Thursday night Sam Hunt brought his talent and energy to a raucous crowd of country music lovers at Toronto's Budweiser Stage. The audience had already been well warmed up by the songwriting hooks of Maren Morris, Chris Janson, and Ryan Follese.
Yes, everyone was definitely in the mood to buy a boat.
But when familiar anthems of year's past began to reverberate from the massive sound system, and one of modern country's brightest stars appeared on stage, there was little arguing that he was in his domain and right where he belonged.
With familiar hits like "Body Like A Back Road," "Break Up In A Small Town," "House Party," and heart wrenchers like "Take Your Time, and "Make You Miss Me," Sam's energy reigned supreme. The #15InA30Tour was in full effect, and the audience was on their feet for the modest but extraordinary talent.
In between numbers, Sam was quick to thank everyone who got he and his band to this point in time, and drenched with gratitude, he had little trouble paying homage to singers like Travis Tritt and various other artists and mentors from yesteryear.
Sam's humility is really his story. He kept his shirt on. He wasted little time introducing us to his bandmates. He apologized for his weak lungs and sore throat which had cost him previous shows recently, and he genuinely seemed grateful for every single clap and cheer.
The performance was anthem-like. The light show was fun. The stories were positive. And his light was contagious. Serenading us with a story about sneaking onto an airport tarmac, and later marrying the very girl he stole a kiss from as the jets took off above their heads, I can honestly say that I went home inspired to buy a cowboy hat and learn some new songs.
There was no encore that night as he was still nursing some symptoms. But we all got our money's worth. From start to finish, Sam Hunt is a must see show.
Leigh Bursey is a 29 year old civic affairs television talk show host, published author, municipal politician, singer/songwriter and social activist. He enjoys longs walks on the beach, Irish whisky, pretty girls, and passionate performers. He is also the frontman of Ottawa area folk punk band Project Mantra, and the founder/operator of upstart record label Recovery Records.
