Iron & Wine: An Intimate Evening at The Eastern

Iron & Wine, might suggest that the musical endeavor would feature a duo. Not so. It’s Sam Beam, the name chosen from a supplement called “Beef Iron and Wine.” Credited with leading the “Indie Folk” genre of music, Beam has enjoyed a 20+ year career that began more fortuitously than planned.

Now touring his 2024 release, Light Verse, he brings an entirely enjoyable experience accompanied by two violinists, keyboardist, guitarist/bassist and drummer, softly lit by lamps around the stage. Completing the stage was a splendid presentation from Chicago’s Manual Cinema, whose members thoughtfully orchestrated “live puppetry,” waving various objects over transparencies with an overhead projection rig, to animate selected songs, and expertly timed at that. It created a very cozy feel, translating easily to the Eastern and its 2000+ capacity.

Beam is, of course, the warmth of that cozy scene. His voice is soothing, gentle, soft, and intimate. It was also the first concert in some time that did not require ear plugs up front and remained perfectly clear from on high. He’s so smooth that I couldn’t help but think of Elliott Smith. While Smith’s lyrics were generally darker on themes of heartbreak, addiction and mental health, Beam touches on love, nature and nostalgia to a degree.

Both are incredibly thoughtful. Both are extremely thoughtful lyrically, but Beam’s voice belies lyrics that surprisingly often earn a “mature” warning label. Put another way, listen beyond the sweetness in his voice and demeanor, and there’s a lyrical trove to explore, especially if you’re one who listens to the music first and may or may not puzzle the lyrics later. Regardless, the audience, largely consisting of couples, were often swaying, arms around each other, soaking up that fireside vibe.

Fans generally like it when artist talk to them, beyond the “Hello (city I’m in)!” Beam does very well with that, but his gentle demeanor doesn’t appear to be an act. During a two song solo acoustic piece, he listened to the audience and played songs that they requested. His printed setlist doesn’t include the songs to be played. Importantly, he heard a call for assistance in the balcony and called for house lights. A woman became ill and needed assistance, but it wasn’t clear at the time. He checked in trying to figure out the need for several minutes, almost humorously redirecting the lighting tech to keep the house lights on for the balcony, borne of concern. It doesn’t get more authentic than that.

Highlights? Really, all of it. “Boy with a Coin” is at the top of my list, but new songs “Sweet Talk” and “All in Good Time” (recorded with Fiona Apple), both from his latest album, stood out among a setlist that covered most of his career.

Setlist: