Iron & Wine took the stage of The Bluestone in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday, to open the fourth leg of the Light Verse Tour that will weave through the Midwest and the East Coast through the summer.

The musical project of singer-songwriter Sam Beam, Iron and Wine emerged in the early 2000s with Beam’s introspective lyrics and strong melodies quickly drawing a dedicated following. It may in fact be the juxtaposition between power and self-examination that initially led Beam to the project’s name, Iron and Wine. Over the years, Beam’s project has released several acclaimed albums and EPs, including The Creek Drank The Cradle, Our Endless Numbered Days, The Shepherd’s Dog, and Years to Burn, a collaboration with Calexico. Last year’s long anticipated release, Light Verse, marks Iron and Wine’s seventh full-length album, and the first since 2017.

The Bluestone was a perfect choice for the tour opener. The historic venue, a renovated 120-year-old church with its towering central “Sanctuary” and wrap around balcony, provided a captivating backdrop for an evening that blended indie folk with the immersive shadow projections of Manual Cinema. The general admission show had the capacity crowd filling nearly every available nook in the intimate setting creating a close connection between the performers and the audience. The partnership fostered an atmosphere of mutual appreciation between artist and patron throughout the evening, with an occasional “We Love You” shouted from the audience between songs. I spoke briefly with several longtime fans and newcomers alike. Those having followed the band since its inception were entranced by the seamless blend of old favorites and new compositions and delighted by the mix of visuals complimenting the music. Those unfamiliar with the music, or those having heard it but not experiencing it live, were hooked.

Beam and his ensemble pulled the evening’s selections from across Iron and Wine’s vast catalog including fan favorites, “Flightless Bird, American Mouth,” “Call it Dreaming,” and “Anyone’s Game.” Throughout the band’s performance on stage, two other artists from the Emmy-winning outfit Manual Cinema provided haunting, yet captivating shadows behind the band via three projectors. Manual’s cinematic offering was an unlikely and special treat adding depth to the music and stories of the songs.

Joining Beam on stage were his regular band of very talented performers; Beth Goodfellow on drums and percussion, Rob Burger on Keyboards, Katie Ernst on bass, and Abby Swidler on Violin. Together, the musicians created incredibly full and orchestral renditions of Iron and Wine’s song selections, adding further to the visual tableau.

The evening began with an opening set by rising artist Jobi Riccio, whose short but lauded performance set a fabulous intimate tone for the night. Riccio surely added new fans with their performance of tracks from 2023’s album, Whiplash, a soulful mix of Americana and Traditional Country flair.

The Light Verse Tour continues through late July with several dates across the Midwest and Southeast. Upcoming performances include stops in Knoxville, TN; Wilmington, NC; and West Palm Beach, FL.  Each venue has been carefully selected to complement the band’s sound with the intricate visuals, promising attendees a memorable experience.

Iron & Wine’s performance at The Bluestone was a testament to Sam Beam’s enduring artistry and the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. The combination of an intimate venue, thoughtfully crafted setlist, and immersive visuals made for an unforgettable evening. Be sure to catch the band as the Light Verse Tour progresses for a concert experience that will surely resonate emotionally, sonically, and visually.