The Wailin’ Jennys recently played three nights at The Birchmere on their current 2026 tour, and Parklife DC was on hand for the second show on Sept. 3. The Jennys were in great form, sounding outstanding throughout the evening.
The Wailin’ Jennys currently consist of Nicky Mehta on vocals and guitar, Ruth Moody on vocals and guitar, and singer-songwriter Heather Masse. Cara Luft and Annabelle Chvostek were previously members of the group but moved on many years ago. At The Birchmere, the trio was joined by Ruth’s brother, Richard Moody, and guitarist Adam Dobres. Together, the full band displayed exceptional musicianship throughout the show.
I had expected there might be an opening act, but there wasn’t one. Given the quality of musicianship The Wailin’ Jennys bring to the stage, one hardly seemed necessary. The audience had clearly come to see the Jennys, and the band gave them a full evening of music.
They opened with an inspiring version of “Bird Song,” a performance that immediately highlighted the group’s remarkable voices and musicianship. Throughout the evening, the musicians moved among numerous instruments and played each exceptionally well.
Watch The Wailin’ Jennys perform “Bird Song” live for CBC Music on YouTube:
The concert was divided into two sets, with the band taking a roughly 20-minute intermission before returning for another outstanding round of songs.
The Jennys noted that they were playing three nights at The Birchmere on this tour and expressed their happiness at returning to a venue that has become a regular stop for them.
“Nice to be here in your humidity, in a second home to us,” the band joked, much to the delight of the audience.
The Wailin’ Jennys have built a loyal following at The Birchmere, where they regularly draw packed houses at a venue known for hosting some of the finest musicians around.
Near the end of the first set, Masse introduced “Cowboy” as an ode to the cowboy and spoke about her fascination with the cowboys of the American West.
“There was something about the galloping off into the sunset,” she said, drawing enthusiastic approval from the crowd.
The band also performed “Home,” a song slated for its new album. Written during the COVID-19 pandemic, the song was inspired in part by children running and playing on a beach while also capturing the longing to return home to New York. Richard Moody’s mandolin helped give the song a hypnotic groove, complemented by the gorgeous harmonies that remain the foundation of The Wailin’ Jennys’ sound.
The group also took time to highlight its support for Bread for the City, the Washington nonprofit that provides food, medical care, legal assistance, and other services to people in need. The band explained that a dear friend works with the organization and encouraged the audience to support its work.
For me, one of the evening’s highlights was the Jennys’ cover of Tom Petty’s “Wildflowers.” The familiar song proved an ideal showcase for the group’s harmonies. “Cherry” was another standout, with beautiful lyrics and melodies, while Ruth Moody’s “Glory Bound” was simply stunning.
Watch the official music video for Tom Petty’s “Wildflowers” by The Wailin’ Jennys on YouTube:
The evening consistently put the focus on beautifully written songs, intricate instrumentation, and the vocal harmonies that have long defined the group.
Mehta offered one of the night’s most heartfelt moments when she thanked The Birchmere audience for helping the band build a community in the DC area that has become deeply important to the Jennys. Her voice cracked with emotion as she addressed the crowd.
The band returned for two songs during the encore before calling it a night. With another Birchmere performance still ahead the following evening, the Jennys showed no signs of conserving their energy, instead leaving everything onstage.
If you’re a fan of folk, country, bluegrass, and Americana, The Wailin’ Jennys belong on your list of bands to see live. Their songwriting is superb, and few groups can match the beauty of their vocal harmonies.
Setlist
1. “Bird Song”
2. “Beautiful Dawn”
3. “Arlington”
4. “Loves Me”
5. “Cowboy”
6. “Begin”
7. “Home”
8. “Glory Bound”
9. “Wash My Eyes”
10. “BWOS”
11. “Swing Lo”
12. “Raffle”
13. “To Be Free”
14. “Cherry”
15. “Wildflowers”
Here are some photos of The Wailin’ Jennys performing live at The Birchmere on Sept. 3, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of James Todd Miller.
