When I tried to explain to my dad why I was exploding with giddiness at the thought of being just a few feet away from one of my all time favorite singers, he attempted (without success) to calm me down via this text:

“Just remember, Mat Kearney zips his pants every morning just like the rest of us.”

Sorry, Dad. I’m pretty sure anyone who can put on a show like the one I just saw, puts his jeans on each day with a little more swagger than the average Joe.

With a balanced repertoire of both songs from his new and old albums, Kearney got the fully-packed Canopy Club clapping and singing boldly out of tune to his music. As predicted, “Nothing Left to Lose” was a huge crowd favorite.

And ummm … can we talk about Tyler Burkum? Where has Kearney been hiding this talented, jean-shirt wearing piece of heaven? Not only was he part of the opening band, Leagues, but the guitarist and Kearney also worked closely throughout Kearney’s performance and had a comfortable stage presence. I know I speak on behalf of my fellow woman when I say that he may even have stolen the spotlight a little…

…Until Mat Kearney jumped off of the stage and walked through the crowd (yes, I touched his arm!), allowing fans to hoist him onto their shoulders. With a venue as intimate as Canopy Club, Kearney was able to maintain a connection with his audience; the simplicity of the stage setting matched the ambiance that emphasized this relationship between the music and the crowd.

And just when we were depressed thinking it was over, an overwhelming response of slow-claps and cheers called Kearney and his bandmates back onto the stage for an encore. It featured one of my personal favorites, “Ships in the Night,” from his new album and a cover of “Pumped Up Kicks” that brought the opening act back on stage for an all-encompassing performance. Kearney’s emphasis on the importance of family and friends once again shone through with his repeated thanks to Leagues and his audience. The show came to a close on a high note with “Hey Mama,” and as much as I did not want it to be over, this song gave me some good closure.

Overall, Kearney played some of his most popular songs even better than they sound blasting on repeat from my iPod speakers. He managed to draw in his audience with a few shout-outs to Champaign-Urbana and Homecoming and did some freestyle rapping. I guess he really knows the way to an Illini’s heart.