Philadelphia’s Mt. Joy may not have had the household name recognition of some recent The Shell headliners, but any doubts about their ability to command the city's most iconic stage disappeared as soon as the band settled in. From the early start time of 7:15pm, the crowd was locked in from the opening notes, singing and swaying to favorites like "Lemon Tree," "Sheep," and "Silver Lining," while happily joining in on unexpected covers like Blink-182’s "What’s My Age Again" - a playful nod to San Diego’s own pop-punk legends - and Wheatus' 2000 anthem "Teenage Dirtbag."
Formed in 2016 by high school friends Matt Quinn and Sam Cooper, Mt. Joy quickly rose from open mic nights in Philadelphia to national festival stages. Their 2018 self-titled debut album introduced hits like "Astrovan" and "Silver Lining," cementing them as a breakout ind"e-folk act. With follow-up albums like "Rearrange Us," "Orange Blood," and 2023’s "Live at Red Rocks,” the band has grown into one of the most reliable live draws in the genre, earning comparisons to The Lumineers and The Head and the Heart while carving out a devoted fan base of their own.
What makes Mt. Joy such a compelling live act is their ability to stretch and reshape their catalog into something both intimate and explosive. Songs that feel contemplative on record became cathartic anthems, with Matt Quinn's vocals carrying across the bay and Jackie Miclau's keyboards weaving through each jam. The band effortlessly balanced extended grooves with quiet moments, crafting a show that felt like a shared journey with the thousands in attendance.
The Rady Shell itself proved, once again, why it has quickly become San Diego's (California's? The country's?) crown jewel of live music venues. From the pristine sound to the ease of entry and exit, to vendors that don’t force tips on already upcharged drinks, the experience is unmatched. With the sun setting behind the downtown skyline and boats bobbing in the bay, the setting amplified the performance, creating one of those rare San Diego nights where music and place merge seamlessly.
After a brief intermission midway through, Mt. Joy returned with even more energy, closing the night in triumphant fashion. By the time the final notes rang out, there was little question left: Mt. Joy has the star power to not just play The Shell, but to own it. And while the band delivered, The Shell deserves credit of its own - handling a purely general admission format with impressive organization and reminding everyone that no matter the act, any event at the venue is made better simply by the space itself.
The Rady Shell itself proved, once again, why it has quickly become San Diego's (California's? The country's?) crown jewel of live music venues. From the pristine sound to the ease of entry and exit, to vendors that don’t force tips on already upcharged drinks, the experience is unmatched. With the sun setting behind the downtown skyline and boats bobbing in the bay, the setting amplified the performance, creating one of those rare San Diego nights where music and place merge seamlessly.
After a brief intermission midway through, Mt. Joy returned with even more energy, closing the night in triumphant fashion. By the time the final notes rang out, there was little question left: Mt. Joy has the star power to not just play The Shell, but to own it. And while the band delivered, The Shell deserves credit of its own - handling a purely general admission format with impressive organization and reminding everyone that no matter the act, any event at the venue is made better simply by the space itself.
Originally published on August 27, 2025.
