Howie Day “Songs and Stories Tour” at The City Winery in New York City

On March 19, 2025, Howie Day graced one of my favorite live music venues in New York City, The City Winery, as part of his “Songs and Stories Tour.” His performance last Wednesday evening was a solo act featuring only his acoustic guitar, looping pedals, guitar effects, and a piano. He commenced with “She Says,” a track from his debut album released in 2000. Day exhibited remarkable talent, effortlessly playing simple melodies, singing refrains, and creating rhythmic beats by tapping the body of his guitar. He recorded these elements in real-time, layering the sounds to produce an intricate backing track as he performed. His impeccable looping and spontaneous vocal harmonies were truly astonishing, showcasing a level of artistry that must be witnessed to be fully appreciated. 

Day’s performance was strikingly emotional and raw, a quality often missing in live shows. He drew inspiration from musical theatre, hitting high notes with precision and sustaining them, allowing his vibrato to resonate. By using a reverb pedal, he filled the venue with sound, creating a powerful auditory experience in such a spacious setting. The element of surprise throughout Day’s set added to its enchantment, as he blended the grandeur of an arena concert—with its epic instrumentals and immersive atmosphere—with the intimacy and heartfelt emotion characteristic of smaller venues.

In a thoughtful twist, Day reserved his biggest hit, “Collide,” for the encore, opting for a more stripped-down rendition of the song that made him famous. By delaying its performance, he showcased his full range of talent, allowing the audience to relax and savor a familiar favorite, the perfect culmination of an unforgettable evening. Experiencing Howie Day's show felt akin to a child enchanted by a mesmerizing magic performance, and he concluded the night with “Ghost.”

*About the venue 

City Winery NYC, located at Pier 57 in Hudson River Park, is a restaurant, winery, and event venue offering a unique blend of culinary and cultural experiences, including live music, wine tastings, and private events, with stunning Hudson River views. City Winery was founded in New York City in 2008 by Michael Dorf to deliver a unique combined culinary and cultural experience to urban wine enthusiasts.