The Jayhawks

What an absolute delight to be able to see The Jayhawks at this venue! They continue to be a thriving, vibrant, and ever relevant group. I’ve been a fan since 1989, and certainly remain one today. And The Tractor Tavern and everyone working the room were welcoming, efficient, organized, and happy. 5 stars all around. Thank you!

The Jayhawks are Always deserving of a 5-star rating —even after their most sub-par performance, I’d give ‘em 5 stars. This band has just meant far too much to me over the years to give them Anything less. Hollywood Town Hall & Tomorrow the Green Grass are just SO good, for those two albums, Alone—I’d like to give this vital & most seminal of bands (though the Velvet Underground still has the edge over just about Everybody Else in that department), a 10 out of 5 stars rating. They certainly deserve better than what my 10 out of 5 stars will ever do for them—Hell, it's the least OR best I could ever possibly accomplish for such a band. They lost Marc Olson when Olsen formed the band, The Rolling Creek Dippers, with his wife Victoria Williams—The Shreveport, Louisiana native singer/songwriter who had previously and famously written and first recorded, among other great songs, “Crazy Mary,” which was later covered by a much younger, and youthfully energetic if just a little immature, Pearl Jam, who would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their own right and time in the coming years of the then near future of OUR Rock ‘n Roll past. Although Marc Olson left in the mid-’90s (and I thought that would be the End of the Jayhawks), guitarist Gary Louris picked up the lead singing/songwriting torch and ran with it, releasing albums from c. 1991 through the present day. They. Just. Don't. Quit. I just have to quickly say, that even their breakaway/split-off band—a stellar band with Jody Stephens (drummer for Big Star), and Dave Pirner (lead singer of Soul Asylum) on rhythm guitar & backing vocals) and Marc Olsen & Gary Louris from the Jayhawks on lead guitar/lead vocals, and head songwriting duties. The band was called Golden Smog, and my personal favorite song of theirs is called, “Until You Came Along,” from their first album, Weird Tales. You really ought to give that one a listen, OR you'll never know just what you've been missing. Okay, since I‘ve done my good deed for the day by spreading a little more of the “Sonic Gospel,” I'll shut up now….

The Jayhawks put up a great show. The location was not so great. Lots of hard surfaces, lots of distortion in sound unless you were in the back of the hall, near the sound man, then it was good. The warm up bands were a poor choice to proceed the Jayhawks. The Mascot theory is good at what they do if you like overly loud sound, music??, not to my ears. My heart was having a hard time keeping its normal heartbeat with the pounding it was taking. Both of the groups proceeding the Jayhawks were a bad fit for your average Jayhawk fan to listen to, i was only enduring them, waiting for the noise to stop.

The Jayhawks were wonderful - one great song after another. Beautiful harmonies with several members singing lead vocals on different songs. Sound was a bit muddy despite our close proximity to the stage is only complaint.

They never disappoint, would like them to go on for another hour, but that’s not realistic. Would like to hear Tim R. Sing another song or two as well as Karen G. Looking forward to seeing them at the Green River concert. PS Gary you got your self a looker, hang on to her.

Unfortunately a thunderstorm rolled through just as Martin Zellar and the Hardaways were supposed to take the stage. The venue had set up a big tent in anticipation of the rain. They did a great job in a short time. I'm sure a lot of fans didn't show up because of the rain. Those of that did were treated to a great (although shortened) set by MZ and a pretty awesome set by the Jayhawks. Having never seen them live I was pretty excited and not dispointed! The sound mix was not perfect (how could it be in a big canvas tent with rain pouring down?) but wasn't horrible. Fantastic concert!

Change of venue on last day due to rain. They had to perform in a tent on a small stage, but they played a great set anyway. Gary joked before the encore that they don’t have anywhere to go to and come back from, so he did the funny down the stairs walk and pretended to come back. Loved hearing his voice in person for the first time.

A disappointment was, of course, the absence of Tim O'Reagan. Because of this you missed the nuanced drumming and the subtle harmonies in the vocals with Gary Louris. Gary Louris's voice btw, is still fine. Unfortunately, only very few songs from their latest CDs were played. Furthermore, The Jayhawks brought their old, well-known hits across the stage at a smooth and routine pace and they filled the 1.5 hour show perfectly!

Took a bit to start. Golden smog acoustic set was good, enjoyed that. Took a bit before the Jayhawks took the stage. It was worth it. Sound was good, picture as well. Could hear everything great and the cameras were placed well so you could see everything. I would stream another Jayhawks show in the future. Played a lot of my favorites. Really enjoyed it. Ticket price was very reasonable. The end .

After way too many years, my dreams finally came true again! The Jayhawks did not disappoint! They sounded as fresh and wonderful as the first time I saw them back in the early days! ❤️❤️❤️

Absolutely phenomenal. I did NOT want the night to end. The Egyptian Theater is a small venue (seats about 250) so probably every seat was great. MY seat definitely was - I was in row A2 and SO close to the stage. Now I wish I had caught all three shows they played here this week.

The band was in fine form. Sound mix seemed kind of muddy and at times the vocals were overwhelmed by the instruments. I had no idea what a fantastic guitarist Gary Louris is. Great show overall.

The Jayhawks are one of the best in the business. Great interaction with the audience and a great mix of the new album and the hits from previous albums. If you ever get a chance to see them, make sure you go.

Great venue. The Jayhawks are absolute professionals with amazing harmonies and timeless songs. Loved the band. Would give the show 5 stars if it were not for the corny, smartass hack that opened for them and the sound man pushing the bass bins over top the vocals.

Perfection! I was so giddy hearing all my favorite songs and the small venue was amazing. Wesley Stace was a pleasure to see joining the band on so many songs. Please come back!!!!

First time seeing the Jayhawks and a DOUBLE ENCORE!! Talked to the rhythm guitarist outside after the show and he said it was the first time he could remember them playing two encores...Nuff said Great show!

Really played through their entire catalog of songs and mixed things up. Every time I see them (and it's been awhile), I'm reminded by how great a guitarist Gary Louris is; you get pieces of it listening to an album, but the live shows allow him to let loose and show off a bit!

The Horseshoe Tavern was hot and so were the Jayhawks. It had been too long since the Jayhawks have come to Toronto, nearly 5 1/2 years. Hope we don't have to wait so long for the next time. The new songs fit in nicely between their classics.

Awesome performance and a great set that found a perfect balance between old and new material. I've been a fan for over 20 years and first time I've seen them live 😀 Shout out to Ethan Johns and his band Black Eyed Dogs as well for a fantastic opening set.

wonderful show! although I saw comments on bad sound, from our seats the sound was good. The Jayhawks always put on a great show and Sat. night was no exception. Love this band!