Preview: Jesse Welles at the Anthem on Oct. 21

Armed with an acoustic guitar and a harmonica, folk singer-songwriter Jesse Welles is on his Red Tour, featuring music from his July 2026 album, Under The Powerlines III (January 2025 - June 2025). Welles will visit the Anthem in D.C. this Wednesday, Oct. 21, with lofi-folk artist Hudson Freeman opening the concert at 8 p.m.

Welles was born and raised in Ozark, a small town in the hills of Northwest Arkansas. Inspired by the likes of Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie, Welles’s rural upbringing is reflected in his sound—he says his sister once told him his gravelly, twangy voice “sounds like burnt toast.” His cultural roots also manifest in his passion for American folk music. Welles uses folk traditions to reclaim rural American identity, becoming widely-known for his leftist protest songs. Through lyrics dripping with dark irony, his witty verses don’t come across as outspoken political takes so much as blunt observations on what he sees unfolding around him. Sometimes, Welles seems to have discovered, simply saying what’s happening aloud is enough to display why it’s wrong.

Under The Powerlines III (January 2025 - June 2025) contains a flabbergasting total of 61 tracks, reaching nearly three hours of music. It follows the first Under The Powerlines project, released in March 2025 with 63 tracks, and Under The Powerlines II, released in September 2025 with only 25 tracks. All three albums primarily feature live recordings with their dates included in the title, creating a diary-like aesthetic. Powerlines III is a collection of Welles’s reflections on President Trump’s second term, the healthcare crisis, class struggle, ICE raids, and a slew of other issues faced by working Americans and other vulnerable populations.

From Arkansas to D.C., Welles’s remarkable performances have resonated with audiences across backgrounds, uniting them in their shared hopes and fears. As an artist who prioritizes live performance above the studio, Welles’s show at the Anthem promises a stirring and memorable experience.