Delaney Hibbits
Arts and Entertainment Editor
Freedom is being able to scream without being the center of attention. Freedom is being able to dance without sticking out. Freedom is being able to cry, laugh, smile, and sob in a matter of minutes without being judged. Freedom is being at concerts.
Concerts are one of the few events where most people feel at peace. Fans can sing every word and still blend in with the crowd. Others can share the memories through photos and videos to bring joy to those unable to attend. Concerts in the summer are just another level of happiness.
From May to August, there were numerous concerts in the New Jersey and New York area. Some artists were Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Lauren Spencer-Smith, Sam Hunt, and Thomas Rhett—each one with a unique setlist, venue setup, and night of music.
Since before the start of summer, Taylor Swift has been on tour performing a three-hour setlist to represent her albums. On May 26, Swift started her weekend at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This was the start of her Era’s weekend.
She started with her hit song “Cruel Summer” and made an incredible journey taking fans through the years of her music. Swift performed a ballad of love with “Enchanted” while giving heartbreak the perfect representation with “Illicit Affairs.” She also gifted New Jersey with numerous surprises such as new outfits, a music video premiere, and a collab with Ice Spice.
The most unforgettable part of the night would be the surprise songs. Swift sang one of the most wanted and loved songs from Reputation, “Getaway Car” with Jack Antonoff. Afterward, she sang “Maroon” from her latest album, Midnights, which was the first time this song was performed live.
There is no denying Swift is the artist of the decade. She gave fans a night they’ll never forget by playing the music that has shaped the lives of millions. Overall, this singular show proves her tour is an unstoppable success and will be one for the music history books.
Luke Bryan, a country artist with twenty-seven #1 hits, does his best to tour once a year and fights for a spot in Holmdel, New Jersey. Bryan is one of those artists who performs for the fun rather than the reviews. He loves to include his audience by bringing them on stage to sing, dance, and shotgun a free beer.
Bryan always starts his shows with upbeat, positive tunes like “Kick the Dust Up” before transitioning to gut-wrenching songs like “Do I.” He knows how to control a crowd. His setlist is always a medley of old and new hits to keep all generations included.
His tickets are relatively cheap considering the experience one would receive at his PNC concerts. Due to his talent, passion, and undeniable charm, Bryan will always be one of the most common names on the country music charts.
On the smaller side of streaming, Lauren Spencer-Smith performed two sold-out shows at Irving Plaza in New York. Spencer-Smith is a young up-and-coming artist who just released her album, Mirror. The album features songs about love, “That Part,” betrayal, “28” and family trauma, “Bigger Person”.
Spencer-Smith had two smaller artists, Geena Fontanella, and Blake Rose, open for her with their own songs as well as a few famous covers. Following their sets, Spencer-Smith took the stage and delivered a beautiful New York City-worthy performance.
Being only nineteen, it is easy for Spencer-Smith to relate to her audience since many are in the same age range. She opened with “Never Been in Love” which started the waterworks early for many. Anyone left with dry eyes lost it with the next song “Bigger Person”. After a blend of heartbreak and soulmate ideals, Spencer-Smith ended her show with one of her most powerful songs, “28”.
New York City was sparkling after this dazzling concert. Spencer-Smith is living proof that age does not define fame, popularity, or talent. If she can play well in New York, she can play anywhere.
Sam Hunt is a well-known pop-country artist who bounces between genres depending on his latest singles. His concert was less about feeling and more about living. His choice of songs helped deliver an evening of entertainment and laughter.
Hunt also played in Holmdel, New Jersey which is known to have a full lawn throughout the entire show. Hearing “House Party” and “Ex To See” live are experiences no one should have to miss. Hunt had beautiful visuals including the concept of standing on a bridge over a waterfall which portrayed the stories he wrote about in an impressive way.
Between a great setlist, fantastic stage design, and a humorous persona, Hunt put together a show worth seeing. Fans were walking out with merchandise and videos to last a lifetime.
Atlantic City is known for its yearly country music festival, Tidal Wave. Tidal Wave is three days of music on the beach. Fans go to sing, dance, and enjoy their favorite artists while their toes are in the sand.
This year, Thomas Rhett was the headliner for the Friday night performance. Rhett has had over twenty #1 hits and continues to climb the charts with new songs. He is known for his energy, stories, and ability to cover multiple genres. Rhett performed songs such as “Jesse’s Girl” and “Shut Up and Dance” to appeal to all generations.
When it comes to concerts, Rhett always includes stories regarding his family. At Tidal Wave, he talked about meeting his wife and all the songs about their relationship. He performed “Life Changes” and “Die A Happy Man” to show everyone what true love should be about.
Overall, Rhett is and always will be an entertainer. He is one of the best options for a headliner because of his popularity but also his talent. When it comes to spending money on tickets, Thomas Rhett is a solid choice.
This summer was filled with big names and expensive tickets but also underground artists in need of more recognition. There is freedom in being able to scream the lyrics to songs that are relatable without looking out of place. There is freedom in crying because the words cut too deep but also smiling because of how sweet the meaning may be.
Concerts are worth every penny because money will come bad but the experience will not. Thomas Rhett may never perform at Tidal Wave again and Taylor Swift’s tour will eventually come to an end. This type of freedom is one worth advocating for.
