Jesse Welles
Jesse Welles
SHOWS & TICKETS
ABOUT
Jesse Welles unassumingly upholds and continues the tradition of traveling troubadours, relaying the news, putting pain into words, and healing with a little humor. Fearless, he reports from the frontlines of a divided country on the brink, addressing inequalities and injustices, cutting through all bullshit and driving directly to the source of the matter. His songs leave the same mark in front of a sold-out club as they do under the unbiased eye of a smartphone camera as he strums his guitar alone in the wilderness of Arkansas. Following tens of millions of streams and a groundswell of acclaim from Rolling Stone, the New York Times, and more, the singer, songwriter, and guitar player cuts deep on his 2025 full-length album Middle. "Breathe to write, write to breathe," he says. "Humans are meant to create, so I'm gonna create music and keep releasing it constantly."
Jesse calls Ozark, AR home. Growing up, his father worked as a mechanic, and his mom a school teacher. Early on, his grandpa copied The Beatles' White Album and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band for Jesse. At 12-years-old, he finally scrounged up enough to dough for a “$56 first act guitar from Walmart.” It became like another limb. He fed his obsession by checking CDs out of the public library and ripping them to the family computer, embracing classics from Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, and Woody Guthrie.
Relocating to Nashville, he launched his eponymous band Welles, releasing music and touring incessantly. He logged 280 shows in a year, canvassing North America and Europe alongside the likes of Royal Blood, Highly Suspect, Greta Van Fleet, and Dead Sara. Dropped from his old label (mid-Pandemic), he quit a job at a vegan meat manufacturer and returned to Arkansas. In February 2024, life changed again when dad suffered a heart attack. Sitting in his father’s hospital room with a Woody Guthrie biography on his lap, Jesse realized what he needed to do.
He walked into the Ozarks, placed his phone on a tripod, sang right to it, and posted the performance. The ensuing series of videos made a seismic impact online. He impressively attracted over 1 million followers on Instagram by performing tunes like “Cancer,” “Fentanyl,” and “War Isn’t Murder” out in the cold. On a creative tear, he served up two full-length albums, Hells Welles and Patchwork, and sold out successive headline tours. Capping off 2024, he railed against the corruption of the healthcare system in the powerful polemic “United Health,” which Rolling Stone hailed as “a John Prine-like ballad.”
Now, Jesse turns the page on another chapter with his new album Middle and its first single “Horses.” “It’s a pro-love song,” he notes. “Fear leads to hate. Hate leads to all kinds of atrocities. You build up walls. If you love everyone, it’s a lot easier on you—and everybody else too. Hate is a whip for the mule. Nobody gets nutrition from it.”
“If my music helps you believe you can make art and tell the world how you feel, there would be nothing better,” he leaves off. “I hope you get those paints out of the garage or fill up your journal. Turn on your phone and say what you gotta to say. There’s so much wild stuff in my head. I want to see where it can go.”
Your visit
Want exclusive benefits while making a real difference to the important work we do as a charitable, non-profit arts organization?
Become a member today and unlock exclusive benefits – like early access to tickets with members-only presales, monthly ticket giveaways, and an insider's tour of the legendary Massey Hall. Plus, enjoy premium in-venue perks, including private lounge access, priority bar service, and complimentary coat check—all while supporting the vital, mission driven work we do for artists and our community.
Massey Hall is located at 178 Victoria Street (corner of Shuter Street & Victoria). Reach us at 416-872-4255 or contactus@mh-rth.com.
By Subway
Massey Hall is a short walk from both Dundas and Queen stations on the Yonge Line.
- From Dundas Station: Walk south on Yonge, then turn left on Shuter Street.
- From Queen Station: Walk north on Yonge, then turn right on Shuter Street.
By GO Transit or VIA Rail
From Union Station, take the Yonge subway line north to Queen Station and exit via the north platform.
Parking
Massey Hall does not have its own parking lot, but several options are available nearby:
- Eaton Centre underground lot (entrance at Yonge & Shuter)
- Green P at 25 Dundas St. E. (at O'Keefe)
- Green P at 37 Queen St. E. (at Victoria)
Bags are discouraged and subject to security screening. Bags larger than 14" x 14" x 6" are not permitted. Allowed bags must be soft-sided and fit completely under your seat.
Massey Hall is committed to creating an inclusive experience for all guests. Recent upgrades include enhanced amenities, accessible seating, and—for the first time in our 126-year history—elevator access to bars, washrooms, and upper levels via the 178 Victoria Street entrance (southeast corner).
The 100 Floor section can be General Admission for designated concerts.
Accessible seating is available on all levels and can be purchased online, or by calling 416-872-4255.
Bars and washrooms are available on all three levels of the venue.
- Floor level guests: Please use the Muskoka Spirits Basement Bar.
- Balcony and Gallery guests: Access the Grolsch Balcony Lounge on Level 2 and GrolschGallery Lounge on Level 3 via the glass corridors through the Allan Slaight Auditorium.
Coat check is available at the Muskoka Spirits Basement Bar. Please note that Massey Hall is a cashless venue, so only credit or debit cards are accepted.
For everyone’s safety, all guests will go through a quick security screening before entering, including bag checks and metal detectors.
Thanks to our official hotel partner, our patrons receive exclusive offers across the Pantages Hotel and Silver Hotel Group locations including:
- Music fans visiting Massey Hall will receive 15% off available room rates at Pantages Hotel
- Music fans visiting Roy Thomson Hall will receive hotel rates of 20% off available room rate at Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown
- Additional preferred rates at partner hotel properties including Hotel Victoria, The Anndore House and Novotel Toronto Centre.
BOX OFFICE & TICKETING INFORMATION
This website is the official ticket outlet for Massey Hall. When you buy here, you’re guaranteed:
- Authentic tickets
- Event updates (e.g., time changes, cancellations)
- Direct support from our team
Tickets may also be available from:
- Toronto Symphony Orchestra
- Ticketmaster
- Artist presales
- Official event promoters
Avoid Third-Party Sellers
Tickets purchased from unauthorized resellers may be invalid, overpriced, and ineligible for updates, replacements, or refunds.
If you're unsure, contact us before purchasing.
Why are there service charges?
Service fees cover the operational costs of ticketing and vary by event and promoter requirements.
Can I get a refund?
Refunds are only available:
- If you purchase Booking Protect at checkout (via our third-party partner)
- If an event is cancelled
For postponed events, we’ll contact you with your options.
Cash refunds are not available; alternate arrangements will be offered if needed.
Reach us at 416-872-4255 or contactus@mh-rth.com.
The box office opens 3 hours before each event.
Note: All transactions are cashless.
How do I get my tickets?
All tickets are delivered digitally. You’ll receive two emails:
- A confirmation email
- A PDF ticket email (check your spam/junk folder)
Choose Print-at-Home or Mobile Delivery and present your ticket on your phone or as a printed copy at the venue.
What is a mobile ticket? Tickets are delivered digitally and scanned from your mobile device for a seamless, contactless experience.
Purchase tickets at www.masseyhall.com. Tickets bought via Ticketmaster can be accessed through the Ticketmaster mobile app.