JEREMY ZUCKER

One thing I appreciated about Jeremy’s performance is that he leaned towards a straightforward rendition of his songs. He began the show with newer material before delving into a run of tracks from "love is not dying" and eventually transitioning to some of his older classics. Despite the absence of Chelsea Cutler, Jeremy was able to do justice to her parts and the audience seemed wholly content, if not oblivious, to her nonattendance.

I loved the incorporation of visually engaging elements in this set. Surrounding him were two LED setups that not only added a dynamic visual dimension to the show but also responded in sync with the production of the songs. The visuals ranged from what appeared to be stock videos to more intentional and song-specific displays. (I could be totally wrong about those images being stock videos so don’t read too far into that.) Similar to his openers, Jeremy showed a genuine connection with the audience—he even invited a girl on stage for a song dedication and evoked honest emotions as she sang along with tears in her eyes. The surprises continued as a young fan holding a sign was brought on stage during "talk is overrated," equipped with in-ears and a mic. The kid not only knew all the words but also engaged with the crowd, turning what could have been seen as a little gimmicky into a heartwarming and memorable moment.

Back to the performance, Jeremy showed a surprising range of musical styles, casually moving between new and old material. The inclusion of a drummer and a multi-instrumentalist added depth to the sound, while his proficiency on the piano added a layer of intimacy to certain tracks. Despite the high-energy atmosphere, he maintained a soft-spoken and authentic demeanor, clearly relishing the opportunity to connect with the audience. His anecdotes and genuine smiles throughout the show reinforced the sense that he was not just performing but sharing a personal experience with everyone present.

Beyond the music, his connection to the community was evident, with a portion of each ticket contributing to Lewiston families following their recent mass shooting. Despite not being the grandest in scale, this show seemed unequivocally enjoyable for Jeremy and the audience. His ability to relate to the crowd, stemming from his personal experiences like attending summer camp in Maine, added an extra layer of resonance. In the end, it was more than a concert; it was a celebration of music, connection, and shared moments that I think left everyone with a greater appreciation for all three artists performing. If you can see him live I highly recommend checking out this tour!