Indianapolis, IN. – Jesse Welles brought his Red Tour 2026 to Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park on Tuesday night, transforming one of Indianapolis’ most picturesque outdoor venues into an intimate gathering built on storytelling, social commentary, and genuine human connection. Presented by Forty5 Presents, the evening paired Welles with Australian singer-songwriter Steph Strings, trading elaborate production for authenticity and allowing the songs themselves to take center stage. Against the backdrop of towering trees and a warm summer evening, the natural setting perfectly complemented Welles’ stripped-down, emotionally charged performance.
Steph Strings opened the night with a captivating acoustic set that immediately won over the Indianapolis crowd. The Australian singer-songwriter showcased her impressive command of the guitar, with intricate fingerstyle playing, percussive rhythms, and warm, expressive vocals creating a sound that felt much bigger than one musician on stage. Blending elements of folk, blues, roots, and indie music, Strings moved effortlessly between delicate melodies and energetic passages that highlighted both her technical ability and natural feel for the instrument.
Beyond her musicianship, Strings brought an easygoing and genuine presence to the stage, engaging the crowd between songs and quickly establishing a connection with those gathered beneath the trees at Holliday Park. Her performance balanced heartfelt songwriting with extended instrumental moments that allowed her guitar work to take the spotlight, earning enthusiastic reactions from the audience throughout the set. There was an organic quality to her performance that fit perfectly with the outdoor surroundings and the stripped-back nature of the evening. By the time she finished, Strings had proven to be far more than simply an opening act, delivering a memorable performance of her own while setting an ideal tone for Jesse Welles to follow.
STEPH STRINGS: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
When Jesse Welles took the stage, he quickly demonstrated why his audience continues to grow with every tour. Armed primarily with an acoustic guitar and an unfiltered perspective, Welles delivered the opening eight songs on his own; balancing biting political and social observations with humor, compassion, and moments of surprising vulnerability. His lyrics tackled contemporary issues without ever feeling preachy, while his relaxed stage banter and dry wit made the performance feel more like a conversation than a traditional concert.
After eight songs alone in the spotlight, Welles traded the stripped-down approach for a fuller sound as he was joined by Adam Meisterhans on slide and electric guitar, Joel Parks on bass, Bobby Steinfeld on keyboards, and Connor Streeter on drums. The transition from Welles standing alone with an acoustic guitar to a full-band performance gave the second half of the show a noticeably bigger, more dynamic feel, yet never overshadowed the sharp lyricism and raw, unfiltered delivery that remain at the heart of Welles’ music. Fans sang along enthusiastically throughout the evening, hanging on every lyric as Welles effortlessly shifted between sharp satire, heartfelt reflection, and crowd-pleasing singalongs.
JESSE WELLES: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
SETLIST: INDIANAPOLIS, IN.
Solo Acoustic
Walmart * Fat * Philanthropist * Whistle Boening * There’s a Hole * United Health * The Poor * Whirlwind
Full Band
Join Ice * The Great Caucasian God (first verse only) * The Ballad of Big Balls * Red * Domestic Error * War Pigs (Black Sabbath cover) * Masks Off * Whistle Boeing (first line repeated) * Come as You Are (Nirvana cover) * Horses * Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds (Beatles cover) * Malaise
Solo Acoustic
Saint Steve Irwin (with Steph Strings) * Good Morning America * Bugs * Turtles * Take Me Home, Country Road (John Denver cover) * Witness Me Starfarer
Full Band
Siddhartha * Technopagans * Won’t You Come Out Tonight * Rise and Shine * Have You Ever Seen the Rain (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
Encore
Fear is the Mind Killer * War Isn’t Murder
Rock the Ruins has become one of Indianapolis’ premier summer concert experiences, and Jesse Welles‘ appearance reinforced why the series continues to resonate with music lovers seeking something more personal than an arena spectacle. Together, Steph Strings and Jesse Welles delivered an evening rooted in exceptional songwriting, honest performances, and meaningful connection. Proof that sometimes the most powerful concerts only need great songs, gifted musicians, and an audience ready to listen.
Show Date: 08.04.26
