Photos | Review: Jack Johnson At The Jones Beach Theater, Long Island

Who: Jack Johnson’s Meet The Moonlight Tour

Where: Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, New York

When: June 22, 2022

Despite the unpleasant conditions and consistent rain, the Jones Beach Theater was packed. Walking into the amphitheater, I saw a sea of blue, yellow, green, and every colored poncho. Fans who forgot their ponchos at home, or who brushed off the vendors in the parking lots, were forced to retreat inside the venue for shelter in between sets. This created the illusion the show was not as crowded, fooling me until I walked out for Jack Johnson’s set to a full theater. Jack Johnson himself was not immune to the poor weather as he appeared on stage wrapped in a sweater with a steaming hot beverage in hand. However, the screaming reaction of fans seemed to be a warm enough reception for Johnson to take off his sweater and replace his beverage with his guitar.

Being one of the first few shows of his many-date summer tour, Johnson admitted he and the band were still getting situated on the road. Besides forgetting a few lyrics to his song “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing” which gave fans a chance to join in, Johnson and his band were flawless. Because it was still pouring rain minutes before Jack Johnson took the stage, fans were forced to stand, only adding to the energy in the theater. After the first few songs, the rain stopped and there was a nice cool breeze that made it feel like a summer night. On top of that, the concert required giant beach ball made its way into the general admission and flew around the amphitheater all night.

On stage, Johnson and his band were rocking out. Pianist Zach Gill stole the show at multiple points with piano solos for songs like “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing”, and “Bubbly Toes”, receiving lots of approval from the crowd. Additionally, Gill ended “Bubbly Toes” with a solo played on a keyboard harmonica, an instrument the majority of the crowd and I didn’t know existed. Regardless, as if he was on the piano, Gill had the crowd screaming and cheering for an incredible harmonica solo. After this, Johnson brought out his own assortment of instruments ranging from a ukulele all the way to beer bottles. Yes, beer bottles. In an attempt to recreate the airy effect derived from beer bottles in his song “Costume Party”, Johnson brought out multiple bottles and proceeded to play them. Stunned by the fact he was performing using beer bottles, the crowd had no other choice but to cheer out of amazement.

Although the night started gloomy with non-stop rain, it ended with nothing but rays of happiness. Fans of all ages received a live music experience that most musicians cannot offer. Jack Johnson’s voice accompanied by his talented and energetic band stays unmatched live, making his concerts a show you don’t want to miss. You can find more dates and tickets here.

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Post and photos by Spencer Bernard

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