A severe snowstorm may have been on the forecast last Saturday night, but inside The Anthem, Gregory Alan Isakov’s “Intimate Acoustic Evening” tour kept the warm DC music scene alive. Despite the DC Mayor declaring a state of emergency, Isakov’s famously dedicated fanbase braved the impending snowfront to fill the sold-out venue. The space was transformed into an ‘intimate’ seated theater with no barricade to accommodate the audience.
Isakov’s presence on stage was less of a spectacle, sticking to more of that intimate storytelling feeling. At The Anthem on Jan. 24, the stage design was very simple and earthy, featuring a few rugs, a stool, and several hanging globes of light, creating a cozy shelter from the cold outside. The sound mix was superb, truly capturing the resonance of the acoustic instruments. Even when there was an electric guitar featured through the set, it was soft and nowhere near overpowering. There were signs throughout the venue asking to please limit photos and videos. The audience was one of the most respectful I’ve seen, with practically zero phones in sight during the show. At times, the room was so silent you could hear the band’s fingers grace across their instruments.
Without an opening act, the focus remained squarely on the talent of Isakov and his ensemble. Steve Varney, a longtime collaborator of Isakov, was a marvel throughout the night, seamlessly switching between banjo, guitar, and banjo. His vocal harmonies with Isakov were a highlight on “Miles to Go.”
Watch Gregory Alan Isakov perform “Miles to Go” live for KEXP on YouTube:
Isakov frequently stopped between songs to have some quick soliloquy with the audience. At first, thanking everyone for making it, and joking about how everyone bought “36 gallons of milk before the show.” One of the most powerful stories of the night came mid-set when Isakov brought out his brother Ilan. The two performed a cover of Ilan’s song “Desdemone,” followed by the unreleased track “Good Grief.” Seeing the trio harmonize created an intimacy that of a small recording studio.
It’s not very often you see a crowd as dedicated as the one at The Anthem that night. While some fans near and far were forced to cancel due to the weather, those who made it created a communal hush that few artists can command. I talked to one fan who mentioned that Isakov’s joke about milk actually applied to them; their mother had gone out and bought 6 gallons of milk in preparation for the snow. Why milk was such a hot commodity beat me, but Isakov made the experience personal for this fan, and I have no doubt many others.
Seeing Isakov sell out The Anthem in the middle of a State of Emergency really felt powerful. The show went on, and the fans showed up; there were no songs cut, and the performance was not rushed. In fact, Isakov chose to perform slower and softer renditions of his notable songs “Big Black Car” and “Words.” Sometimes, the most powerful thing an artist can do is take a gamble on their fanbase; this time, the gamble absolutely paid off.
Setlist (Retrieved on site)
Ashes
Southern Star
Miles to Go
Big Black Car
Light Year
Amsterdam
Second Chances
Words
Desdemone (Ilan Isakov cover)
Master
San Luis
The Stable Song
Sweet Heat Lighting
Appaloosa Bones
Encore:
Before the Sun
Silver Bell
Here are pictures of Gregory Alan Isakov performing live at The Anthem on Jan. 24, 2026. All photos copyright and courtesy of Caden Forrester (@flicksby4ster).
