On September 19th and 20th, the enchanting Ford in Hollywood will welcome back the Michalka sisters — Aly & AJ — for two special nights, with Americana powerhouse Amanda Shires setting the tone as the opening act. Tucked into the Hollywood Hills with its crystal-clear sound for about 1,200 lucky fans, the Ford offers an ideal spot for the duo’s warm, introspective vibes. These shows, kicking off their Silver Deliverer Tour following a special performance at the Grammy Museum on Sept. 12th, will mix timeless pop gems, heartfelt folk-rock journeys, and standout moments from their freshly released album Silver Deliverer, all under the gentle glow of a California evening sky.
From Teen Pop Icons to Indie Rock Sages
Alyson and Amanda Michalka first lit up screens and airwaves as Disney Channel standouts, with Aly leading in Phil of the Future and the pair teaming up in Cow Belles. Their musical spark ignited with the 2005 debut Into the Rush, bursting with feel-good anthems like “Rush” and “Chemicals React” that defined early-2000s optimism. They built on that momentum with the double-platinum Insomniatic in 2007, where “Potential Breakup Song” became a sassy staple, still sparking viral moments on TikTok years later with billions of views.
As adults, the sisters balanced acting roles — Aly in iZombie and Easy A, AJ in The Goldbergs and Hellcats — before reclaiming their music path independently. The 2017 EP Ten Years signaled a thoughtful shift, paving the way for the radiant 2021 album A Touch of the Beat Gets You Up on Your Feet Gets You Out and Then Into the Sun, which has been praised by critics and fans alike. Their 2023 follow-up With Love From embraced ’70s folk-rock echoes of Fleetwood Mac, mixing raw emotion with catchy hooks. Released a little over four months ago, Silver Deliverer, AJ & Aly’s sixth studio effort, delves even deeper, co-produced with Jonathan Wilson in Topanga Canyon’s rustic studios using vintage analog gear and live band energy. It’s a soul-baring collection touching on sisterly bonds, new motherhood (Aly recorded parts while cradling her newborn son), and quiet hopes, blending shimmering west coast layers with gritty guitar swells for tracks that are reflective of a liberated, adult-driven earnestness.
At the heart of Aly & AJ’s allure are their velvet-smooth harmonies — effortless, evocative, and achingly sincere, like a shared secret between old friends. Live, they exude effortless chemistry: trading guitar riffs, sharing knowing smiles, and pulling crowds into intimate sing-alongs with a mix of playful energy and quiet intensity. Their performances turn venues into living rooms, where vulnerability meets joy in a way that’s both nostalgic and forward-looking.
A Setlist Blending Nostalgia, Heart, and Fresh Fire
Based on their 2025 outings, like the vibrant sets at Summerfest and SXSW, Aly & AJ craft shows that honor their roots while spotlighting growth. Early crowd energizers often include “Potential Breakup Song” and “Chemicals React,” refreshed with a rockier edge that celebrates their 20-year milestone. From A Touch of the Beat…, expect potentially upbeat favorites like “Pretty Places,” “Slow Dancing,” “Don’t Need Nothing,” and “Listen!!!” to ignite dances and choruses. With Love From gems such as “With Love From,” “Blue Dress,” “Lasso,” “Sunchoke,” and “Baby Lay Your Head Down” add folk-tinged warmth, often weaving in “Places to Run” for reflective pauses.
The real draw for the upcoming Ford performances may be debuts and poignant pieces from Silver Deliverer, now a live staple after its spring launch. Tracks like the resilient “Sirens,” emancipating “What It Feels Like,” profound “If You Get Lonely,” blooming “Dandelions,” and the title song promise raw, harmony-drenched moments that capture the album’s themes of change and comfort. “Next to Nothing” and “I Don’t Know What It Is” may close strong, leaving fans with a sense of uplift. These intimate Ford sets, part of the tour’s kickoff, will likely emphasize the record’s hopeful core, with Aly & AJ’s guitars and vocals soaring against the venue’s natural reverb.
Shires opens with her fiddle-driven storytelling, pulling from works like Take It Like a Man to prime the crowd with rootsy vibes that mirrors the sisters’ evolved palette.
The Ford’s Allure: Cozy Vibes in the Hills
Perched above Cahuenga Pass with its Spanish Revival elegance, the Ford captures the essence of LA’s golden hour — breezy, starlit, and perfectly suited to Aly & AJ’s canyon-born sound. This smaller-scale spot contrasts larger tour stops, fostering a close-knit feel where every harmony hits home. The duo’s festival triumphs, from Lollapalooza to their 2025 Grand Rapids Pride headline, show their command of any crowd, but here, their passion for community and growth will take center stage, echoing their work in mental health advocacy and inclusivity.
What to Expect
These back-to-back evenings will trace Aly & AJ’s inspiring evolution: teen dreamers turned bold creators, all anchored by unbreakable sibling magic. With Shires’ soulful prelude and the Ford’s hilltop serenity, get ready for a heartfelt ride inclusive of revisited classics, emotional new waves, and those unforgettable harmonies that linger far past the concert has concluded. It’s a triumphant return to LA roots, where the music feels as fun and substantive as the city itself.
Cover image caption: (L-R) Aly & AJ Michalka sing while playing their acoustic guitars. Photo by JC Olivera and Variety via Getty Images.
For more information and to purchase tickets to Aly & AJ at the Ford on Friday, September 19th and Saturday, September 20th — with both performances beginning at 8:00 pm — visit theford.com.
