Photos by Rebecca Clark | Review by Rebecca Clark and Renee Clark Quade
CMAC was buzzing on Friday night, August 8th, as fans packed in for an incredible evening with Edwin McCain and Train, and let me tell you, this one was special.
Edwin McCain kicked things off with the kind of warmth and charm only he can bring. He was quick to poke fun at himself, joking about how his classic hit “I’ll Be” still pops up in places like Home Depot and Walgreens, and how he makes his kids listen every time it comes on in public. The humor landed perfectly, but behind it, you could see how grateful he is that his music has stood the test of time.
Even though McCain took some time away from the spotlight to raise his family, you’d never know it by watching him. His voice, his band, his stage presence, everything was tight and full of life. His set, though short, hit all the right notes with crowd favorites like “I Could Not Ask for More,” “Walk With You,” and of course “I’ll Be.” He even treated fans to “Kool Miles” from his latest album, Lucky, proving his new material stands just as strong as his classics.
What really made McCain’s performance shine was how personal it felt. His stories between songs gave the night this intimate, storyteller vibe, almost like he invited us into his living room instead of playing a big amphitheater. Seeing him smile, laugh, and genuinely connect with the crowd was a reminder of why he’s still so loved.
Then it was time for Train, and the energy shift was instant. Lights flashing, train whistles echoing, and Pat Monahan striding onto the stage to kick off with their latest single “Brokenhearted.” From the very first note, he had the entire crowd hooked.
Monahan is the kind of frontman that makes a show feel like a party you don’t want to leave. His vocals were flawless, his energy non-stop, and his ability to connect with fans unmatched. At one point, during “If It’s Love,” he grabbed fans’ phones, snapped selfies, and tossed them back with lightning-fast precision, a tradition Train fans live for.
The night was full of playful moments too, like when Monahan teased the crowd with a snippet of “Hey, Soul Sister” before finally giving in later in the set. And during “Meet Virginia,” he joked about wearing their “Hates to Be Alone” shirt for their fill-in guitarist, Butch Walker, signed it right off his back, and threw it into the audience.
One of the absolute highlights of the night was Butch Walker stepping in on guitar. With Taylor Locke out on paternity leave, Walker lit up the stage, from his bright pink socks to his blazing riffs, he was pure energy. He bounced around with joy, pointing at fans, grinning ear to ear, and shredding like he’d always been part of the lineup. And while he may have been a temporary fill-in, Walker is a powerhouse artist in his own right with a loyal fanbase and an incredible catalog, which made seeing him jam with Train feel like a rare treat.
Train also threw in some killer covers and mashups. Their take on Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control” was so good it could have passed for an original. They blended “Angel in Blue Jeans” with Hozier’s “Too Sweet,” and later mashed “Drive By” with The Beatles’ “Hey Jude.” Monahan even paid tribute to Black Sabbath with a heartfelt cover of “Changes,” after sharing how meaningful it was for him to see Ozzy’s final show.
Every member of Train brought their own magic, bassist Hector Maldonado jamming alongside Walker, drummer Matt Musty keeping the pulse steady, and Jerry Becker holding it down on keys and guitar. Together, they created a sound that was tight, vibrant, and full of love for the fans.
When it came time for “Bruises,” since Ashley Monroe wasn’t there to sing her part, Monahan had each of the band members take a turn on the vocals, a playful twist that made the song feel fresh and extra fun for the crowd.
Instead of ducking off for the typical encore, Train kept the momentum alive by bringing Edwin McCain back out for a stunning cover of “Hotel California.” And of course, they closed the night with their iconic “Drops of Jupiter,” leaving the crowd singing every word.
Train has been a staple in the music scene for decades, and seeing them live makes it clear why. They’re not just talented, they’re passionate, fun, and completely in sync with their fans. Pair that with Edwin McCain’s heartfelt set, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a summer night that no one at CMAC will forget.
Edwin McCain Photo Gallery
Train Photo Gallery
