Indianapolis, IN. – It was an absolute beautiful night in the Circle City for a concert! There was finally a break in the humidity and heat and nothing but blues skies above. What more could you ask for on a Saturday night? Fans of all ages showed up to Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park to see Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit and by the look of the crowd, it had to be close to sold out. The merch table was a popular spot as fans grabbed up t-shirts, banners and poster to commemorate the evening’s festivities. I must admit I was a little bummed that the t-shirt showcasing an Indy car (something our city is known for) and Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit logo was already sold out by the time I was able to get to the merch table.
Adeem the Artist was the opener for the night. Adeem, also known as Adeem Maria, is a country music artist and a 2023 nominee for Emerging Act of the Year by Americana Music Honor and Awards. Currently located out of Knoxville, TN., Adeem currently has nine studio albums under their belt and is touring behind their most recent release, 2024’s Anniversary currently out via Thirty Tiger. Adeem the Artist kept fans entertained and in their seats during their quick 60 minute set. Make sure to check them out for a honky-tonk of a good time.
ADEEM THE ARTIST: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | X | YOUTUBE
Next up was Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit featuring singer-songwriter Jason Isbell (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar), Sadler Vaden (guitar, back up vocals), Anna Butterss (bass, upright bass), Derry DeBorja (keyboard, accordion, back up vocals), Chad Gamble (drums, back up vocals), and Will Johnson (guitar, backing vocals, drums, percussion and gong). This was my first time seeing Jason & the 400 Unit. I had seen a handful of performances of the band on tv but had not made a live performance to date and was excited. I had been told by several people they were a band I needed to get on my radar and after listening to several albums before the night’s show, I had gained a deep appreciation for Jason’s songwriting and voice. He sings and writes about HIS truth and boy does it come across in his music. It wasn’t until seeing the show that I realized he was an amazing guitar player as well. Talk about a collection of vintage guitars and vintage amps! (*If interested, Google it…he has a pretty impressive collection especially with his 1959 Gibson Les Paul known as “Redeye” formerly belonging to Lynyrd Skynyrd legend Ed King).
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit did not disappoint. His fans sure do love him and I’m grateful they had me out to cover the show. I can finally say I’ve witnessed them live and it is everything I was told it would be and more. There was a lot of hootin’ and hollering, some tears, and by the time he performed the last song of the set “Cover Me Up” you could barely hear the band from the audience singing along. It was powerful! It was magical! I can’t imagine what the performers were experiencing on stage with such a receptive crowd. Jason thanked us for being a great audience and treated us to a 3 song encore; closing the night with a cover of the Cure’s “Just Like Heaven” and it truly was…or at least what I imagine heaven to be.
JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
ALL PHOTOS BY: ©PIX MEYERS
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit will be out touring behind their 2023 album Weathervane through October, closing out with seven (yes SEVEN) nights at the famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. – He will have one solo show in November with fellow crooners Lyle Lovett and Hayes Carll before getting back with the band and heading overseas. Make sure to check your local listings or Jason’s website for a show near year. It will be worth it.
SETLIST: INDIANAPOLIS
- Hope the High Road
- King of Oklahoma
- Strawberry Woman
- Traveling Alone
- Death Wish
- Super 8
- If You Insist
- Something More Than Free
- Live Oak
- Alabama Pines
- Overseas
- When We Were Close
- Flying Over Water
- Dreamsicle
- Miles
- Cover Me Up
ENCORE:
- 24 Frames
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Just Like Heaven (Cure cover)
show date: 08.10.24
