Patty Griffin's and Taj Mahal's 2026 Tour at The Wiltern

 

It was one of those classic Los Angeles evenings. The rain tapered off, the clouds cleared, and a little sunshine broke through just as Taj Mahal was set to take the stage at the historic Wiltern on Wilshire Blvd. The Blues legend didn’t come alone. Sharing the tour spotlight was the luminous Patty Griffin, backed by a tight trio that floated effortlessly between Folk confessionals and soul-stirring Gospel grooves. Griffin’s set felt like leaning in close to a campfire story, intimate, raw, and quietly powerful. At one point, she dedicated a song to victims in Palestine, and you could feel the entire theater soften.

Patty Griffin’s voice was soft and tender, carrying emotion the way a storm cloud carries rain. When she performed, “Bird in a Cage,” a tribute to her mother who grieved the loss of birds, the entire room grew still, hanging on every note. The melody unfolded gently, and those haunting whistles. They drifted all the way up to the mezzanine, wrapping the crowd into a captivating spell. Griffin also tipped her hat to her musical heroes, The Staple Singers and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, before diving into a groovy gospel number that had me swaying in my seat like I was front row at a Sunday revival. And she’s not slowing down. In summer 2025, Griffin released Crown of Roses, her most personal album yet.

The record, featuring standouts like “Back at the Start,” “Long Time,” and “The End,” earned a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album. With two Grammy wins, seven nominations, and a 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting from the Americana Music Association, Patty Griffin continues to prove that vulnerability is her superpower. My excitement for Taj Mahal was real. His records have long been part of my personal soundtrack, blasting through my car speakers as I cruise up the 405, or through my headphones while I daydream about what might be “Further On Down the Road.” I missed his 2025 tour, and there was no way I was letting that happen again this year. Taj Mahal took the stage with effortless swagger, dressed in a teal tribal-print sweater, a wide-brim hat, classic round Ray-Bans, and a ruby red bandana.

Taj Mahal has always had style, and at 83, he still wears it well. From the start, he made the audience feel welcomed. He called for participation to shake, move, clap, and shout. Energy, after all, works both ways. When he launched into “Fishing Blues,” the crowd happily took the bait, clapping along to the upbeat rhythm. You just can’t resist moving along. We know Taj for that unmistakable voice, raspy, deep, and steeped in soul and when he’s performing live, it carries even more grit and warmth.

Throughout the set, Taj Mahal rotated between guitars and banjo with ease, keeping the sound dynamic and loose. Fan favorites such as “Corrina,” “Queen Bee,” and “Loving in My Baby’s Eyes” sparked cheers and were sweet singalongs, showing that these tunes have stayed close to listeners over the years. Taj Mahal closed the night with a fitting choice for the times, “Everybody Is Somebody.” Before starting the song, he reminded the crowd that whether you’re rich or poor, everyone matters. It was a simple but powerful message, to lead with respect, compassion, and kindness. Over the course of his career, Taj Mahal has earned five Grammy Awards and 17 nominations.

Most recently, The Recording Academy honored Taj Mahal with a 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his creative contributions and lasting artistic impact on the world of recorded music. Don’t miss your chance to see a true blues icon, catch the legendary Taj Mahal on tour this year. For more information and upcoming events, visit Taj Mahal’s website and Patty Griffin’s Patty Griffin.

 

TAJ MAHAL’S TOUR DATES

  • Apr 9, 2026 – Parker Playhouse, Fort Lauderdale, FL

  • Apr 10, 2026 – Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg, FL (festival appearance)

  • Apr 13, 2026 – Charleston Music Hall, Charleston, SC

  • Apr 14, 2026 – Wilson Center, Wilmington, NC

  • Apr 16, 2026 – Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA

  • Apr 17, 2026 – Bijou Theatre, Knoxville, TN

  • Apr 18, 2026 – Newberry Opera House, Newberry, SC

  • Apr 20, 2026 – Princess Theatre, Decatur, AL

  • Apr 21, 2026 – Bologna Performing Arts Center, Cleveland, MS

  • Jul 2, 2026 – Maison Symphonique (Place des Arts), Montreal, QC, Canada

  • Sep 18–20, 2026 – Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Telluride Town Park, CO

 

PATTY GRIFFIN’S TOUR DATES

  • Feb 24, 2026 — Revolution Hall — Portland, OR (with Rickie Lee Jones)

  • Feb 25, 2026 — Revolution Hall — Portland, OR (with Rickie Lee Jones)

  • Feb 26, 2026 — Moore Theatre — Seattle, WA (with Rickie Lee Jones)

  • Mar 13–20, 2026 — Cayamo: A Journey Through Song cruise (music event/ cruise lineup) — Miami, FL

  • Jul 28, 2026 — Koussevitzky Music Shed at Tanglewood — Lenox, MA (with Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit)

  • Jul 29, 2026 — Filene Center at Wolf Trap — Vienna, VA (with Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit)

 

Coverage by Hannah Mayorga

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