Dylan Gossett Brings Westward Warmth to Fenway

Friday night at MGM Music Hall at Fenway felt like stepping into one of those rare shows where everything just clicks: the openers, the crowd, the headliner.

First off, let me just say: MGM Music Hall is a gem. Even though it is a 5,000-seater, it somehow feels intimate. No matter where you are sitting, you are part of the moment. Nestled right next to Fenway Park with restaurants and bars all around, it is the perfect backdrop for a Friday night concert.

Buffalo Traffic Jam

The evening started with Buffalo Traffic Jam, a duo from Bozeman, Montana. I will admit I had never heard of them before this tour, but now I am officially a fan.

They somehow both maintained a very calm and collected energy while still being very heartfelt and passionate—a perfect opening set for Gossett, if you ask me.

Then came Kingfishr, and wow. Talk about energy. I was genuinely surprised by how quickly they won the crowd over. The lead singer hopped down to the barricade within the first couple of songs, and towards the end of the set, the whole band jumped into the audience to play a number right in the middle of the crowd. The Irish accents laced through their songs gave their sound a unique edge, with plenty of rowdy Irish fans in attendance, including two in the front of the barricade in particular.

Kingfishr

That is when things shifted. Everyone knew Dylan was about to take the stage, and the anticipation was electric. The crowd was very young—probably mostly college-aged—and lots of people were there with their groups of friends.

The stage setup was simple: a black backdrop with his name across it. No flashy lights, no pyro, no distractions. Honestly, it was perfect. Gossett does not need all the extras.

Dylan Gossett

His voice is the show. He sounds exactly like he does on his albums—maybe even better. His voice has this raw, unpolished quality that feels authentic in the best way possible. He is one of those artists that, when you’re listening live, you just feel like you’re sitting around a campfire with some friends on a warm summer night, listening to a buddy strum away. Gossett’s music gives you that close, connected feeling.

The setlist was stacked, covering tracks from his debut EPs and his new album Westward. Standouts for me were “Tree Birds,” “American Trail,” and of course, “Coal.” When he hit that one, phones shot up, everyone sang the lyrics, and it felt like the whole room was one big choir. “Like I Do” was another highlight, especially because he dedicated it to his parents who were in the crowd. It was a really sweet and genuine moment.

By the time the encore “Somewhere Between” wrapped, it honestly felt less like a concert and more like a healing experience. That might sound dramatic, but there is something about his songwriting and delivery that just hits deeper than most artists.

Review & Photos By: Mia Palazzo