Jonah Marais truly created a beautifully intimate and nostalgic experience at The End for his passionate fans. Being so down-to-earth and attentive to each fan, Marais was able to connect with this audience, even concluding the encore in a mini mosh pit on the floor and spontaneously doing an unorganized meet-and-greet that lasted an hour after the show.
Jonah Marais is 26 and was born in Stillwater, Minnesota. His father was in a band, which introduced Marais to the music industry before he joined a five-person pop boy band himself. Why Don’t We abruptly rose to fame in 2016 after their viral videos with Logan Paul. The band went on four tours, released two albums and six EPs and amassed a die-hard fan base called the Limelights. However, upon legal battles with management, the band was forced into a hiatus and split in 2022. Since then, the members have sporadically launched solo careers and are catering to those extremely loyal fans who supported the band for the members themselves.
The night began with opener Gina Miles, the winner of the 23rd season of “The Voice,” whose angelic yet powerful voice left me in awe, setting the tone for the rest of the night. Toward the end of the set, Miles gave a speech about mental health awareness, in which she began to tear up before performing her emotional song “Take It or Leave It.” Accompanied by an acoustic guitarist, Miles left me feeling inspired and adding a new favorite artist to my playlists.
Marais then took the stage alongside a guitarist and another drummer whose fathers both played in a band with Marais’ father during their childhoods. Marais started off with “TWISTED LULLABY” and continued with similar upbeat pop tunes like “REDLIGHT.” These songs juxtaposed his slower songs he played next, such as “HEAVEN” and “H.S. PROPAGANDA.” Marais also riled up the crowd when teasing his unreleased song “Miracle Fruit,” which fans seemed to already know the words to.
In the middle of the set, Marais put on a black cowboy hat to align with the Nashville theme and covered Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” He then performed his iconic first single “War Paint” — which he released when he was 17 years old — during which the energy and volume of the audience were unmatched.
Undoubtedly, the most emotional part of the show for me was the throwbacks. Marais played Why Don’t We’s famous “8 Letters” and “Grey” from their most recent album while soulfully playing the keyboard. This brought back so many memories, and I put my camera down to enjoy the moment, finding myself smiling from ear to ear.
Additional excitement included guest appearances from Marais’ close friend and protagonist in Outer Banks, Chase Stokes, and Stokes’ girlfriend and country singer, Kelsea Ballerini. They came in discreet outfits and lingered on the side, but they posted Instagram stories of their dear friend on stage and danced to his songs all night.
Personally, this was a special night that caused me to reminisce about my middle school infatuation with the boy band, alongside many other sweet and like-minded fangirls. It was refreshing to relive these emotions while passionately supporting Marais’ promising solo journey. He ended the show announcing his plans to possibly move to Nashville, at which fans were ecstatic. After the show, he came out to have individual conversations with each person, make TikToks, sign posters and take the sweetest pictures. I recommend any Vanderbilt student who enjoys pop music and keeping up with charismatic artists to check out Jonah Marais next time he plays in town.
