Hunter Hayes always puts on a great show. The other night was no exception. I was excited when he announced the Evergreen Tour would be hitting Nashville. It’s been two and a half years since his last tour, and I was itching to see him live again.

Opener Franklin Jonas & The Byzantines delivered a high energy folk set that got the crowds attention. Around 9:00, the first chords of a guitar rang out, followed by a flash of color as the stage lit up in green. Hunter walked out and greeted the crowd, welcoming them to the Evergreen Tour. Cheers erupted as he launched into his first song, the title track of the album and tour “Evergreen”.

For the next two hours the room at Brooklyn Bowl was electric, as Hayes performed songs from his debut self-titled studio album to his current album “Evergreen” and everything in between. It was a set full of energy, guitar changes, music, and fun.

As someone who has seen him multiple times, it was my first time hearing most of the new material live. And honestly, it made me appreciate the album more as the songs took on a whole new level of emotion. Like it has for many others, his music has always been therapeutic for me.  “The Ones You Love” hit close to home. Hunter shared that he wrote the song about grief at a time he really needed it and apologized to any of us who were experiencing a loss of any kind.

Throughout the night Hunter gave many “Ted talks”, about life. He confided that, while the world may be a mess, he feels hopeful after the reaction he has gotten from this tour. Music brings people together, and his dedicated fanbase is a testament to that.

The entire concert was phenomenal, not a bad song in it. My favorite part of the show was what he called the party section, where many of the older hits were played. Songs like “I Want Crazy” and “Tattoo” are always fun live. He also did a mashup of two of my favorite more obscure songs “Rescue” and “Amen”.

Other highlights include a beautiful piano version of “Invisible”, where he shared a message of belonging. He also took to the drums for a little instrumental solo at one point. Throughout the night special guests were brought out including Danielle Bradberry, Tae Lewis, and Marty Schwartz. Being in Music City a lot of talent was in the room, and Hunter expressed nervousness that so many people he looked up to were watching in the audience.

As per usual he ended with “Wanted”. The piano intro is great, but the best part is the ending. Hayes strips down the music, stands at the edge of the stage with no microphone, takes out his in-ears, and starts an acapella sing-along. A beautiful end to a great night. Can’t wait until the next one. I will be back.