There are concerts that are meant to be seen, and then there are shows that are meant to be felt. On Sunday, September 27, SUSTO Stringband wrapped up their 18-month, two-record tour run on The Windjammer’s NÜTRL Beach Stage, closing out a special chapter of music with an overwhelming sense of intimacy and band lore.

The evening opened with a stunning performance by Macelyn Batten, who held the early crowd spellbound with her deeply personal songwriting and emotional vulnerability. Her set was so captivating, raw, and moving that we felt her performance deserved its own dedicated standalone review—be sure to check out our full feature on her set [here].

When the main set began, it felt less like a standard concert and more like sitting around a campfire with old friends as frontman Justin Osborne opened up about the origins behind some of the band's most beloved tracks. The musical dynamic was a true collective effort—every member of the band was given a chance to shine both vocally and instrumentally throughout the night.

Osborne reminisced about living in Charleston and the ex-relationship that prompted a Valentine's Day card—which eventually grew into "Friends / Lovers." He shared lighthearted memories about his beloved Ford E-350 vans (having owned three) that inspired a song after one was totaled in Texas, and recalled the band's technical formation at Asheville's Double Crown bar because his Texas-born wife wanted to go two-stepping. The band even tipped their hats to Willie Nelson with "Mamas / Cowboys," recalling Willie's personal invitation for them to play Bear Creek.

The synergy on stage with Holler Choir was palpable. One of the highlights was "Last Chance Linda"—co-written in a tour van alongside Jackson Grimm and Nat Copeland of Holler Choir. Osborne shared the real-life Florida tour story behind the song: meeting an unforgettable woman named Linda at the Last Chance Liquor Store.

Other storytelling moments hit close to home, including "Tell My Blues"—written by Jackson about a perfect night with not a care in the world—and "Hands in the Dirt," born during a moment Osborne almost gave up on music until his dad advised him to just work harder. Bringing things full circle, they treated the crowd to "Seminole," a nod to their very first tour in Florida.

Instead of a traditional stage encore to close out the main set around 9:15 PM, the band unplugged, grabbed their instruments, and walked down to the lower deck of The Windjammer. Surrounded by fans in the ocean breeze, they played a handful of acoustic tracks to wrap up the night exactly as it was meant to be closed: intimately, joyfully, and together.

SUSTO Stringband Setlist — September 27, 2026

Main Stage:

1. Acid Boys
2. Rooster
3. Homeboy
4. Friends / Lovers
5. Mt. Caro
6. E-350
7. Double Crown
8. Bear Creek
9. Mamas / Cowboys
10. Life is Suffering
11. Hands in the Dirt
12. Tell My Blues
13. Listening to the Wind
14. Seminole
15. Don’t Feel Right
16. Gloryland
17. Diamonds
18. Wishing Well
19. Never Losing Me
20. Last Chance Linda
21. Acoustic Deck Set: County Line
22. Angeline the Baker
23. Gettin Taller
24. Chillin on the Beach
25. Jah Werx