Concert Review: Judah & The Lion at Avondale Brewing Company

The band returns to The Magic City for the first time since 2019. The group's last show, also at Avondale Brewing Company, was called off due to severe weather, leading to an acoustic pop-up show across the street. This time around the duo had no need for a change of plans. 

Salt Lake City by-way-of Provo folk-rockers The National Parks took the stage ahead of Judah & The Lion to warm up the crowd. Fresh off of tour with Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, the quartet are well and truly in the swing of things. Their performance was a perfect pairing for Judah & The Lion's crowd, and they had no problem getting the crowd excited for the night ahead. Their warm string-driven sound and thumping kick drum was refreshing after a long day.

Touring in support of their latest album, Revival, the "Happy Again" tour saw the band back on the road in full swing, with stops all across the United States. The band encouraged fans to wear green, and included work with their charity, The High Five Squad, a color closely associated with the new album cycle. Green felt really appropriate for the show, the color feels like growth for the band. 

It almost feels odd to say Judah & The Lion have mellowed out. The band is still one of the most energetic acts performing today, and yet, they've toned it down. Frontman Judah Akers' stage presence is something of note, with his wild motions and antics painting a picture of happiness and maturity. The band is super lighthearted, but they will still hit you in the heart when needed. Creativity flowed throughout the night, and the vigor of performance never died down.

Judah & The Lion's blend of folk instrumentation and trap-inspired beats was in full swing all night. Banjo picking, high-hat hitting, pedal to the metal energy filled the airwaves. While now just a duo, Judah & The Lion were sure to bring along some talented touring musicians to help fill in their gaps. In sync and on beat, the band performed each song flawlessly. 

Nineteen songs played straight through, including a choreographed dance routine of "Snap Yo Fingers" by Lil Jon and an acoustic performance of their song "Why Did You Run?"

          1. Take a Walk

          2. Quarter-Life Crisis

          3. Over My Head

          4. scream!

          5. HAPPY LIFE

          6. Dance With Ya

          7. Kickin' da Leaves

          8. Since U Been Gone (Kelly Clarkson cover)

          9. Higher (Creed cover)

          10. Snap Yo Fingers (Lil Jon cover)

          11. Why Did You Run? (acoustic)

          12. Blue Eyes -> Beautiful Anyways

          13. Suit and Jacket

          14. Be Here Now

          15. Spirit

          16. Alright -> Going To Mars

          17. Take It All Back

          18. Revival

          19. Things Are Looking Up

Judah & The Lion are on the home stretch of their North American tour. A run through the southeast, up the east coast, and through the rust belt is capped off with a festival appearance in San Diego. Their remaining tour dates are below.

          10/05 Louisville, KY — Paristown Hall*

          10/07 Atlanta, GA — Coca-Cola Roxy*

          10/08 Raleigh, NC — The Ritz*

          10/09 Charlotte, NC — The Fillmore*

          10/11 New York, NY — Webster Hall*

          10/13 Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore*

          10/14 Boston, MA — House of Blues*

          10/15 Harrisburg, PA — XL Live*

          10/16 Philadelphia, PA — The Fillmore*

          10/18 Cleveland, OH — House of Blues*

          10/20 Indianapolis, IN — Egyptian Room*

          10/21 Chicago, IL — Riviera Theatre*

          10/22 Minneapolis, MN — First Avenue*

          11/19 San Diego, CA — Wonderfront Festival 2022

          * with The National Parks

Judah & The Lion are just plain fun live. The joy they bring on stage paired with the joy the crowd reciprocated was truly special. An uplifting night capped off with a bang, there really isn't more you could ask for from a live concert.