Aoife O’Donovan brought her solo acoustic tour to The Birchmere on Oct. 12, delivering a mesmerizing evening of folk music, exceptional guitar playing, and warm exchanges with an appreciative audience. Joined by Washington, DC duo The Sweater Set, O’Donovan demonstrated why she remains one of the most compelling performers in contemporary folk and bluegrass.
The evening began with a stellar opening set from The Sweater Set, a duo I had wanted to see for several years. They did not disappoint. The group has developed a strong following in the DC area, while their touring schedule has taken them around the world alongside O’Donovan and other prominent artists. Their appearance later in O’Donovan’s set would provide some of the evening’s finest musical moments.
O’Donovan opened with the dreamy “Ryland (Under the Apple Tree),” a lovely song both lyrically and musically. It had been some time since I last saw her perform, but this intimate solo setting seemed particularly well suited to her talents. Without the accompaniment of her regular bandmates, her remarkable voice and acoustic guitar work took center stage.
Her guitar playing was exceptional throughout the evening. Although she occasionally stretched out the instrumental passages, her skill suggested that even longer arrangements could have been rewarding. Her command of the instrument was matched by the clarity and expressiveness of her vocals.
O’Donovan is also a member of the Grammy-winning folk supergroup I’m With Her, alongside Sarah Jarosz and Sara Watkins. Her performance of “Wild and Clear and Blue,” the title track from the trio’s second album, was among the highlights of the night. Although Jarosz and Watkins were absent, O’Donovan carried the song beautifully on her own, demonstrating her ability to bring a distinctive interpretation to the group’s material.
Watch the official music video for “Wild and Clear and Blue” by I’m With Her on YouTube:
Another memorable selection was her rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City,” which translated remarkably well to the intimate surroundings of The Birchmere.
Beyond her musical abilities, O’Donovan proved to be a charming and engaging storyteller. Before the performance even began, she casually walked through the venue, waving and smiling at audience members. That relaxed, welcoming manner continued throughout the show as she frequently shared stories and exchanged comments with the crowd.
She explained that fans had helped choose the evening’s setlist, although she assured the audience that she would still entertain a couple of requests. She also spoke enthusiastically about the library tote bags available at the merchandise table.
One particularly touching moment came when she welcomed a request from a couple who had used an I’m With Her song featuring Sara Watkins on lead vocals at their wedding. O’Donovan appeared genuinely delighted by the connection between her music and the couple’s special occasion.
Among the evening’s strongest performances were “Phoenix” and “B61,” for which O’Donovan invited The Sweater Set back onstage. The duo’s backing vocals blended beautifully with O’Donovan’s, creating rich harmonies that resonated throughout the room.
“B61” was especially impressive, showcasing the vocal abilities of all three performers. The arrangements also revealed a distinct Joni Mitchell influence, particularly in their intricate melodies and expressive harmonies. These qualities helped define the intimate, personal character of O’Donovan’s performance.
Watch Aoife O’Donovan perform “B61” live with The Westerlies on YouTube:
The audience responded enthusiastically throughout the evening, with frequent laughter and numerous standing ovations underscoring the connection between performer and fans.
O’Donovan returned for an encore featuring a cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Coyote,” bringing the evening to a satisfying conclusion and delighting The Birchmere audience.
A Grammy Award winner and member of one of contemporary folk music’s finest ensembles, O’Donovan has established herself as an extraordinary musician. Yet this performance suggested that she may be at her best alone onstage, armed with an acoustic guitar, an exceptional voice, and a willingness to speak openly with her audience.
With an upcoming appearance at Carnegie Hall in New York City and additional US tour dates ahead, O’Donovan continues to demonstrate the appeal of her solo performances. For fans of bluegrass, folk, and country music, her live show is well worth experiencing.
Setlist
1. “Ryland (Under the Apple Tree)”
2. “The King of All Birds”
3. “Glowing Heart”
4. “Wild and Clear and Blue” (I’m With Her song)
5. “Lakes of Pontchartrain” (traditional cover)
6. “Atlantic City” (Bruce Springsteen cover)
7. “Ain’t That Fine” (I’m With Her song)
8. “Prodigal Daughter”
9. “Phoenix”
10. “B61”
11. “Hornets”
12. “Here and Heaven”
13. “Beekeeper”
14. “Crisis”
15. “Red & White & Blue & Gold”
16. “Oh, Mama”
17. “Coyote” (Joni Mitchell cover)
Here are some photos of Aoife O’Donovan performing live at The Birchmere on Oct. 12, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of James Todd Miller.
Here are some photos of The Sweater Set performing live at The Birchmere on Oct. 12, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of James Todd Miller.
