On a picture-perfect Tuesday night, with a stunning sunset over the rolling hills of Central New York serving as the backdrop, Wilco delivered a masterful, two-set celebration of their massive catalog at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards. The mood during the first set was light and joyful, punctuated by friendly stage banter on a perfect late-spring evening. A major early highlight was “California Stars” from 1998’s Mermaid Avenue, which the band will perform in its entirety alongside Billy Bragg at the end of the month during the Solid Sound Festival in North Adams, MA.
The orchard grounds were perfectly divided: the back half offered a relaxed, picnic-style vibe filled with blankets and lawn chairs, while the front section from the soundboard to the stage was packed with fans standing and dancing. With pristine sound and infectious energy all night, the mix was spot-on, maintaining a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere throughout.
The Setlist
- Handshake Drugs
- If I Ever Was a Child
- Cruel Country
- Forget the Flowers
- Evicted
- Bird Without a Tail / Base of My Skull
- I’m Always in Love
- Everyone Hides
- Hummingbird
- It’s Just That Simple
- You and I
- Shouldn’t Be Ashamed
- Via Chicago
- California Stars
- Falling Apart (Right Now)
- Box Full of Letters
- Annihilation
- I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
- War on War
- Either Way
- Impossible
- Germany
- Jesus, Etc.
- Theologians
- Walken
- Kingpin
- Heavy Metal Drummer
- I’m the Man Who Loves You
- Spiders (Kidsmoke)
- The Late Greats
- I Got You (At the End of the Century)
- I Was There
As twilight faded into swirling pinks and a scarlet blanket beneath the stars, Wilco’s second half took a turn into more intense, brazen, and louder territory. Jeff Tweedy expertly curated tracks spanning their three-decade career, while Nels Cline put on a masterclass of blistering guitar solos and atmospheric sonic swells. He was backed flawlessly by the tight musicianship of John Stirrat, Pat Sansone, Mikael Jorgensen, and powerhouse drummer Glenn Kotche.
“An Evening with Wilco” tour continues its run across the Northeast, South, and Midwest before heading across the Atlantic to Europe. Tweedy has also announced a solo tour slate for October, and die-hard fans can look forward to a special 3-Night Getaway concert experience in Morocco in 2027.
Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards proved to be a spectacular host for the evening, and they have plenty more to offer this season. Be sure to check out the rest of their Summer Series lineup from DSP Shows and grab your tickets while you can check out their dates here.
How ’bout them apples?
