Concert Review: JJ Grey & Mofro and The Wood Brothers at the South Shore Music Circus

There are moments that feel unforgettable. Those three hours of live music featuring JJ Grey & Mofro and The Wood Brothers at the South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset on July 30, 2026, left a lasting impression on me. I consider those moments truly memorable.

For 75 years, the South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset has been a destination for world-class entertainment. With its rotating stage under a tent, audiences enjoy intimate, immersive, in-the-round performances unlike any other venue.

As a teenager growing up in Cohasset, I used to attend concerts there with my mother, who loved live music. Returning to a venue I had not visited in decades was an especially meaningful experience. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life.

The Wood Brothers opened the concert with their hit song, "Postcards from Hell." The lyrics tell the story of unsung heroes and artists who do incredible work without recognition but continue because they are driven by passion and purpose.

The song describes a talented blues musician who plays from the heart and refuses to conform to societal expectations or sell out. Despite facing hardships, he remains true to his music and ignores negative influences. The lyrics highlight the musician's ability to adapt and blend various musical influences into his blues style.

Incorporating elements of both Chicago and New Orleans blues traditions, The Wood Brothers created a unique sound throughout their performance that showcased the creativity and originality of their music. They performed a series of songs that delighted the audience, including "Stumbled In," "Bitter Sweet," "Sing About It," "When I Was Young," "Honey Jar," and "One More Day."

An American roots band consisting of brothers Chris Wood (upright bass) and Oliver Wood (acoustic and electric guitars), along with multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix, The Wood Brothers were outstanding. Their music, a blend of folk, gospel, blues, and jazz, left a lasting impression on the audience.

At 8:30 p.m., JJ Grey & Mofro took the stage, and the energy was immediate and electric. They opened with "Lochloosa," and you could feel the audience respond instantly.

An American Southern rock and swamp rock band from Jacksonville, Florida, JJ Grey & Mofro consists of JJ Grey, Eric Brigmond, Marcus Parsley, Dennis Marion, Craig Barnette, Pete Winders, Todd Smallie, and Katie Dutton. Their music has been described as a blend of blues, funk, soul, and rock. All of their songs are written by JJ Grey and reflect the culture and atmosphere of the region where he grew up around Jacksonville, Florida.

Grey has credited artists such as Big Bad John, Jim Reeves, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Jerry Reed as influences on his musical style, storytelling approach, and songwriting.

At the South Shore Music Circus, the full band setup was formidable. Featuring a three-piece horn section, two guitarists, a bassist, a drummer, and a keyboardist, the group was further enhanced by two female and two male backing vocalists. JJ Grey's powerful voice resonated throughout the venue, creating a strong connection with the audience.

JJ Grey & Mofro performed several fan favorites, including songs from their album Olustee. The setlist included "Lochloosa," "Fireflies," "Rooster," "Slow, Hot & Sweaty," "On Fire," "Olustee," "The Sun Is Shining Down," "Orange Blossoms," "Brighter Days," "The Higher You Climb," "Top of the World," "This River," and "Black Water.

With a huge wall of sound created by the horn section, rhythm section, guitarists, keyboardist, and backing vocalists, JJ Grey & Mofro delivered a powerful and memorable performance. Fans in Cohasset savored every moment. It was a wonderful night of live music on the South Shore.

Both groups, The Wood Brothers and JJ Grey & Mofro, were exceptional. Their performances combined outstanding musicianship, energy, and authenticity, making it a truly unforgettable evening.