The rainy forecast at Merriweather Post Pavilion didn’t stop Mt. Joy from recently putting on an amazing performance to continue their 2025 headlining tour, celebrating their newest album, Hope We Have Fun.
The name of the album certainly set the stage for the evening on June 13, as rain gradually picked up when doors opened at 7pm. Mt. Joy, with roots in nearby Philadelphia, wasted no time getting things started, with one of their more popular opening numbers, “Sheep.” “Orange Blood” followed; it’s one of the most well-known songs from their 2022 album of the same name.
The band showcased their bluesy-folk rock sound throughout the show, constantly changing the pace of the show — turning slow songs into energetic jams and vice versa. Other fan favorites like “Jenny Jenkins,” “Bug Eyes,” “Dirty Love,” “I’m Your Wreck,” and “Rearrange Us” followed.
Matt Quinn and Sam Cooper both play guitar for the band, with Quinn handling lead vocals. Jackie Miclau owns the right side of the stage with her collection of keyboards — providing an essential piece of the Mt. Joy sound. Michael Byrnes and Sotiris Eliopoulos held it down near the back of the stage, playing bass and drums respectively.
After “Rearrange Us” came the first two songs off their newest album, with “In the Middle” followed by “God Loves Weirdos.” True to the band’s sound (and their sometimes unorthodox song titles), the second is an instant Mt. Joy classic.
Watch the official lyric video for “God Loves Weirdos” by Mt. Joy on YouTube:
The band “got weird” with the ever-popular “Johnson Song” and “Younger Days.” My personal favorite from their newest album, “Coyote,” was next. The groove on that song is unmatched, and one of the best showcases of Mt. Joy’s unique sound.
Mt. Joy classics “Julia,” “Lemon Tree,” “Mt. Joy,” and “Strangers” were next — any fan is happy to walk away from a show with those in their back pocket. Jackie Miclau specifically shines on “Strangers,” driving the song with her instantly recognizable piano riff. “Mt. Joy” also included a “Dancing Queen” (ABBA) cover, a very welcome addition to the set.
Two other new songs, “Lucy” and “Pink Lady,” followed — the first being another one of my favorites off the new album, and “Pink Lady” accompanied with very appropriate lighting (you shouldn’t have to think too hard about that one).
Watch Mt. Joy perform “Lucy” live from Spice House Studios on YouTube:
The band covered Wheatus’s “Teenage Dirtbag,” letting fans of all ages scream about their angsty teen dreams of heading to the Iron Maiden concert (don’t say maybe!)
“Highway Queen” followed, another new song that the band will be playing for years to come. Perhaps the loudest cheer of the night came from Matt Quinn introducing the next song, “Bathroom Light.” The second set closed with “Silver Lining,” the perfect song to close that chapter of the concert.
The band, amidst the deafening roar of the crowd, returned to the stage for a two song encore. “Let Loose” was first, with a “Pony” by Ginuwine cover at the end. Mt. Joy’s ultimate closer followed, in “Astrovan.” Not many bands knock it out of the park with their first song, but “Astrovan” is Mt. Joy’s ticket to the hearts of indie-rockers across the country.
Despite the constant threat of rain (and intense humidity otherwise) Mt. Joy delivered an extremely solid night of music for all in attendance – proving once again that their sound can fill amphitheaters designed for the biggest musical acts around. My recommendation? Get out and see this band next time they’re around!
Here are some photos of Mt. Joy performing live at Merriweather Post Pavilion on June 13, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Luke Waldner.
