CMT presents Hunter Hayes “Let’s be crazy” Tour with special guest, Ashley Monroe

CMT presents Hunter Hayes “Let’s be crazy” Tour with special guest, Ashley Monroe

CMT presents Hunter Hayes “Let’s be crazy” Tour with special guest, Ashley Monroe

Chicago, IL - sold out show on a Friday night brought out teenage daughters and mothers to see one of the hottest acts in country music. Hunter Hayes has been on a roll ever since his self-titled album came out in 2011 and for this tour, he was very hands-on putting together this production.

Opening the show was Ashley Monroe, an accomplished country artist with 2 albums who worked with several artists and in the group, Piston Annies. Opening with You Got Me, along with two covers Carry On and Heart Like Mine, she showcased her beautiful vocals. She shared with the crowd that she just got married the day before to Chicago White Sox pitcher, John Danks and ended her set with Can’t Let Go.

It’s always nice to see artists playing theaters versus arena, where the music and emotions get lost. This was the case tonight, as the lights dimmed and thousands of screaming voices erupted as Hayes opened with Storm Warning. Backed by a very tight band, this allowed Hayes to move around the stage with the confidence of man 10 to 20 years older than his 21 years.

Hayes told the crowd he would play the whole Encore edition album which was greeted by more cheers. Playing for close to 2 hours, he was able to weave in and out from country rockers to ballads. Throughout the show he played several instruments and on guitar he soared and showcased an amazing talent on the fret board.

During Everybody’s Got Somebody But Me, a video came on with Jason Mraz to sing the duet. This was such a perfect paring of the two, as they both have similar vocal ranges. With In A Song & If You Told Me To, he played alone on the left side of the stage with just a spotlight and acoustic guitar. I will admit, having seen some of the biggest names in guitar playing; Hayes is on his way there. As he drummed on the guitar, he looped the drumming part as he continued playing; even mixing in humming through the guitar to create a beautiful sound. All I can say is I was impressed.

Hayes showcased his piano skills with the heart tugging song, Where We Left Off - a song he dedicated to all our soldiers out there. He continued with Wanted, a beautiful love song that had the crowd singing along as Hayes let them sing the chorus. He ended his set with the energetic, rocking Light Me Up and Better Than This, leaving the crowd screaming for more and would not stop until Hayes came out for an Encore.

He brought out Ashley Monroe to sing What You Gonna Do. The excitement grew as everyone in the crowd knew what was going to be played - the crowd almost tore the roof off the venue as I Want Crazy started. Confetti shot through the air as the song ended and Hayes finished with a leap in the air.

This is a show that will be remembered by many of his young fans years from now and for the adults in the crowd that left knowing they are seeing a superstar in the making.

The tour continues through early December, you can check the dates on www.hunterhayes.com/shows

Photo & Review by Peter Lizano

 

Comments

comments