In the vast landscape of American roots music, few voices rise above the noise with the authenticity and fire of Sierra Ferrell. Her unmistakable sound—equal parts Americana, folk, and bluegrass—transcends genre lines and time itself. This week, JamFest shines a well-deserved spotlight on Ferrell’s remarkable 2021 XPoNential Music Festival performance, a set that captured the magic of live music on the Camden Waterfront in New Jersey.
And tonight, fans can relive every moment of that unforgettable show on NPR’s All Things Considered Live Radio Show—a weekly celebration of live music that brings festival performances, NPR showcases, and iconic venue recordings to the airwaves with the intimacy and power only live radio can deliver.
The All Things Considered Live Radio Show: NPR’s Pulse of the Live Music Scene
Broadcasting nationwide, The All Things Considered Live Radio Show is a love letter to live performance. Each week, the program dives into the vibrant world of NPR-driven artists, festivals, and showcases, spotlighting handpicked performances that define the best in contemporary music.
From the smoky allure of Americana to the cutting edge of indie rock and jazz, this show bridges the gap between festival stages and living rooms, bringing listeners the heartbeat of the live scene. Tonight’s episode is a special treat for roots music fans—a full rebroadcast of Sierra Ferrell’s XPoNential Music Festival 2021 set, recorded live at Wiggins Park on the Camden Waterfront.
Sierra Ferrell at XPoNential 2021: A Modern Folk Revival on the Waterfront
When Sierra Ferrell took the stage in September 2021, the crowd at Wiggins Park knew they were witnessing something extraordinary. The XPoNential Music Festival, presented by Philadelphia’s WXPN, has long been known for its immaculate sound, riverfront setting, and an audience that genuinely listens. Ferrell gave them more than a show—she gave them a moment.
Her voice—warm yet ghostly, rich with character and emotional nuance—floated across the Delaware River as she launched into a setlist that showcased her remarkable versatility. From the heartbreak of “Jeremiah” to the playful swagger of “Cheap Wine & Cigarettes,” Ferrell blended vintage country melancholy with gypsy swing, Appalachian storytelling, and timeless charm.
What set this performance apart wasn’t just her sound—it was her presence. Ferrell’s charisma on stage is radiant yet effortless. Between songs, she laughed with the audience, shared snippets of her journey, and played with a confidence that can only come from an artist deeply connected to her craft.
Her band, equally sharp and soulful, followed her every cue, transforming each song into a living, breathing jam. As the sun dipped over Camden, the festival crowd swayed, danced, and sang along, fully enveloped in the sound of a performer at the peak of her artistry.
A Performance That Defined a Moment
The 2021 edition of the XPoNential Music Festival marked a triumphant return to live music after a year of pandemic silence. Sierra Ferrell’s set became symbolic of that return—a joyous reminder of what it means to gather again, to feel again, to be moved by sound and story in the same space.
Her performance resonated far beyond New Jersey. Fans from across the country who discovered her through NPR Music’s coverage found a voice that felt both familiar and revolutionary—rooted in the old, yet reaching for the new. Ferrell represents a new era of Americana, one that’s less about revivalism and more about reimagining tradition.
Tonight: Relive Sierra Ferrell’s XPoNential Set on All Things Considered Live
Tonight’s All Things Considered Live Radio Show gives listeners a front-row seat to that magical night in Camden. Every song, every note, every banjo riff and fiddle cry is preserved in stunning clarity. The show captures not only the music but the atmosphere—the buzz of the crowd, the wind off the waterfront, and the unmistakable sense that something special was unfolding on stage.
Listeners can tune in to hear the full set, including favorites like:
- “In Dreams”
- “Jeremiah”
- “The Sea”
- “Made Like That”
- “Why’d Ya Do It”
- “Cheap Wine & Cigarettes”
Each performance radiates Sierra Ferrell’s free-spirited energy, weaving storytelling, humor, and heart into an unforgettable live experience.
XPoNential Music Festival: New Jersey’s Home for Live Discovery
For over two decades, the XPoNential Music Festival has been a beacon for true music lovers—fans who value authenticity, songwriting, and performance over flash. Its waterfront setting, across from the Philadelphia skyline, makes it one of the most scenic and musically rich festivals on the East Coast.
Year after year, XPoNential has hosted a blend of rising stars and iconic acts, offering an unmatched atmosphere for artists to connect with dedicated audiences. It’s not just a festival; it’s a community that celebrates the live music experience in its purest form.
Sierra Ferrell’s 2021 appearance exemplified everything the festival stands for: musical exploration, intimacy, and that rare spark between artist and audience that can’t be manufactured or streamed.
Why Live Music Still Matters
In an age of digital everything, performances like Ferrell’s remind us why live music remains sacred. It’s about presence. It’s about connection. It’s about being in a space where the song isn’t just heard—it’s felt.
JamFest was built on that philosophy. From New Jersey’s vibrant local venues to the country’s biggest festivals, we celebrate the artists, moments, and communities that keep live music alive.
When Sierra Ferrell steps onto a stage, she brings more than songs—she brings stories, spirits, and an unfiltered honesty that binds artist to audience. And tonight, thanks to NPR and The All Things Considered Live Radio Show, fans everywhere can experience that alchemy once again.
Tune In, Turn Up, and Feel It
So, wherever you are tonight—whether you’re cooking dinner, driving through the city, or just craving the sound of something real—tune in to The All Things Considered Live Radio Show and immerse yourself in Sierra Ferrell’s unforgettable XPoNential Music Festival performance.
Let her voice transport you back to that September night on the Camden Waterfront. Let the music remind you why live performances will always matter.
Because here at JamFest, we know one truth better than anyone else: live music isn’t just an event—it’s an experience, a connection, and a celebration of sound that never fades.