Fans of all ages gathered in a bustling corner of Brighton on Tuesday, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Jonah Marais, a former member of the popular boy band Why Don’t We.
The group, which skyrocketed to fame with hits like “8 Letters” and “Trust Fund Baby,” has been on hiatus since 2022 due to a bitter legal battle with their former management. The lawsuit, which alleges mistreatment and financial mismanagement, has left the band’s future uncertain, but Marais continues to make waves as a solo artist, drawing dedicated fans to his performances.
Marais brought his mixtape tour, titled “The Young and Optimistic Tour,” to the Brighton Music Hall on September 3, captivating the audience with an electrifying performance, sneak peeks of new songs, and homages to fan favorites from the band.
On June 28, Marais released The Jonah Marais Mixtape, a collection of five personal songs that marks his debut as a solo artist. The mixtape showcases his growth and connects with supporters of all generations, proving his music resonates beyond his time in Why Don’t We. With heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies, Marais’ solo work is already making an impact.
The singer delivered a lively hour-long set, paying tribute to his favorite sport by rocking a Red Sox jersey. Music has always been a major part of Jonah’s life, but baseball holds a special place in his heart as well. Embracing his passion for the sport, he designed custom baseball cards for his tour, offering a unique keepsake for fans.
After the show, Marais took time to personally sign the cards for anyone who wanted one, creating a memorable, interactive experience that blended his love for music and baseball. Fans of all ages, decked out in Why Don’t We merchandise, baseball gear, and more, filled the audience, filled with anticipation for Marais’ appearance on stage.
Before his appearance, the show started with performances from up-and-coming Berklee School of Music artist, Paris Hing.
Hing lit the stage in a white mini dress complete with a business tie, captivating the crowd with her electrifying performance of “my side of the room.” The rising pop star brought high energy to each song, moving effortlessly across the stage alongside her keyboardist and guitarist, keeping the audience enthralled.
A standout moment in the opening set was Hing’s performance of “where did he go?” As she reflected on her thoughts about love throughout the song, the crowd eagerly joined in, singing along and amplifying the emotional energy of the performance.
As soon as Marais stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted in screams as he launched into “Twisted Lullaby.” The song marks a pivotal moment in Marais’ journey, reflecting his departure from Why Don’t We. In the opening lyrics, he reflects on feeling different during his time with bandmates Corbyn Besson, Daniel Seavey, Jack Avery, and Zach Herron.
The stage setup appeared simple yet effective, with Marais performing in front of a black-and-white tapestry displaying his name. Accompanied by his two-person band, the minimalist design allowed the focus to remain on Marais’ vocals and intimate connection with the crowd. The stripped-down aesthetic matched the raw, emotional tone of his performance, making every song feel personal and powerful.
During his live set, Marais gave fans a sneak peek of his evolving sound with unreleased tracks like “Miracle Fruit” and “Love Me.” The crowd eagerly sang along to Why Don’t We favorites “8 Letters” and “Grey,” with Marais playing the emotional ballad “Grey” on his keyboard, as fans lit up the venue with their phones. He also delivered a heartfelt cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” adding nostalgia to the night.
As the night wound down, Marais returned to the stage for a powerful encore performing a song titled “Slow Motion,” an unreleased track that feels like a breath of fresh air in today’s music landscape. The song is a standout, blending a unique pop sound with sultry, evocative lyrics, offering something both fresh and bold.
With his undeniable talent and a growing catalog of unreleased tracks, it’s clear that Marais is carving out his path in the industry. Fans won’t have to wait long either—Marais has announced plans to release new music next year, signaling an exciting new chapter for the former Why Don’t We member. His future looks bright, and fans are eager to see where his solo career will take him next.
Jonah Marais Online: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Spotify | Apple Music
PHOTO GALLERY BY: Clara Faulkner
