A Whole New Side of Willie Nile, at the Avenel PAC

Live Music

Jan 18

As a long-time fan of Willie Nile, I can confidently say there's something uniquely special about his live shows. Though I only discovered his music about 10 years ago, I’ve found myself hooked on every performance and album since. For those who aren’t familiar, Nile is a legendary American singer-songwriter whose 40+ year career blends rock, folk, and poetic storytelling, earning him a devoted following and respect as one of the most revered figures in contemporary rock.

Walking into the Avenel Performing Arts Center, I was expecting the same high-energy, soulful performance Willie always delivers—and that’s exactly what we got, and then some. With his band—Jimi K Bones on lead guitar, Johnny Pisano on bass, and Jon Weber on drums—tight as ever, the show was both electric and intimate. Nile seamlessly wove together fan favorites and fresh material, and it’s a testament to his loyal audience that they hung on every word of the new songs without hesitation. The energy in the room only grew as the night went on.

A surprising and beautiful moment came when Willie sat alone at a baby grand piano, offering a soft yet powerful performance that left the audience captivated. But perhaps the most exciting moment of the evening came when the band was joined by their opener, the talented James Mastro. His presence on stage added an extra layer of depth to an already dynamic show.

If you haven’t seen Willie Nile live in a while, don’t miss the chance to catch him next time. And if you’re lucky, you might just get a moving rendition of “An Irish Goodbye” before the night ends.