Max McNown Brings High Energy and Unexpected Covers to Boston
Max McNown brought infectious energy to Boston’s Roadrunner on August 1, 2026, on his A Lot More Free Tour, delivering a set that seamlessly blended Americana, folk and country with a handful of unexpected, well-loved covers. Backed by a tight, dynamic band, he struck a strong balance between confident showmanship and moments that let his musicians, particularly the guitarists, step into the spotlight.
The setlist took several standout turns, including a tender rendition of Coldplay’s “Yellow,” Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” and an upbeat, crowd-pleasing take on Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.”
From a photographic standpoint, this was one of the best-lit shows I’ve had the opportunity to shoot. I worked mostly with a 24–70mm f/2.8, which let me move fluidly between wide stage energy and tighter performance moments without frequent lens changes, and the lighting stayed consistently strong all night. My favorite frame came as McNown first stepped on stage: it captures his energy and gratitude in a single moment.
Even his whistling became an integral part of the performance, fitting naturally within his roots-driven sound. The night’s most memorable moment came during “A Lot More Free,” when the production fell away and it was just McNown and the audience singing together. With positivity radiating from the stage all night, he turned the Roadrunner into something that felt less like a venue and more like a shared space for a genuinely uplifting night of music.
About the Artist
Max McNown is steadily carving out his place in the modern Americana and country-folk landscape, recognized for his warm storytelling, optimistic tone and ability to connect with audiences. His live performances emphasize community and positivity, often transforming large rooms into something that feels far more intimate. With a rapidly growing fanbase and an expanding touring footprint, he’s an artist clearly on the rise.
About the Photographer
Jeff Kulis is a Massachusetts-based photographer with a passion for capturing the energy, emotion and authenticity of live music. Specializing in concert photography, he combines a love of music with a documentary-style approach, looking beyond the performance itself to capture the moments, expressions and atmosphere that make each show unique. From intimate club stages to packed arenas and outdoor festivals, he focuses on creating images that make viewers feel as though they were standing in the crowd.
Through his work with Frontlight Magazine and Jeff Kulis Photography, he has photographed a wide range of established and emerging artists throughout New England. Beyond concerts, his photography extends to landscapes, wildlife and street photography.
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