Jesse Welles
Jesse Welles brings his modern troubadour tradition to The Anthem, using direct, socially conscious songwriting to examine inequality, injustice, war, love, and the challenges of contemporary life. The Arkansas singer, songwriter, and guitarist is touring around his 2025 album *Middle*, following a surge of online attention, critical acclaim, and sold-out headline shows.
Welles performs music shaped by folk, rock, country, and the storytelling traditions of artists such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, and Woody Guthrie. His songs have addressed subjects including fentanyl, war, healthcare corruption, fear, hatred, and the need for compassion. The bill also features Hudson Freeman.
When: October 21
Showtimes: Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the show begins at 8:00 PM. Door, opening-act, and set times may change.
Lineup: Jesse Welles, with Hudson Freeman
Music: Welles’ songs combine guitar-driven folk and rock with candid commentary on current events and personal experience. His recent material includes “HORSES,” “WHEEL,” and “WHY DON’T YOU LOVE ME,” alongside songs such as “Cancer,” “Fentanyl,” “War Isn’t Murder,” and “United Health.”
About Jesse Welles: Originally from Ozark, Arkansas, Welles grew up playing guitar, studying classic songwriting, and performing wherever he could. He earned a music theory degree, fronted the rock band Dead Indian, formed the band Welles after moving to Nashville, and toured extensively across North America and Europe. He has shared stages with Royal Blood, Highly Suspect, Greta Van Fleet, and Dead Sara, including a period in which he played 280 shows in a year.
Background: After stepping away from music and returning to Arkansas, Welles resumed performing in 2024 following his father’s heart attack. He began recording outdoor performances in the Ozarks and posting them online, attracting more than one million Instagram followers through songs addressing subjects such as war, addiction, and the healthcare system. He subsequently released the albums *Hells Welles* and *Patchwork* before turning to *Middle*.
Album: The performance supports Welles’ 2025 full-length album *Middle*. The record continues his focus on plainspoken, emotionally forceful songs that encourage listeners to create, speak honestly, and resist fear and hatred.
Tickets: Price not available
Venue: The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC 20024
Ticket note: Super Excellent Seats are non-transferable and must be picked up on the day of the show. Before doors open, they can be collected at the box office; after doors open, pickup is at the entrance located at 900 Maine Ave. Tickets suspected of being purchased primarily for resale may be canceled, and buyers may be denied future ticket purchases for I.M.P. shows.