9.4.26 - Minneapolis, MN

*Photo by Rebecca Ackerman - @rackermanphoto*

A Dermot Kennedy show is like coming home to a fire burning with a warm drink and your favorite blanket. In this comforting shared experience, you’re treated to Kennedy telling stories through his music and giving bits of himself away with each live show. The opening night of the North America leg of The Weight of the Woods Tour delivered on that experience and then some. In Minneapolis, Kennedy brought along with him a whole band and stunning visuals to aid in his storytelling.

Hunter Metts started the night on his first of two nights opening for Kennedy. The Nashville singer-songwriter released his first EP, A Crater Wide, last fall and spoke about his new music set to come out this fall. Metts’ set was humble in a way that felt appropriate for the night. Just himself and another guitarist, the two found a way to fill the stage. Metts’ nervousness wasn't apparent despite the Armory being the biggest crowd he’d ever played in. Each song included a heavy instrumental guitar section at the beginning before any singing took place. This gave the audience an opportunity to really listen to the music and appreciate it. Metts played a new, unreleased song, “Times and Places," and closed out his set with his most-streamed song on Spotify, “Weathervane.”

Dermot Kennedy stepped onto the moss-covered stage in the shadows. The screens in the background were illuminated, and Kennedy was there to do a reprise of “The Weight of the Woods.” As a tribute to the state, Kennedy came out wearing a University of Minnesota crewneck. Kennedy cruised through the songs "Honest"and "Wasted" before sinking into comfort.

The visuals on the screen were stunning. Each one captured the attention of the fans and made it impossible to look away from the stage even for a moment. During “Refuge,” an aurora in the night sky appeared on the screen behind Kennedy. The Irish singer-songwriter wrote The Weight of the Woods near his home in rural Ireland. Those visuals made it feel as though we were in rural Ireland with him.

Photos by Rebecca Ackerman - @rackermanphoto

Kennedy was incredibly humble and grateful throughout the show. As he took the time to talk in between songs, it was apparent it was the first night of the tour, but that wasn’t a bad thing. The audience got to hear the unpolished and raw thoughts Kennedy had about his songs and what each of them reminded him of in his life. Before “After Rain,” Kennedy said he believes this song was why fans keep supporting him and coming to his show. He remembered writing it and not seeing many streams at first, until it started to catch people’s attention later.

The soft guitar picking Kennedy did during his songs made each one sound soft and gentle, especially during “Happiness.” The emotion from it shot straight into my chest as I stood there in awe of his performance. When it came time to perform the title track, “The Weight of the Woods,” the crowd lit up green strips of paper with their phone flashlights to create their own woods inside the Armory. This moment was so special, and I hope it continues through the rest of the tour.

The night ended triumphantly with “Funeral,” which felt like a fitting signifier to close out the show. Kennedy’s raw voice and poetic lyrics sent sparks out to the crowd. The poetic depth and deep lyricism of The Weight of the Woods translated beautifully onto that stage. Kennedy’s ability to turn moments into memories made it an unforgettable night.