Wednesday night at The Nile in downtown Mesa, Shakey Graves brought his Fondness, Etc. Tour to Arizona for an evening of storytelling, reflection, and his unmistakable blend of folk, blues and rock.
New York indie rock band Wild Pink opened the evening, marking the first of 17 nights joining Graves on the road. Their atmospheric, guitar-driven sound set the tone before the Austin-based singer-songwriter took the stage.
Touring in support of his fifth studio album, Fondness, Etc., Graves delivered a performance that moved between familiar favorites and newer material. Released in May, the album explores the passage of time, the people who shape us and the beauty of embracing change.
Throughout the evening, Graves opened up about the recent loss of friends and family, sharing personal stories, raising a toast, and dedicating songs to their memory. These moments brought a particular tenderness to the performance, reminding the room that music can be as much about remembering those we’ve lost as celebrating those still beside us.
Balancing humor and vulnerability with his signature musicianship, Graves made the evening feel both intimate and communal. It was a night of good music, shared memories, and a reminder to hold close the people and moments that matter.
