Solid Sound Fest 2026
Gathered around the fire once again
Take a look at this picture. What do you see?
Without context, you could assume that all of these people are watching something go up in flames. Maybe a structure is wildly on fire. Or maybe it’s a purposeful bonfire.
It is neither, though, but rather an optical illusion formed by the combination of stage lighting, a smoke machine, a phone camera trying to take a picture from quite a ways back, and the shaky hand of the one taking the picture (that person may or may not have been me).
There’s also some weird squiggly green lines in the middle of the photo, as well as something that vaguely looks like a fiery twisty straw that darts out of a drink in someone’s hand off to the right. More floating glowy stuff lingers off to the left too.
It’s not the best picture I’ve ever taken, no. There are no defined faces and you have a bunch of blurry silhouettes seemingly looking at this bright glowing flamelike blob. It’s slightly disorienting and bizarre. It’s an accidental throwaway shot at best. I’m surprised I didn’t delete it immediately.
But there’s a campfire energy here that makes me like the photo. Campfires and bonfires have been gathered around by humans for eons now. They can be ritualistic, they can be ceremonial, they can bring friends together. They can be a source of warmth. They can be the fuel for cooking meals. Or they can just be there for us to stare at in wonder.
If you’ve never seen the documentary about Joe Strummer’s life called, The Future is Unwritten you should see it for one, but also there’s talk about how much Joe loved campfires, and in fact so much of the reminiscing during the film takes place around a campfire. Songs are sung, words are spoken, life is affirmed. There are metaphorical reasons why we are drawn to fires and there are literal reasons we are too. Communities of human are drawn to and forged around the fire.
Solid Sound Fest in North Adams, MA on the campus of the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA) is like one big warm gathering around the prettiest and fullest campfire you’ve ever seen. The fact that the stage looks like it is the source of that flame is so fitting because the musicians of Wilco and the other bands who played over the three day fest are the ones who created that near magical glow, that comforting warmth, that flickering, hypnotic blaze. And we, the believers, the community, the acolytes gathered to witness and to be part of the ceremony meant to reaffirm our belief in each other, in art, and in a better world.
Alright, so I know the hyperbole is going off the rails right now, but I’m riding the high of those all too quickly concluded three days. Right now I’m exhausted, more than a little melancholy, and missing being in Joe’s Field with my friends. But above all, I’m grateful. And I guess if we want to keep running with the flame metaphor, even though we are all back home again, maybe we still carry little torches from that mother bonfire with us. Maybe the trick is to keep them alive.
In an effort to keep the fire burning, here are ten of my favorite moments, in no particular order, from this year’s Solid Sound Festival:
Gang of Four - I knew what to expect, but I didn’t know what to expect. Does that make sense? I know a lot of this band’s songs, but also it’s hard to know what type of show you’re going to get from an “older” band. Can they bring the energy still? Can they feel relevant and lively? The answer? Yes, and then some! If there was a roof over Joe’s Field it would have been blown right off by Gang of Four. Ted Leo also plays with them these days, which can’t hurt in terms of energy. My highlight of the show was seeing the song, “Damaged Goods” played live, but also the unexpected highlight was the rhythmic smashing of a microwave through the course of a song whose title escapes me. Punk rock performance art at its finest! Oh and a gleeful Jeff Tweedy joined the band for two songs too. I’m guessing he was in punk rock heaven like we all were!
Mikael Jorgenson and Bob James - For several years now (thousands, Jorgenson joked at the talk/clip screening for the upcoming film) Wilco’s keyboard/synth player, Mikael Jorgenson has been working on a documentary about legendary jazz synth/keys player Bob James, whose most recognizable work is probably the theme from the tv show Taxi (which Mike and Bob played together to open Wilco’s night two set), but was known and revered in the ‘70s/’80s world of fusion jazz/avant garde influenced smooth jazz, as well as for being the second most sampled artist in history. They held a mini-screening of sorts of the unfinished project and Mikael and Bob not only had a delightfully warm and funny talk together and an audience Q&A session, but also, they were joined by Nels Cline for a fully improvised piece of music, that I was positively engrossed by. As a former jazz musician, I loved hearing Bob submit his unprompted “report” about their performance. There’s nothing quite like making something completely new and in the moment with other musicians and it was cool to hear a seasoned veteran speak in awe after all of these years about that process. Bonus? Got to shake his hand and thank him afterwards.
Sharp Pins - Rising young stars from Chicago, Sharp Pins put on an amazing show in Courtyard C of the Mass MoCA campus with their mix of Big Star power pop hooks and Guided by Voices melody-driven indie rock. I don’t have much more to say about it than I was hoping it would be good because I like their records, and they exceeded my expectations. Go see this band! Go buy their albums!
Sitting with friends at the bar overlooking Courtyard C while Autumn Defense played in the rain - There’s a 1972 song by Albert Hammond called, “It Never Rains in Southern California”, but hearing the ‘70s Southern California soft rock influenced vibes of Autumn Defense while it poured rain was pretty magical. Sure it helped to be somewhat covered, and sure it helped to be hanging out with friends, and okay it was delightful to be drinking a pickle juice & gin concoction too, but the music was at the center of it all. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that half and maybe even more than half the fun of Solid is hanging with your fellow Wilco friends. The Autumn Defense, the melodically and harmonically stunning project fronted by Wilco’s John Stirratt and Pat Sansone played on the final day and I was hoping to see them, but I was pretty tired by then and I’ve seen them several times, so just having them as a background soundtrack for communing with friends was not only good enough, but somehow perfect.
Wilco - Wilco technically played two sets, but night one was something entirely different and special, which yes, I will definitely get to. But for their Saturday night set, it was mostly just the band doing what they do—playing live music with the artistry, talent, energy, and heart better than any other rock and roll band currently inhabiting the planet. But it was also very special for the inclusion of two new songs (both incredible, but the second feeling a little more ready to slide right into a Wilco set with ease), special guests (Elizabeth Moen, Natalie Merchant [!!], and former Wilco keyboardist Leroy Bach [!!!]), and a high energy setlist that favored some of Wilco’s great extended rockers. It was a Nels Cline-heavy type of set complete with “Impossible Germany”, naturally, and other Nels showcase songs. Jeff even acknowledged this at one point telling him that he can sit down for a while. More Nels is always a thrill though. In my opinion, he’s one of the greatest guitarists around right now. And let’s not forget about a new extended blistering arrangement of “Kingpin”. And OF COURSE, let’s not forget that they closed with one of my personal favorites, “Spiders (Kidsmoke)”. One could forgive a band for phoning it in for the “home crowd”, but Wilco bring the opposite to their fans at Solid—memorable, stunning performances EVERY SINGLE TIME.
Natalie Merchant Pop-Up - Yeah I’m burying the lede a little bit here, I know. First there was speculation that she’d be coming because of her songs on Mermaid Avenue. Then there were rumors that she actually was spotted. And then those rumors were confirmed. On day two of the fest after we saw her with our own eyes on night one, she played a pop-up in a tiny, not-well-ventilated, over-crowded performance space in one of the buildings at Mass MoCA. It was hot. And that’s an understatement. She started with some call and response folk song type material which was delightful. And then apparently someone passed out so there was an extended break for emergency personnel to attend to the individual, who seemed to be okay luckily. But the heat was definitely an issue on this day. She came back and finished the song she was in the middle of and finished with a thrilling sing-a-long version of her iconic song, “Wonder”. This ‘90s kid may have gotten a little emotional.
Mini-Mekons - I’ve seen the Waco Brothers multiple times. I’ve seen Jon Langford live multiple times. I’ve even seen the full version of the Mekons multiple times. But regardless, if the word Mekons is involved or if Jon Langford is involved, I’ll be there. And put Jon with his bandmate Sally Timms and it’s most certainly a can’t miss event. Punk rock meets country meets left wing troublemaking meets honky tonk troublemaking and maybe you understand Mekons. Was there kazoo involved? Of course there was! Were there jokes and smiles and dancing involved? Of course there was!
World record for most synchronous yo-yoing - I don’t know whose idea this was, but there’s always some fun kitchy elements to Solid Sound every time around. Maybe it’s Susie Tweedy’s (Jeff’s wife/former owner of the legendary club Lounge Ax/force of nature) influence? She does have an Instagram page called “stuff in our house” which highlights her thrifting finds, Pez dispenser collection, and massive array of kitchy items she’s come across over the years. So I wouldn’t be surprised. But whatever the impetus, the Ben & Jerry’s/Duncan Yo-Yo sponsored event was a lot of fun. Five thousand yo-yos were handed out and prior to the official record breaking event, there was a yo-yo performance by someone who clearly does this for a living. It’s too hard to explain. You kind of had to be there for that part. But the official record rule was that everyone had to yo-yo together for two minutes. And so we did. Two of those who were up on stage yo-yoing? Jeff Tweedy and Kim Deal. So bizarre, but also so great, and as I said in a personal social media post, not exactly on my Solid Sound bingo card, but wonderful. Yours truly is officially a world record holder!
The Breeders - Let’s chat about the aforementioned Kim Deal, shall we. There she was with her sister Kelly like in the old days and they tore through a raucous set and seemed to be having as much fun or possibly more fun than they ever have had as a band. Kim is still in great voice and the band has a fierce energy. This is no nostalgia act. This is bonafide rock and roll, friends! And hearing “Cannonball” live? Again, this ‘90s kid was getting a bit emotional.
The Tweedy Band - Danielle and I saw the Minneapolis leg of this tour and it was fantastic. I have little doubt that Jeff Tweedy stays fresh and relevant in part because of his willingness and desire to surround himself with younger musicians. And these aren’t just any younger musicians. Two members are his children and the remaining three are long time family friends who Jeff watched grow up. The band is not only tight and professional, they are joyous and supremely talented. It’s a can’t miss act. And one of the highlights is that they always do one cover that is usually inspired by the town or region they are playing in, that they never play again. I went into it thinking they would do, “Roadrunner” by The Modern Lovers, given the Massachusetts references, but instead they went with Donna Summer (born in Boston) and her 1979 hit, “Hot Stuff”, which Jeff dedicated to Susie (who no doubt rolled her eyes, but I’m sure was also happy about!) Phenomenal. Simply phenomenal.
Okay, so Mermaid Avenue, Friday’s theme, deserves its own space, so here it is. For context, here’s a quick summary of how these two volumes of Wilco/Billy Bragg/Woody Guthrie works came to be:
Woody Guthrie left behind many lyrics that had never been put to music. They were kept in a box by his wife, who initially intended on giving them to Bob Dylan to put to music. The story Dylan gives is that he went to the home, but only a young Arlo and his babysitter were home, and neither knew the whereabouts of said box, so Dylan left empty handed and didn’t follow up.
Fast forward a couple of decades and Woody’s daughter Nora was the keeper of the box which she put in the hands of legendary UK folk singer, troubadour, troublemaker, Billy Bragg, who reached out to Wilco to see if they would collaborate with him.
Apparently at first Jeff was a little nervous to commit because they were still trying to shed a bit of their “Americana” image and move further into uncharted, experimental territories. Jay Bennett was hugely in favor of the project, though, and eventually Jeff relented and what resulted was a masterpiece collection of songs, many of which are still staples of Wilco’s live sets. It also resulted in Wilco’s first Grammy. A second volume would follow that was also critically acclaimed and revered by fans.
So on night one of Solid Sound, there on stage was Wilco and there on stage was Billy Bragg. It was the first time these songs were ever played in a live setting fully dedicated to just this particular project, by both of the primary groups/musicians, including Natalie Merchant who sang on the beautiful, “Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key” and “Birds and Ships”. All of this was performed in front of a stunning backdrop that enlarged some of Woody’s handwritten lyrics. The set was incredible and it just kept getting better.
For “Hoodoo Voodoo”, a Wilco fan favorite, not only did Natalie Merchant run back on stage for some great interpretive dancing, but joining the band on cowbell was none other than Nora Guthrie!
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, special guests were called to the stage for two sing-a-longs. Those special guests, along with Natalie and Nora, were a large contingent of Woody Guthrie’s grand and great-grandchildren, who sung along with “California Stars” and the fitting closer of “This Land is Your Land”.
I really haven’t fully processed it all. It very well may be the greatest live music experience I’ve ever witnessed. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve talked to who said the same, who admitted to many tears, who felt the historical significance of those generations of Guthrie’s on stage, especially in light of being so close to not only the Fourth of July, but the 250th birthday of our country.
Many have said, and there’s a decent argument to be made, that “This Land is Your Land” should be our national anthem. I’m not here to make that argument one way or another, but this song means so much to so many people and speaks to the democratic ideas this nation was founded upon. Woody Guthrie was the man with “This machine kills fascists” on his guitar. And here we are in a time where fascism is rearing its ugly head once more. There was a renewed power to hearing this song, especially in light of all of the above. And to hear Nora Guthrie speak of her pride for the moment and to hear her urge us all to action was simply incredible and beyond moving. I thought of my elementary school music teacher, the late Terry Ruehmer, as well, who taught me and kids all over the area I grew up in over multiple generations, to know and appreciate the song. There were and continue to be many layers of emotion related to this set. I may never be able to fully express my joy and appreciation for being a witness to this incredible moment.
I’m okay with not being able to fully express those thoughts and emotions because some things are just bigger than us as individuals. So let’s bring it back to the campfire. It’s so unlikely that any of us are here. You think of all of the things our ancestors endured—the challenges they endured, the things they survived, the decisions or lack of decisions that they made. All of these things, plus a fair amount of luck led a new generation to be born. And then another. And another. And on and on until it got to you.
And some of us fell in love with something called rock and roll, which all things considered, is still just a baby. One of those who fell in love with rock and roll was Jeff Tweedy who formed a band called Wilco. And thousands who love rock and roll fell in love with Wilco and followed them one summer to North Adams, MA where we watched the descendants of one of the most revered figures in popular music history, join together with the band and all of us unlikely descendants of ancient humans around a metaphorical campfire—giver of warmth, provider of sustenance, symbol of mystery, symbol of hope and wonder—we sung together an old folk song which at its root affirms our right to be here and to be a part of this thing we call a nation.
And it is a nation that is imperfect and a nation whose promises haven’t fully been realized and a nation whose history is marked with tragedy and triumph—complicated at times, wonderful at times. Woody Guthrie saw a lot of America during his time and he met a lot of people and told a lot of stories and spoke for those without power or agency. The flame that he left behind isn’t just a smoldering ember, it is an inferno kept alive by everyone who believes in the power of song, the plight of the underdog, and the hope of a better world. The flame burns for those who hate fascists, speak truth to power, and won’t go away quietly.
And to bear witness to the campfire lit by Wilco and its larger community, as well as the flames of joyful rage and unbridled love fanned by Woody Guthrie and those of his disposition, somehow I see it all in that weird picture. But more importantly, I feel it in my heart and soul. We hold the fire for one another. We gather around it for one another. We give it to others as a gift of our shared humanity. We give it from the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream Waters. We give it in the land that was made for you and me.
Thank you, Woody. Thank you, Nora. Thank you, Billy. Thank you, Wilco. Thank you to the many artists, crew members, and volunteers that make this fest possible. Thank you to my many Wilco brothers and sisters. Solid Sound 2026 was truly magical.
I’ll see ya ‘round the campfire!
Beautiful writing, Andy. You know I've spent a large chunk of my life researching Woody, and yet your words still left me weepy. Bummed I didn't get to see you or Danielle. Next campfire!
Also? I'm pretty sure I've stayed in the house in the last photo.
Nice job capturing in words this most special of weekends. A good part of me is still in N. Adams.