SHAKEY GRAVES
Shakey Graves, Archer Music Hall, Allentown, PA 12/12/2025
When I heard that one of my favorite musicians, Shakey Graves, was coming to Archer Music Hall, I knew it was finally time to make my first trek to the venue, and it did not disappoint.
The night opened with Grace Gardner, a familiar Philly-area artist with Texas roots. Between songs, she repeatedly reassured the crowd of her Eagles loyalty, punctuating her banter with enthusiastic “Go Birds” chants that quickly won over the Allentown audience. Midway through her set, Gardner debuted a song from her new album that she had never played live before, and it immediately resonated with the crowd. She closed her set to a loud and well-earned ovation.
When it was time for Shakey Graves to take the stage, the Mister Rogers theme song began playing, setting the tone for what would be a characteristically playful entrance. Shakey emerged through a prop door onstage, changing his outfit in full view, chugging a beer, and sprinting into the opening song, “Nobody’s Fool.” The energy in the room spiked instantly.
One of the early highlights came with “Roll the Bones,” a fan favorite that showcases Shakey’s signature multitasking as he drums with his feet while playing guitar. Midway through the set, a doorbell rang, prompting Shakey to call out a surprise guest. Multi-instrumentalist Patrick O’Connor joined him onstage, and the two sat down for a stripped-back segment that added an intimate contrast to the otherwise high-energy performance.
The crowd was back on its feet when Shakey launched into his 2014 hit “Pansy Waltz.” Late in the set, he delivered a powerful one-two punch with “Late July” and “Tomorrow,” sending the Allentown crowd into full sing-along mode. He closed the night with “Lonely Hill,” a fitting finale from the Roll the Bones album.
Overall, it was a fantastic show; equal parts raw, playful, and heartfelt and I already can’t wait to see Shakey Graves again.
Shot and Written by Jonah van Bemmelen
