The Wholesome Wild of Bleachers: TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann - June 13, 2026
Photos and Words by Julia Hill
It was a hot June evening crossing the Ben Franklin over to Philly from the Jersey side, traffic lined the highway, and engines idled in the sinking sun as I made my way to the Mann to cover one of New Jersey’s most beloved bands. Excitement, nerves, and caffeine-induced jitters moshed to that one fact alone.
Bleachers began as a secret project by musician and producer Jack Antonoff in 2013, while he was still with his band Fun. It was not until a year later that “I Wanna Get Better” was released as a single, followed by the debut album Strange Desire. Over the years, Bleachers garnered a devoted following and global acclaim, their music described as “spiritual ecstasy” with inspiration taken from the 80s and 90s–it's not hard to imagine any one of their songs playing in the background of a John Hughes movie. It's the same type of nostalgic hope evoked by Springsteen and a saxophone solo; you can’t help but raise a fist with East Coast pride and angst for never escaping Jersey.
Currently on the Bleachers Forever 2026 tour with a new album, everyone for ten minutes, Antonoff and the band brought a massive production to the stage. It was a packed stage, full of equipment and instruments, a set made to look like a musician's sanctuary where mad ideas come to life. The velvet voice of Frank Sinatra serenaded the audience as the band took their places, the first few notes of “sideways” teased the ears. The energy was like a car easing into acceleration until the pedal was all the way to the floor, hand out the window, and you're flying.
During the song “Modern Girl,” the platform where the pit was raised shook from the audience, an earthquake under your feet. Gritty guitar and soulful saxophone solos layered and pulled to create that East Coast sound of glory. Antonoff and the band were all smiles, soaking in the love and vibrance of the night. It was wholesome and wild, the music rippling across the pavilion and into the hearts of the onlookers.
Next up are dates in Boston, Ohio, and New York. Check out tickets and more info here.
