REVIEW: Mt. Joy @The Mann Center 9/26 & 9/27

Oct 4, 2025 Alana Beltran

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WRITTEN BY: Chloe Reeve

PHOTOS BY: Adrianna Radicioni

This past weekend, Mt. Joy ended their Hope We Have Fun tour with a homecoming performance for lead singer Matt Quinn and guitarist Sam Cooper. While I was only able to attend the first night of their show at the Mann Center in Philadelphia, it was nothing short of a fun time. Everyone in the crowd was either smiling or dancing, all united by one common thread—Mt. Joy. The indie-rock band gave an electrifying finale to what has been an incredible debut for their new album. They graced the audience with a blend of their popular songs, such as “Dirty Love” and “Bathroom Light.” And new ones from Hope We Have Fun, such as “Pink Lady” and “In the Middle”. Philadelphia native Matt Quinn immediately connected with the crowd, saying, “It feels good to be home.”

The five-piece band displayed their down-to-earth and meaningful demeanor with the audience, a full house of Mt.Joy fans. Their artistry on stage was captivating, especially pianist Jackie Miclau, who gave an incredible performance during the intro to their popular song Dirty Love. Fans were simply left mesmerized, and there was no question as to why. This concert meant something to Philadelphia, and anyone in the audience could feel the energy and passion during the night.

There was no opener for Mt. Joy, but they performed two sets with a short break in between. Their pure dedication to their music and their fans is evident in the energy they brought to the Mann’s stage. The surprise band on the first night was none other than Philly’s own Snack Time, an American soul, funk and alternative band. Snack Time’s fervent and soulful sound fused perfectly with Mt. Joy’s rhythmic style. I highly suggest giving them a listen. They brought a fantastic energy to the stage.

Hope We Have Fun is Mt. Joy’s fourth LP and truly tells a story for the band. The album symbolizes their journey as musicians over the last few years and provides a sense of love, relationships and ultimately, about having a good time on this crazy rollercoaster we call life. I recommend giving the album a listen if you haven’t already. My personal favorite is In the Middle! Witnessing Mt. Joy perform live was undeniably magical, and I look forward to their next performance in Philadelphia.