If you haven’t visited the newly revamped Pearl Street Warehouse, you’re missing out. Once a “nice spot,” it’s now a true vibe. I can’t think of a better band to christen my new Pearl Street experience than FloydFest On-The-Rise artists, Happy Landing.

Since chatting with Happy Landing at FloydFest, our excitement about their return to the DMV grew almost as much as their stardom, and their incredible performance at Pearl Street Warehouse on November 14th did not disappoint. In July, the Happy Landers excitedly shared details about their first headlining tour - The Golden Tour -which spanned from August to November with an ambitious 32 dates.

Born organically out of friendship and sharpened with communal grit, Happy Landing blends folk roots with modern indie rock, creating a unique, magnetic experience that’s impossible to emulate. The band radiates with passion so blinding that you can't help but throw on a pair of rose-colored glasses and stargaze alongside them. After all, when you’re staring up at the moon, you don’t see darkness—only bright possibilities and gold-dust dreams. 

That contagious luster fueled their Fall 2024 nationwide tour.  Each city, like a rolling ball of snow, gathered hundreds of starry-eyed fans. Last month at Pearl Street I was anticipating a travel-weary crew, but the five friends looked more fired up than ever. Something electric was in the air that night as they took the stage, and it wasn’t just the neon moon hanging above their heads.

There’s something special about witnessing a band on the cusp of greatness, and those fortunate enough to grab a ticket to The Golden Tour will be able to boast about catching Happy Landing on their rise. I can promise you this: you won't have the opportunity to see them this up close and personal ever again. I’d say you’ll tell the tale of the time Andrew Gardner jumped fiddle-first off stage, but we all know that story won’t change no matter how big the venue becomes.

From the first note, the quintet radiated joy and camaraderie, a bond that felt as tight-knit as family. I honestly wondered which band member had relatives in the crowd (turns out Wilson).

Happy Landing's performance at Pearl Street Warehouse on November 14, 2024, showcased the band's remarkable evolution. The chemistry among the band members was undeniable, as they delivered a high-energy show that felt polished yet still retained the unbridled enthusiasm of venturing into the unknown.

Featuring Matty Hendley on lead vocals and guitar, Andrew Gardner on fiddle and mandolin, Keegan Christensen on keys and bass, Jacob Christensen on drums, and Wilson Moyer on electric guitar and bass, the quintet brought an electric energy to the stage. Their setlist included standout tracks like "Lose the Gun," "Carry On Carry On," and "Mountain Mama," each performed with an exuberance that was infectious. 

After Andrew Gardner announced that his “boo thang” surprised him by being in the audience that night, he delivered a moving fiddle interlude that dove into the heartfelt Marriage Song. Tracks like "Joanna," "My My My," and a stunning cover of "Yellow" by Coldplay showcased their versatility. the anthemic joy of "Goin' Home," each song deepened the connection between the band and the audience. Later in the set, Mattie teased the iconic opening to "Mr. Brightside" and joked, “Wouldn’t it be funny if we actually sang it?” The crowd’s encouragement turned the jest into a thrilling reality as the band launched into an impromptu Killers tribute. This unforgettable burst of spontaneity took the night to another level.  Looking beyond the "brightside of the evening's tribute, there was a strikingly somber fiddle interlude by Andrew Gardner before catapulting headfirst into “Marriage Song.” 

By the closing notes of "Arkansas," the crowd was fully immersed, unwilling to let the night end.

The addition of tour manager Sumter Session has clearly elevated their performances. His presence felt like the missing piece that turned Happy Landing into an unstoppable force. Whether supporting with guitar or keeping chaos organized, Sumter’s role is integral—not just as a manager but as part of the Happy family. His energy allowed the band to focus on what they do best: creating magic on stage.

As the set closed, it was clear that Happy Landing had transcended the folk-Americana scene they found themselves in July. Their trajectory now points to the stars. The Golden Tour is only the beginning for this band, whose determination and heart have solidified their place as rising stars in the music world.

When I think about Happy Landing’s performance, I can’t help but recall Robert Frost’s words:" Only where love and need are one, And the work is play for mortal stakes, Is the deed ever really done, For Heaven and the future's sakes."

Happy Landing embodies this rare alchemy of love and need. Every note they play invites us to share in their dream, and for a few hours on a rainy Thursday night, we felt like stakeholders. That’s the magic of Happy Landing: they remind us all what it means to chase something beautiful, together. Turns out they meant every word when they said, "This is where our story begins. Welcome to the family."