Singer-songwriter Noah Kahan performed at the Miller High Life Theatre for a sold-out stop on his “Stick Season” Tour this past Saturday night. Kahan’s show was initially scheduled for Riverside Theater before quickly selling out and rescheduling to the larger of the Pabst Theater Group’s venues.
Soundcheck Session
Kahan held an intimate “Soundcheck Session” before his hour-and-a-half headline set. Donning a Brewers jersey, the folk-pop singer did acoustic solo performances of “A Troubled Mind” and “Strawberry Wine” and held a Q&A.
“I’m lactose intolerant, but I will try cheese curds,” Kahan said, addressing the hard-hitting, Milwaukee-related questions. The fan specifically urged him to try Culver’s.
Before the event, he and his bandmates visited Kwik Trip for the first time. Kahan addressed his horrible acid reflux caused by the gas station chain’s infamous cheese-filled breadsticks. After his visit, he named Kwik Trip #2 on his top convenience store list.
While Kahan admitted that he is not a fan of his own music, he noted that his favorite track is “Young Blood,” as he plays it every night and still loves it. He gave Paul Simon, Sam Fender, Phoebe Bridgers and the other members of Boygenius shoutouts for being a few of his favorite artists and songs of the moment.
Born and raised in Strafford, Vermont, Kahan addresses his love for the state on the 2022 album “Stick Season.” The album cover features his dog Penny, who made a special appearance at the meet and greet. A curious audience member asked for advice on life in Vermont.
“It’s cold there,” Kahan said bluntly. “It’s cold as shit here, too.”
While Kahan may not be a fan of Wisconsin’s weather, Milwaukee holds a space in his heart. He performed his first-ever show at Turner Hall in 2017. Now, Miller High Life is the biggest venue he has ever played.
“Every show this tour, I have felt like I made it,” said Kahan.
Headline Set
After support from Jack Van Cleaf, Kahan took the stage with the upbeat, anthemic “False Confidence,” the opening track from his 2019 album “Busyhead.”
Referring to himself as “The Jewish Ed Sheeran” and “Folk Malone,” Kahan wore his hair in two braids and dressed in Carharrt bib overalls. He and his bandmates wowed concertgoers with impressive guitar, ukelele and banjo riffs throughout the evening.
A disco ball hung above the stage, creating a dreamlike ambiance with dynamic on-stage lighting for emotional moments like the performance of “Growing Sideways.” Before beginning the song, Kahan shared his thoughts on the importance of therapy.
“I think even the happiest person in the room should be in therapy, y’all,” he said.
Kahan shared his Turner Hall debut show experience with the sold-out crowd, claiming it did not go well. He was met with chuckles and cheers when he wished this one would be better.
“This show can suck too, so don’t cheer too much,” Kahan quick-wittedly snapped back.
It is safe to say that Kahan did *not* suck, as the room filled with dancing, tears and screams for the remainder of the night. Energy sweltered in anticipation for the star’s biggest hit, the title track, “Stick Season.”
“And I love Vermont, but it’s the season of the sticks,” sang Kahan, with a chorus of his “busyheads” fanbase chanting back. “And I saw your mom, she forgot that I existed/And it’s half my fault, but I just like to play the victim.”
Through candid conversations, Wisconsin love and impressive vocal styling, Kahan proved to be a deserving breakout artist. He expressed his love for the Badger State later on his Instagram story.
“I love u Milwaukee I love this state so much,” the singer shared on his Instagram story later that night.
