CONCERT REVIEW: THE REVIVALISTS AT STATE THEATRE IN PORTLAND

Joanna Gleason
6 hours ago
3 min read

On Sunday September 22, 2025, State Theatre in Portland, ME, welcomed The Revivalists. In front of a large audience, the New Orleans based band delivered a terrific performance. It was an extraordinary night of live music.

The show started at 8:00 p.m. with Nolan Taylor as the opener. A singer songwriter from Blanchester, OH, Taylor released his debut album in January 2025. A very active athlete during his young age, involving in various sports including football and wrestling, Taylor never dreamed of becoming a pro athlete. He always wanted to be a musician.

“I was never the kid to have the inspiration to be a pro athlete or a firefighter and

policeman. I always wanted to be a singer.”

Taking his inspiration from bands like The Grateful Dead, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and Nirvana, Taylor’s songs are largely autobiographical and tell the things he and his friends have gone through including poverty and addiction.

“Everything I write is very autobiographical. I write about things I observe, my friends and my family”, said Taylor.

At State Theatre in Portland, Taylor played a list of beautiful songs. His new single release title “I belong in Your Arms,” got so much appreciation from the audience. The song gives us a glimpse of Taylor’s sonic capabilities while still focusing on the deft lyricism that so many fans have grown to love from Taylor.

At 9:15 p.m. as the headliner, The Revivalists hit the stage. Kicking off with his habitual energy, David Shaw sang many songs including skillful versions of “All My Friends”, “Change”, “It was a Sin”, and their biggest hit “Wish I knew You.” The song “Wish I knew You” peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Airplay Chart, becoming the band’s first chart-topper on the chart.

The eight-piece band led by front man David Shaw consists of Ed Williams (pedal steel, guitar), David Shaw (lead vocals, guitar), Zack Feinberg (guitar), Rob Ingraham (Saxophone), George Gekas (bass guitar), Andrew Campanelli (drums and percussion), Michael Girardot (Keyboards and trumpet), and Paulet “PJ” Howard (drums and percussion) was phenomenal during the entire night of their performance. The group was terrific. People were amazed on the floor. They were dancing, singing, jumping.

The Revivalists released their album, Men Amongst Mountains on July 17, 2015. The group was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of “10 Bands You Need to Know.” In September 2016, their song “Wish I Knew You” reached No 1 on the Billboard Adult Alternative songs chart, and in May 2017, the song reached No 1 on the Alternative songs chart. On September 11, 2017, the single was certified platinum by the RIAA.

A 2018 single “All My Friends”, from their album Take Good Care, went to No 1 at Adult Alternative radio.

Playing a list of 18-song set which included Fade Away, Gold to Glass, Criminal etc.. The

Revivalists closed the night with their biggest hit “Wish I knew You.” It was a fun night of music.