Photos and review by Jennie Book
@jenniebookphotography

Jonah Marais took the stage at The Chapel in San Francisco on August 27^th, 2024 after being warmed up by openers Sergio Calderon and Ashley Mehta, and the intimate crowd was ready to sing along with him to every song. Fans call themselves “Limelights,” which I think stems back to Jonah’s Why Don’t We band days, back when he was on the road with four other bandmates playing an intense schedule to crowds around the world. Things are a little more settled now, but his fanbase is strong and devoted, and saw him through a great set filled with songs like “REDLIGHT,” Why Don’t We track “8 Letters,” and a cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.”

In between songs Marais talked a little about mental health, saying a year ago he didn’t know if he’d ever get back on a stage to perform and how he was happy to be there, and also about how he and his two bandmates grew up together as kids in Minnesota, hanging out backstage of the band their dads were in together. They looked like they were having fun and like they really wanted to be there, which made for a really enjoyable show.

Jonah Marias and band are on the road through September 26^th when they’ll end this Young & Optimistic Tour in Minneapolis. For all the latest news check out @jonahmarais.