The Lumineers kicked off the first of their two-night stand at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater on August 13th, greeted by a sold-out crowd that welcomed them with open arms. From the first note, the band transformed Bend’s riverside venue into a communal gathering, blending sing-alongs, tributes and raw emotion into a night that felt as personal as it was powerful.
British singer-songwriter Tom Odell opened the show promptly at 6:30 p.m., easing into his set as fans trickled into the Amphitheater. By the time Another Love rang out, the GA and pit area were packed and buzzing, and Odell’s vocals drew the crowd closer with a quiet intensity. His performance struck a balance between vulnerability and sweet passion, setting the perfect atmosphere for The Lumineers’ headlining set.
When The Lumineers took the stage, the amphitheater erupted in cheers, evidence that the crowd had been waiting weeks, if not months, for them to arrive in this picturesque town. They opened with Same Old Song, the lead single and most popular track from their most recent album, followed by a change in pace to Flowers in Your Hair, one of their renowned songs from 2012. Wesley Schultz made his way to the catwalk for Angela, and those in the pit were in awe of having the chance to be so close. Schultz took a couple of minutes to thank the fans for sticking with the band for over a decade, and dedicated You’re All I Got to the band’s enduring bond through everything.
The band’s two co-founders Jeremiah Fraites (left) and Wesley Schultz
The Lumineers with Pilot Butte in the background
It didn’t take more than ten minutes for Stelth Ulvang, longtime bandmate, dazzling keyboardist, and arguably the band’s secret star, to turn the stage into a whirlwind of chaos and charm. Fans familiar with past Lumineers shows would recognize his signature antics: hammering the keys with his feet, standing on the piano, and clapping overhead as the crowd cheered and bounced along. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Fraites, the band’s co-founder and drummer, kept his easy grin all night, dressed in his iconic white t-shirt and black suspenders.
Schultz raised a toast: “You should be suspicious of those who present themselves as perfect because those are the people who are often hiding the darkest secrets in their heart,” and proceeded to sing Asshole. It resonated with a large portion of the audience, who sang along to every lyric once the band began to play.
Ho Hey came perfectly timed with a stunning sunset, and Schultz joked that though many couples had chosen it as their first dance song, it’s actually about a breakup. The audience shouted every “ho” and “hey” as if reclaiming it for themselves.
Ulvang kept the crowd laughing all night, his unpredictability becoming part of the show. He darted through the audience, climbed multiple instruments (and even the cocktail bar), and at one point grabbed a fan’s phone to film his own POV from the stage. That’s the kind of video fans will treasure forever.
They brought Tom Odell back out midway through the set for a moody and mesmerizing performance of Salt and the Sea. While I love every Lumineers song, Big Parade has always held a special place in my heart, and this time they made it unforgettable. Each band member took a verse, turning the song into a joyful showcase of their collective talent. It was one of the most fun and beautiful ways I’ve seen a band highlight every member of the family they’ve built.
The night also offered two additional sweet and unexpected moments. First, Leader of the Landslide seamlessly transitioned into The Rolling Stones’ You Can’t Always Get What You Want, a pairing that sent waves of excitement through the amphitheater as thousands of voices joined together on the chorus. Immediately after, Schultz delivered a moving cover of Billy Joel’s New York State of Mind as a tribute to his late brother, which was an emotional moment that grounded the night. Cleopatra and Stubborn Love wrapped up the night with fans swaying, belting lyrics, and itching for more.
Good thing for Bend fans, the band would be there the next night as well. This venue continues to impress me with 360 degree views of mountains, trees and river, especially when a band with such idyllic, powerful, sappy (in all the best ways) influence comes to town.
(Photos by Ellie Auerbach)
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