I fangirled so much during Jonah Marais show at Kilby Court. Jonah was a part of the band Why Don’t We, started in 2017 including fellow band members Corbyn Besson, Daniel Seavey, Zach Herron, and Jack Avery. Upon their hiatus last year, we have been blessed to get to know each artist individually. The show at Kilby Court was Jonahs first sold out show as an independent artist and boy are we all so excited for him.

He has had music in his life for such a long time as his father is also a musician who would play in bands and by himself while Jonah was growing up. His guitarist and drummer are long time friends whose fathers performed with his own. Jonah recalled the three boys chatting, jamming, and making music backstage while their dads performed, now playing together on tour. 

Before the show that evening, a couple had gotten engaged just outside of the venue. During the show, Jonah did a little shout out to them, dedicating a song in congratulations. Floating around Kilby Court, I stumbled upon them multiple times dancing and simply staring at each other in awe. Such a beautiful moment to witness and see people in their own little worlds dancing during the show. 

As a new artist, he did not have a long set, but he performed songs from before he was in Why Don’t We (Grey, 8 Letters), a couple of the band's songs, and his new songs. Such a full circle moment for everyone who has become a fan of his along the way. Something mentioned by him and his former band members is that people who meet them will say that their music has changed their life, and saved them.

When mentioning this during the show, he said that it is so special hearing how his music has saved people's lives, but little do they know that the fans have saved him too. I have been a fan of Jonah Marais since he made music before Why Don’t We had formed and let me just tell you that this man is so sincere and genuine in his actions and the music that he puts out. He shows so much gratitude for what he has and is such a positive influence on others. 

Not only has music been a big part of Jonah's life, but baseball as well. He created baseball cards for his tour and signed them for anyone who wanted to after the show. Kilby Court has a maximum capacity of 200 people, I would say about 100-150 people stayed after the show to meet Jonah. Though the venue closed at 11pm, Jonah and the fans congregated outside of the venue to continue meeting each other and chatting. Seeing so many people smiling, crying tears of joy, and reminiscing band memories was so beautiful. I stayed for a couple hours after the show just to watch people interact and meet Jonah. Jonah is such a kind and gentle soul, so compassionate and sweet with everyone who came up to him with memorabilia, photos, tiktok ideas, and other little things.

Review & Photos by: Miriam Wasden

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