I couldn’t have been more excited to see Owl City. For me, it wasn’t just any concert, it was my 12-year-old daughter’s first concert. I’m at shows a few time a week but she’s never before had any interest in accompanying me to a show. I’d seen Owl City before, and knew it would be a great experience for her.
After seeing them perform live twice it’s now crystal clear that Owl CIty’s uber-positive electropop isn’t for everyone, but it’s definitely a hit with the youngest of concert goers for good reason. Adam Young wears his heart on his sleeve and packs a lot of endearingly goofy dance moves into his two hour set. The sense of gratitude to his dedicated fans is palpable throughout the set, and he seems genuinely happy to be able to perform.
There was something old-fashioned and sweet about the show. I liked seeing the plethora of tweens with their parents in toe, sitting on the edge of their seats, singing along with every chorus and refrain.
I was also very glad to have gotten to the show early enough to catch opener Mat Kearney. He had a level of showmanship and stage presence that was completely unexpected for an opener. Some artists just have that comfort interacting with an audience and Matt is one of them. At one point Matt jumped off stage and sang while he walked throughout the audience. When he returned he couldn’t stop laughing. Apparently he’d freaked out one of the older chaperone’s in attendance. As he jumped onto a balcony to croon to her she grabbed her purse in fear, not realizing he was the performer. “I just want to sing to you, not rob you!” He gently teased. And sing he did.
