUT*
06/11/23 - Charlottesville, VA - Ting Pavilion
06/13/23 - Charlotte, NC - Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre
06/14/23 - Raleigh, NC - Red Hat Amphitheater
06/17/23 - Atlanta, GA - Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
06/18/23 - Charleston, SC - Firefly Distillery
06/20/23 - Asheville, NC - Rabbit Rabbit *SOLD OUT*
06/22/23 - Cleveland, OH - Jacobs Pavilion and Nautica
06/23/23 - Cincinnati, OH - The ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park
07/29/23 - Burlington, VT - Burlington's Waterfront Park *SOLD OUT*
07/30/23 - Burlington, VT - Burlington's Waterfront Park *SOLD OUT*
08/08/23 - Phoenix, AZ - Arizona Financial Theatre
08/09/23 - San Diego, CA - Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
08/11/23 - Los Angeles, CA - The Greek Theatre
08/15/23 - Seattle, WA - Marymoor Park
08/16/23 - Vancouver, BC - Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
08/18/23 - Spokane, WA - Pavilion at Riverfront
08/19/23 - Bend, OR - Hayden Homes Amphitheater
08/31/23 - New York, NY - Radio City Music Hall *SOLD OUT*
09/12/23 - Columbus, OH - KEMBA Live!
09/13/23 - St. Louis, MO - Saint Louis Music Park
09/15/23 - Indianapolis, IN - TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park
09/16/23 - Detroit, MI - Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
09/17/23 - Toronto, ON - Budweiser Stage