Madison fans gathered at The Sylvee on Wednesday, March 11, for an intimate and powerful evening with rising folk songwriter Jesse Welles, who brought his Under The Powerlines 2026 tour to the downtown venue. The show was part of a national run of dates highlighting Welles’ raw songwriting and politically charged folk music.

The night began with a stripped-down approach as Welles took the stage alone with an acoustic guitar, performing the first six songs solo. “Sometimes You Bomb Iran,” “The Great Caucasian God,” and “Join Ice” set a poignant and reflective tone early in the set, showcasing the kind of sharp storytelling and protest-leaning folk that has helped Welles build a rapidly growing audience online and on tour. His music often echoes the spirit of classic folk revival artists, using simple arrangements and pointed lyrics to tackle social and political themes.

After the acoustic opening stretch, the show expanded sonically as Welles was joined onstage by a full electric band, shifting the concert into a fuller, more dynamic performance. The added instrumentation brought new energy to the songs while still keeping the focus on Welles’ thoughtful lyrics and distinctive vocal delivery.

From the attentive crowd on the packed floor to fans watching from The Sylvee’s balcony, the Madison stop highlighted why Welles has become one of the most talked-about emerging voices in modern folk music.

Below, check out our photos from the show at The Sylvee.

Photos by Deanna Glatczak.