On 8/11/23, I watched Jimmy Eat World, Manchester Orchestra and Middle Kids play The Criterion in Oklahoma City, OK. 

I have been lucky enough to attend countless concerts. On more than a few occasions, I have experienced a live music moment that felt rare and special. I stood in amazement as Wilco, Ben Gibbard, and Jenny Lewis performed a cover of California Stars together. I have pinched myself while watching Death Cab for Cutie play Transatlanticism from beginning to end. I have seen Eric Clapton. I watched Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band mesmerize a crowd for three hours. I attended U2 360.  

Seeing Jimmy Eat World, Manchester Orchestra and Middle Kids play in my adopted hometown of Oklahoma City with a couple of great friends from college felt like a ripe opportunity to again experience an unforgettable moment. Outside of a festival, I cannot remember a lineup featuring three bands I absolutely adore. Knowing this, the promise of something special seemed real.  

This was my third time seeing Jimmy Eat World. This was my first time seeing Manchester Orchestra and Middle Kids; both are bands I have been following for some time. As a collective, they absolutely blew me away. For three hours, we sang at the top of our lungs, got lost in the music, and patted ourselves on the back for knowing Middle Kids before everyone else in the room. As the show closed, that special feeling washed over me again. Without a doubt, this is one of those shows that will stay with me forever.  

As far as my ideal setlist is concerned, the songs below are a collective representation of all three bands. The playlist includes songs I have returned to most often. You will not find a song from every album, nor are all my favorite songs listed. Instead, this is a list of songs that keep me coming back for more. As always, I would love to hear from you. What is your ideal setlist?  

Be good to each other,

Nathan