MJ Lenderman and The Wind at The Truman, Kansas City MO (16 June 2025)

MJ LENDERMAN TOUR DATES

Some fireworks of a different kind inside The Truman—

North Carolina native MJ Lenderman and The Wind extended their 2025 Tour into the fall by popular demand. Following an early March (forever ago sold-out) show at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, this return trip to the area just three months later (which also sold out, day-of) could be considered a victory lap of sorts; and fans were more than thrilled for that second chance, or the opportunity to see the band again so soon.

The last year has been explosive for Lenderman as he released his critically acclaimed nine-track fourth album, Manning Fireworks last September (via ANTI- Records). Advance single, “She’s Leaving You” was the true breakthrough and the momentum carried over into having most of the album supporting tour dates, sell out immediately.

We managed to catch him both opening for Plains back in 2022 as well as last fall in Minneapolis as the tour got underway, so call us a bit ahead of the curve on all the buzz.

Best known previously as the guitarist for Asheville, NC band Wednesday, Lenderman recently announced he’s stepping away from touring with that band, though intends to keep recording with them.

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The evening began with Lenderman’s drummer, Colin Miller, emerging from behind the skins and out of the shadows, to strap on a guitar and play an opening set with his own band (many of whom played double-duty). Some puzzling initial mixing (vocals, then the percussion sounded brickwalled) was thankfully figured out before the set got too far along.

Miller’s latest full-length is Losin’, released this April (via Mtn. Laurel Recording Co) and the set consisted of the album, played almost in running sequence. Lenderman trades roles with Miller on the album itself, playing drums and a bit of guitar on it, and the music is a similar alt-country rock with narrative lyrics and songs that are happy to take their time in developing.

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Lenderman and band (guitarist Jon Samuels, bassist Landon George, pianist Ethan Baechtold, drummer Colin Miller, and Xandy Chelmis on dobro) strode out to begin their 95-minute-set first tuning up, then got things started after he exclaimed, “Kay Cee, Moe!- what’s happening?” launching into 2023 first single for ANTI-, “Rudolph” (yeah, it references your favorite reindeer) and we were off from there.

As with previous appearances, Lenderman and The Wind mostly let their music do the talking, often extending and ending songs in jam-like fashion with guitar riffs continuing the vibe. There’s a certain feeling of freedom to the set (able to play slow alt country one minute, then squealing indie rock the next), with no printed setlists and the band instinctively following the flow of Lenderman’s lead.

An early set highlight was his cover (or re-recording) of “Dancing in the Club” by the prolific This Is Lorelei (aka Nate Amos) followed nonchalantly by the title track of the new record. The low-fi “Bark at the Moon” was fun with many in the audience howling along with the “awoooo”’s at the song’s end, and anyone that goes to any of the ten days of the annual MN State Fair can relate to his “I Ate Too Much at the Fair”.

When he muttered wondering about the NBA Finals score for the game going on, a few sports fans in the back were happy to provide a score update, then hit “She’s Leaving You” followed, without any additional fanfare.

“You Have Bought Yourself a Boat” from 2022’s album, Boat Songs (duh) had a bouncy lilt about it, and the set would end with an epic “Pianos”, which as Lenderman explained is one of 136 songs on a “Cardinals at the Window” benefit compilation to support needed aid for Hurricane Helene’s destruction.

The Western NC hurricane also forced a postponing of his initial first three dates last fall. The band extended its outro on the song, with members leaving slowly, one-by-one shedding their instruments, to leave only keyboardist Baechtold alone to finish with flourish.

The encore began with a retro twist as Lenderman and band struck up “Lotta Love”, a 1978 Neil Young song made more famous by Nicolette Larson’s version the following year, with the band’s version staying authentic, and sounding in-between the two original versions. “Hangover Game” from 2022’s Boat Songs doesn’t mention boats, but we’ll assume he was on one singing about Jordan Nike shoes, and the evening closing, “Knockin’ “worked in a little Dylan “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” to end things.

The rocketship ride continues onward and upward for MJ Lenderman and the Wind, blazing some musical fireworks as they continue to sell out shows, and book venues of increasing size. The KC metro was lucky to get two chances in just over three months- if your chance comes nearby, make the effort to go, before it long sells out.

(click on any image to enlarge and to see in full)

MJ LENDERMAN AND THE WIND

MJ LENDERMAN AND THE WIND

MJ LENDERMAN AND THE WIND

MJ LENDERMAN AND THE WIND

MJ LENDERMAN AND THE WIND

COLIN MILLER

COLIN MILLER

COLIN MILLER