LOS ANGELES, CA- The Kia Forum in Los Angeles set the stage for a packed night of music, featuring Iron & Wine, Waxahatchee, and Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats. Each act brought its own distinct style—stripped-down folk, powerful indie rock, and full-band soul—creating a dynamic lineup. The night was further elevated by appearances from some indie-pop and rock powerhouses. This tour stop for Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats was particularly significant, as it almost didn’t happen.
Nathaniel Rateliff is on tour supporting South of Here, an album that blends introspective songwriting with upbeat alt-country energy. It explores themes of anxiety and trauma, balancing quiet, reflective moments with songs that get a crowd moving. Released in June 2024 via Stax Records, the album has been well received, and the setlist leaned heavily on its tracks. Though Rateliff has a strong following in his home base of Denver, Los Angeles fans showed up in full force to welcome him.
Iron & Wine, in this instance just Sam Beam alone on stage with his acoustic guitar, opted for an intimate setup, shedding his usual band. Seated at center stage, he delivered his set with warmth and humor, cracking jokes and teasing the crowd. He encouraged well-timed “whoo-hoos” from the audience to keep them engaged between songs. Showing his gratitude, he thanked Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats for bringing him along on tour.
Beam’s setlist was a carefully chosen mix of fan favorites and deep cuts, showcasing his signature blend of melancholic storytelling and delicate melodies. He opened with “All in Good Time”, setting a wistful, reflective tone, before easing into “Cutting It Close” and “Sweet Talk”. As the set continued, “Call It Dreaming” and “Jezebel” filled the room with a quiet, aching beauty, while “Each Coming Night*” brought a hush over the audience. He closed with “Flightless Bird, American Mouth”, its familiar melody washing over the venue like a lullaby, leaving fans momentarily spellbound before erupting into applause. It was a masterclass in restraint and emotion—stripped down, but no less powerful.
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Waxahatchee followed with a commanding performance. Katie Crutchfield took the stage, clapping in appreciation for both the crowd and Iron & Wine’s set before diving into her own. She played fan favorites like “Much Ado About Nothing”, “Lilac”, and “Fire”, as well as her newest release, “Mud”, which she performed live for the first time. Between songs, she introduced her band with genuine warmth, praising their talent and friendship. A particularly endearing moment came when she welcomed her twin sister, Alison, pulling her into a hug as the crowd cheered.
Waxahatchee has earned deep respect in the indie folk scene, known for songwriting that cuts straight to the core, tackling themes of love, addiction, and self-doubt. The project takes its name from the Alabama creek near where Crutchfield grew up, a nod to the personal nature of her music. Her latest album, “Tigers Blood”, released via Anti-, was met with widespread acclaim and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album earlier this year. While her recorded work is widely praised, her live performance proved just as compelling. She was full of energy, climbing onto a speaker early in the set to get closer to the audience. Her piercing lyrics and impressive vocal range made for a performance that demanded to be seen live. Waxahatchee has been selective about media appearances and large-scale shows in the past, making this full-band performance—complete with the debut of a new song—feel even more special.
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Building on the energy of Iron & Wine and Waxahatchee, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats took things up another notch. Storming the stage with a full band—brass, piano, drums, and keyboards—their chemistry was locked in from the start. Rateliff, dressed to the nines in a suit with a flared collar and a few top buttons undone, wasted no time moving across the stage. His brown leather dress shoes were soon dancing, and as the music kicked in, the crowd started clapping along, fully locked into the energy.
One of the early highlights for me was “I Need Never Get Old”, where Rateliff faced off with his guitarist in a fiery exchange of riffs. The energy between them was electric, like a tennis match, each note bouncing back and forth. Then, as effortlessly as the tide rolls in, the band transitioned into “Time Makes a Fool of Us All”, a gorgeous ballad from their latest album. But, like any great performer, Rateliff didn’t let things stay mellow for long. Soon, he was calling a friend to the stage—Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead. Dressed in Birkenstocks and a poncho, Weir exuded full Grateful Dead energy, and together, they played several songs. The most powerful moment came during “Not Fade Away”, as the band gradually lowered the volume, repeating the line “you know my love will not fade away”* until it was a whisper, sending the crowd into a standing ovation.
Bob Weir wasn’t the only special guest of the evening. Rateliff next brought out Lucius for several songs, including “Howling at Nothing”. Their harmonies added another layer of depth, blending seamlessly with his voice. After the song, he took a rare moment to speak, reflecting on how grateful he was to be there—especially since the show had almost not happened. He acknowledged the recent wildfires that had devastated Los Angeles, sharing his heartbreak over the losses suffered, while expressing gratitude for the chance to bring people together—for a bit of peace, a bit of fun.
Rateliff barely spoke throughout the night, letting the music do the talking. He guided the crowd effortlessly, mixing alt-country anthems with raw, emotional ballads. He also wasn’t afraid to work the stage, constantly moving—moonwalking, spinning, keeping the energy high. From start to finish, he had both the crowd and the band fully locked in.
For the final song before the encore, Dawes and Lucius joined him for a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark”, turning the Forum into a massive singalong. It was a special moment—so many great local artists sharing a stage with such a powerhouse band. The encore began with a solo organ intro, lit by a single spotlight, slowly bleeding into “S.O.B.”. The crowd erupted, dancing, shouting along. It’s a decade-defining anthem that must be seen live.
The night was special not just for the music, but for the shared moments—the kind that linger long after the last note fades. From Iron & Wine’s intimate set to Waxahatchee’s stunning new single, to the deep friendships that fueled Rateliff’s performance, it was an evening of connection. The music, as incredible as it was, felt secondary to the greater human story unfolding on that stage.
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