Seventeen years into their journey, The Head and the Heart continue to excel at uniting diverse audiences through their heartfelt music.
On May 10th, this folky group performed their self-titled debut album at the cozy Brooklyn Paramount. It was quite an experience, starting right from the first note of the lively song “Cat and Dog.” Almost immediately, frontman Matt Gervais abandoned the stage for the crowd, drawing fans right into the show.
While the music was phenomenal, what really resonated was the band’s connection with the audience. The members passed around microphones during one song, sharing snippets of their story—how they initially met, formed the band, and the significance of their earliest songs. They even opened up about group therapy sessions, discussing the ups and downs of their close-knit dynamic.
Some of the evening’s highlights came from these personal anecdotes. Pianist and vocalist Kenny Hensley recounted a time when he took a long, disorienting walk home in Seattle, which significantly inspired him. “It’s deep in the valley,” he remarked. Drummer Tyler Williams also shared a tale about losing his cell phone at a gas station, which led to an unexpected encounter just around the corner from Sub Pop Records. After a brief exchange involving a $20 bill, he ended up signing with the label six months later.
Later, during a moving rendition of “Lost in My Mind,” the band welcomed The Brudy Brothers, creating an atmosphere that felt intimate and laid-back. They gathered on a couch for a beautiful acoustic interpretation of “Winter Song,” which was one of the most personal highlights of the night.
As fans entered, they received a note reading, “Brooklyn Lights Up,” a cue to illuminate their cell phone flashlights during certain moments. This led to a stunning visual display as the room glowed a mesmerizing blue during the performance of “Heaven, please rest assured,” perfectly capturing the atmosphere.
That was only the first half.
Post-intermission, The Head and the Heart ramped up the energy with an exquisite duet between Gervais and Charity Rose Thielen in a mysterious, yet captivating, song called “Grace.” They followed with a mix of unreleased tracks from 2011 and fan favorites like the upbeat “Honeybee” and the stirring “Everything We Ever Knew.” By the end of the night, Gervais was once again mingling with fans, snapping selfies, and sharing the stage excitement during “Connection Error.”
The show concluded with a rousing performance of “The Glory of Music.” This particular song resonated differently, reflecting on its evolving meaning over time. What once held one significance now has transformed, influenced by all the experiences they’ve shared.
The entire night was a testament to growth—not just revisiting the past but illustrating how the music has matured with both the band and their audience.
Their live performances always stay with me, deeply touching the heart.
Up next, The Head and the Heart will perform at various locations in the Tri-State area:
East Freehold Showgrounds
Freehold, New Jersey
Friday, June 26th
Capitol Theater
Port Chester, New York
Saturday, July 25th
Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard
Lafayette, New York
Friday, July 31st
Borderland Festival
East Aurora, New York
September 18th-20th
The Head and the Heart Tour Schedule 2026
For a complete list of their North American tour dates, venues, and links for ticket purchases, refer to the information below.
| The Head and the Heart tour dates |
|---|
| May 12th at the Jefferson Theater in Charlottesville, Virginia |
| May 13th at the Keswick Theater in Glenside, Pennsylvania |
| May 14th at the One Theater in Boston, Massachusetts |
| June 19-20 at Zootown Music Festival in Missoula, Montana 2 day ticket |
| June 19th at Zootown Music Festival in Missoula, Montana one day ticket |
| June 26th at the East Freehold Showgrounds in Freehold, New Jersey. |
| July 8 at the Orpheum Theater in Vancouver, British Columbia, California. |
| July 10th at Remlinger Farm in Carnation, Washington. |
| July 11th at Remlinger Farm in Carnation, Washington. |
| July 12th at Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend, Oregon |
| July 15-16 at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado 2 day ticket |
| July 15th at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado one day ticket |
| July 16th at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado one day ticket |
| July 18th at Kansas City Live in Kansas City, Missouri |
| July 19th at the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines, Iowa |
| July 21st at The Sylvee in Madison, Wisconsin |
| July 22nd at The Factory in Chesterfield, Missouri |
| July 23rd at Gatton Park in Lexington, Kentucky |
| July 25th at the Capitol Theater in Port Chester, New York |
| July 26th at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia |
| July 31st at Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards in Lafayette, New York. |
| August 2nd at Thompson’s Point in Portland, Maine |
| August 14th at Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa, California |
| August 15th at Blue Note Napa in Napa, California |
| August 16th at Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California |
| September 1st at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Brandi Carlyle opening |
| September 3rd at Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia Brandi Carlyle opening |
| September 5th at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas Brandi Carlyle opening |
| September 6th at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas Brandi Carlyle opening |
| September 18-20 at Borderland Festival in East Aurora, New York 3 day pass |
| September 20th at Borderland Festival in East Aurora, New York one day ticket |
| September 25-27 at Ocean’s Calling, Ocean City, Maryland 3 day pass |
| September 27th at Ocean’s Calling in Ocean City, Maryland. 3 day pass |
The Head and the Heart 2026 Festival Appearance
Alongside their national tour, The Head and the Heart will be headlining three festivals.
Here’s a brief overview of what to expect, including details about other headliners.
| The Head and the Heart 2026 Festival Appearance |
|---|
| Zootown Festival June 19-20 at the Missoula County Fairgrounds in Missoula, Montana The Lumineers, The Chicks, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Trampled by Turtles |
| Borderland Music and Art Festival September 18-20 at Knox Farm State Park, East Aurora, New York Jack White, Alabama Shakes, Lord Huron, Pixies, Jesse Wells |
| Ocean’s Calling September 25-27 at Ocean City Inlet, Ocean City, Maryland. Gwen Stefani, Dave Matthews Band, Mumford & Sons, Matchbox Twenty, Hootie and the Blowfish |
The Head and the Heart Setlist
On May 10, The Head and the Heart performed a total of 21 songs at the Brooklyn Paramount. According to Set List FM, here’s the lineup they featured.
Album “The Head and the Heart”
01.) “Cat and Dog”
02.) “Coeur d’Alene”
03.) “Ghost”
04.) “Down in the Valley”
05.) “River and Road”
06.) “Honey Come Home”
07.) “Lost in My Mind” (with Brudy Brothers)
08.) “Winter Song”
09.) “Sound Like Hallelujah”
10.) “Heaven Go Easy on Me”
Set II
11.) “Grace”
12.) “I am finally free.”
13.) “Aperture”
14.) “All We Ever Knew.”
15.) “Fire Escape”
16.) “Arrow”
17.) “Another Story”
18.) “Bee”
19.) “Connection Error”
20.) “Shake”
Encore
21.) “The Glory of Music”
New Music from The Head and the Heart
Following the release of their sixth studio album, “Aperture,” in 2025, The Head and the Heart has introduced a seven-song EP featuring fresh arrangements and acoustic takes on beloved tracks.
As noted by Verve Records, “These tracks focus on intimacy, vocal harmonies, and delicate production.”
The warmth of these pieces channels a campfire vibe. For instance, “Time with My Sins – Ghost No.1” has a rich arrangement, while “Blue Embers Ghost No.5” and “Aperture – Ghost No.6” exude romance, perfect for a first dance at a wedding.
If you want to experience it yourself, check out “Ghosts In The Machinery.”
The Head and the Heart Special Guests
When they’re not supporting Brandi Carlile or headlining festivals, The Head and the Heart serves as the opening act at their shows. Below are the most streamed songs from their guest artists.
Wilderado: “Surely”
Brudy Brothers: “No More Cowboy Than You (Demo)”
Michael Markazi: “I’m Scared to Start.”
Evan Horner: “Jersey Giant”
Houndmouth: “Sedona”
Folk Icons Touring in 2026
This year, several of our favorite singer-songwriters are ready to hit the road.
Here are five artists you absolutely shouldn’t miss when they tour near you:
• Noah Kahan
• Paul Simon
• Mumford and Sons
• Jack Johnson
• Avett Brothers
Curious who else is touring? Check out our full list of big names hitting the road in 2026 and find shows that fit your vibe.
