Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, flor

Tower Theatre, Oklahoma City, OK

July 15, 2023

Review and Gallery By: Ally Arens

Alternative scene veteran Andrew McMahon, previously of Jack’s Mannequin and Something Corporate fame, is currently out on the road in support of his latest album, March’s Tilt at the Wind No More. The Encore Nights had the pleasure of watching Andrew bring his infectious indie piano-driven pop tunes to Oklahoma City’s historic Tower Theatre on July 15, the second date of a brief summer tour.

First to take the stage was fellow alt-pop band flor, who warmed up the crowd nicely with their smooth, groovy riffs and catchy choruses. By the end of their set, the audience was dancing and clapping along, a practice that would only increase throughout the headliner’s set. While on stage, lead vocalist Zach Grace mentioned that they were excited to be out on the road with Andrew McMahon again, with the two having previously toured together in 2019. The two acts fit on a touring bill very nicely together, and I highly recommend showing up early to see them if you are planning to catch an upcoming show.

At around 9 P.M., it was time for the main event: Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. The set started in a very unique and unconventional, yet special way – instead of simply walking out on stage, Andrew actually came in from the back of the venue and started the set by singing “Nobody Tells You When You’re Young” while walking through the crowd and making his way to the stage. This extra bit of crowd interaction made the set that much more special than many other shows I have attended over the years, and the crowd was super into it!

 As someone who had heard his name but was not super familiar with any of Andrew’s music prior to this show, I was amazed at his showmanship and theatricality as he stood in front of his sticker-adorned grand piano and belted out hits from throughout his entire discography (yes, including some Jack’s Mannequin and Something Corporate tracks!). One heartfelt moment came around 30 minutes or so into the set, when Andrew was introducing the track “Lying on the Hood of Your Car” from his most recent release, as he talked about writing the track and reminisced about getting his driver’s license as a teen and the ensuing freedom that entailed. 

Andrew also expressed excitement about being on the road again, especially since it had been close to five years between the release of Tilt at the Wind No More and its predecessor. This excitement was shared by the audience as they danced and sang along all night long. If you are wanting to see a very positive, upbeat, energetic and heartfelt live show, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness may just be the group for you! 

Their current tour continues through the end of the month, concluding with a couple of appearances at Sad Summer Festival dates in California. Andrew will be back out on the road throughout the US in November and December; dates and tickets for all upcoming shows can be found on Andrew’s website.