Day two saw performances by MJ Lenderman, Waxahatchee, and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit as they closed out a hugely successful ShoalsFest.
After a stellar day one, quite a few of the ShoalsFest attendees (and a few musicians) took the opportunity to make a quick excursion to the Rocker Gallery in Sheffield on Sunday morning to hear Danny Clinch talk about his storied career (and check out his work). Josh Weichman (Jason Isbell’s photographer) was also exhibiting his work in the gallery, which definitely drew in additional fans looking to get their hands on some of his pictures of their favorite artist.
People made their way to McFarland Park noticeably earlier than on day one, and by 3 PM, there was a huge queue waiting in the sweltering early afternoon heat to get onto the festival site. Most were a looking a little more tanned, and a few were looking like they were still feeling a little tender from indulging in one or two too many the day before. Everyone, however, was excitedly talking about day one and what they were looking forward to for the day ahead. There was a cheer as the gates opened and people made a beeline to their preferred spots.
First up on day two was MJ Lenderman, and from the discussions we had with others in the audience, it was clear that this was a set that much of the audience was eagerly anticipating. The North Carolina native and his band, The Wind, took to the stage and launched into “Rudolph,” followed by “Evil Spawn” and “Ice Cold.” He did make a point to pause early in the set to say how delighted he was to be playing at ShoalsFest and assured everyone, “This is going to be a great day.” That statement was lent further credence when he immediately played “Wristwatch,” which was a highlight of the set.
This was definitely a set that lent a little bit more of an (indie) rock edge to the festival. Lenderman’s contemplative lyrics, delivered in his laid-back style and layered over the fantastic platform provided by The Wind, led to a set that really got everyone amped up. As usual with a Lenderman set, there was a great cover in the form of Greg Sage’s “Sacrifice (For Love),” as well as a new song, “Pick up the Pieces.” As the set rolled on, something everyone hoped would happen did happen when Waxahatchee (Katie) joined the boys on stage to lend her vocals to the fantastic “She’s Leaving You.” As the set closed with “Knockin’,” any cobwebs from over-indulging on day one had been well and truly blown away, and the audience was up and ready for the rest of the day!
As dusk began to creep over McFarland Park, it was time for Waxahatchee to take to the stage to deliver a masterclass in modern Americana. From the haunting opener “3 Sisters” to the cathartic closer “Fire,” Crutchfield’s vocals were spectacular. Her tight, dynamic band proved just what she needed to allow those vocals to soar. The group moved as one through songs like “Ice Cold” and “Crowbar,” with an effortlessness borne from many hours on the road together.
MJ Lenderman joined for three standout tracks – “Right Back to It,” “Burns Out at Midnight,” and “Where’s Your Love Now” (a This Is Lorelei cover). There’s a great chemistry between the pair, which you’d expect given the extensive time they’ve spent together in the studio. Lenderman’s guitar and vocals really added some additional texture to the mix. Crutchfield also took a pause to dedicate “Lilacs” to Jason Isbell, mentioning how important his music was to her and thanking him for inviting her to play at the festival.
Waxahatchee’s set was immaculately paced, weaving older favorites like “Can’t Do Much” and “The Wolves” with newer material, including the up-tempo “Tigers Blood” and the reflective “Much Ado About Nothing.” She also included the great “Problem With It,” which is a song that you could argue was a cover (though the song was originally released by Plains – the duo consisting of her and Jess Willamson). Every song was met with rapturous applause, and the quieter moments (“Mud,” “Where’s Your Love Now”) had every member of the audience standing in silent appreciation, just taking it in.
As soon as Jason and the 400 Unit took to the stage, it was clear this was going to be a special night. Jason always looks like he’s happy to be up on the stage, but tonight he was literally beaming from ear to ear as he walked out onto the stage. He immediately told the audience that this had, in his opinion, been a perfect ShoalsFest: “perfect acts, perfect weather, and perfect audience.”
The excitement and adrenaline emanating from Jason clearly impacted the rest of the 400 Unit, who played like a band possessed, elevating every song. We’ve written many times before at Loud Hailer about just how tight-knit this band is, and it was on full display again tonight, whether they were launching into the raucous “Super 8” or drawing out the emotion in “Alabama Pines” and “If We Were Vampires.”
Each member of the band brings a piece of their own personality to the table. Indeed, one of the really enjoyable things about seeing Jason live recently is hearing how the band has worked up songs from Foxes in the Snow, such as the opening track “Crimson and Clay” (which Jason has written, recorded, and performed solo) into full-band performances. It’s a fantastic insight into how the band take Jason’s source/solo material (him and a guitar), and turn it into a 400 Unit song.
Throughout the night, that beaming smile rarely faded from Jason’s face as he bounced around the stage. He paused between songs to thank the crowd and share a couple of additional times how 2025 was his favorite ShoalsFest, a sentiment that was repeatedly met with thunderous approval. One of the biggest cheers, however, was reserved for Drive-By Truckers’ track, “Decoration Day,” for which Jason was accompanied by Patterson Hood. The moment felt like a true celebration of shared history and camaraderie, and the fact that it was taking place on a stage in Alabama made it even more poignant.
“Children of Children” and “King of Oklahoma” closed out the set, and as the last notes rang out, we think it’s fair to say that, for most people in the audience, this felt like it had been more than just a festival; it was a family reunion, a musical celebration, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Muscle Shoals community.
Whether you’ve attended every ShoalsFest or this was your first time, whether you’re an Alabama native or took a long trip to get there, this is a festival where, if you love good music and good people, we guarantee you will feel right at home. We’ve said when writing about previous ShoalsFests that huge credit must go to Jason and his whole team for putting on an event that shines a light on this beautiful and storied part of the United States. Producing a great music festival is a huge undertaking that is fraught with risk and Jason and team absolutely nailed it again this year.
We truly can’t wait to see what they have in store for the next one!
WORDS BY: Phil WaltonPHOTOS BY: Kirstine Walton
