Marshall Crenshaw Brings Timeless Power Pop and Back-Porch Charm to Love & War in Texas
By the time Marshall Crenshaw took the stage at Love & War in Texas on May 20, the mid- day rain had already moved out of Plano, leaving behind that unmistakable North Texas humidity that makes the air feel a little heavier than it ever should be, but those who came to see this legendary musician knew he’d lighten the evening regardless the weather. Love & War has an indoor/outdoor music room whose sound is as deep and warm as the wood lining the walls and ceiling. The audience of loyal fans and the feeling that this was less like a concert crowd waiting for a show and more like a group of longtime friends gathering to hear songs they’d carried with them for decades created the vibe of the evening.
Marshall Crenshaw
This is all part of the magic of Marshall Crenshaw.
He’s never needed arena-sized gestures to make an impact. His songs work on a more human and personal scale. His songs hold bright melodies, sharp hooks, clean guitar lines, and lyrics that sneak up on you because they sound easy until you realize how well-built they are. At Love & War, that scale fit him perfectly.
Marshall Crenshaw
When I arrived and parked I noticed Marshall sitting outside near the side door, guitar in hand, looking completely at ease. No entourage, no separation, no rock-star force field. Just Marshall Crenshaw sitting there like a guy who might talk music and experiences with you for a while which is exactly what happened. We spent about 15 minutes chatting before I headed inside.
Later, before his set, I noticed him standing near the entrance greeting people as they came in. Maybe it was intentional. Maybe it was just instinct. Either way, it said a lot. Marshall is genuinely accessible, not in a manufactured “meet-the-fans” way, but in the manner of someone who understands that songs don’t live in isolation. They live with people. They become part of people’s lives. The music of Marshall Crenshaw has become the fabric of his fans lives.
Marshall Crenshaw
The set opened with “Move Now,” and right away the band had that relaxed-but-ready feel that only comes from musicians who know how to breathe life into each note.
Marshall’s voice was one of the first things that stood out. While he’s been performing for decades, he still sings with clarity, tone, and control. The years are there, of course, they haven’t dulled him or the energy given to every song.
Mark Ortmann
The band help bring all of that age more from each song. Fernando Perdomo brings a sound and musicianship that you can see his passion for the music in every note that sings from his strings. Mark Ortmann keeps the band on pace from behind the drums, and Derrick Anderson’s bass playing is highly interlocked with Marks timing.
Derrick Anderson
Early in the set, Crenshaw reached back to one of rock and roll’s foundational voices with Buddy Holly’s “Crying, Waiting, Hoping.” Holly’s influence has always been somewhere in his musical DNA — that sense of melody, simplicity, sweetness, and ache all packed into a few minutes. Passing Through” and “Bob Dylan’s 115th Dream,” showed the range that has sometimes been hidden by the easy shorthand of calling Marshall Crenshaw a power-pop artist. While that label fits, it doesn’t tell his whole story. Crenshaw’s music pulls from early rock and roll, folk-rock, rockabilly, garage pop, and old-school songcraft. He’s always been a student of songs, not just styles.
Fernando Perdomo
As the set moved into “Driving and Dreaming,” “Blues Is King,” “Mary Anne,” and “Dime a Dozen Guy,” the night had a comfortable groove. Love & War was the right room for this kind of show. The intimacy made the details matter — the overall tone, the glances between players, and the smiles from the audience who took in every song with the familiarity of an old friend.
Marshall Crenshaw
All of this was a run up to, “Someday, Someway.”
For anyone who grew up with that song coming through car radios, record-store speakers, or bedroom stereos, hearing it live in a small room in Plano carried a special charge. It still has that same rush — bright, nervous, hopeful, and completely alive. The audience responded with real affection, singing along, on their feet moving and feelings the memories the song bring to mind.
“Someday, Someway” delivered the kind of full-circle moment longtime fans had waited for in anticipation throughout the evening.
Mark Ortmann
At Love & War in Texas, Marshall Crenshaw gave Plano a reminder of what great songwriting can do when it’s played with care, confidence, and heart. The performance was intimate, sharp, warm, and deeply human — much like the incredible songsmith he has always been.
Derrick Anderson
Setlist
Move Now
Crying, Waiting, Hoping — Buddy Holly cover
Passing Through
Bob Dylan’s 115th Dream
You’re My Favorite Waste of Time
Live and Learn
Fantastic Planet of Love
This Is Easy
Driving and Dreaming
Blues Is King
Mary Anne
Dime a Dozen Guy
I’m Sorry (But So Is Brenda Lee)
2541 — Grant Hart cover
There She Goes Again
Cynical Girl
Someday, Someway
Encore:
Monday Morning Rock
Whenever You’re on My Mind
Fernando Perdomo
Marshall Crenshaw
Fernando Perdomo