Luke Bryan Rocks Gilford, NH
Luke Bryan stands as one of country music’s most electrifying and influential artists. Hailing from Leesburg, Georgia, Bryan burst onto the music scene with a captivating blend of high-energy performances and deeply relatable lyrics. His debut in 2007 marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, characterized by a string of chart-topping hits and a string of record-breaking albums. Bryan’s distinctive sound marries traditional country with a modern twist, capturing the essence of Southern life while appealing to a broad audience. Hits like "Someone Else Calling You Baby," "Crash My Party," and "What Makes You Country" showcase his ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with catchy melodies. His dynamic presence on stage, combined with his down-to-earth persona, has earned him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim, including multiple Grammy nominations and prestigious awards from the ACM, CMA, and Billboard Music Awards. Beyond his musical achievements, Luke Bryan is celebrated for his genuine connection with fans and his philanthropic efforts, including his work with the Brett Boyer Foundation and support for various charitable causes. As a coach on "The Voice" and a prominent figure in the country music landscape, Bryan continues to shape the genre’s future while staying true to his roots. When we saw 3 shows coming to Gilford, NH we knew we had to be there to review despite the 2.5 hour drive for us. But, oh wait...2.5 hour drive actually turned out to be 4 hours because of multiple accidents. Thankfully, only 2.5 hours to get home.
Depending on who you ask the weather was warm, although seemed coolish to us. The breeze off of Lake Winnipesaukee was refreshing to fans. BankNH Pavilion is one of the nicer theaters we have in New England. Multiple artists have commented on how Gilford, New Hampshire is always their favorite stop on their tours. Misting fans were blowing and the fans were rowdy. First, we were blessed to have HunterGirl. Season 20 runner-up from American Idol. Her classic country twang was very evident. She performed a handful of her songs and sounded spectacular. Her highlight definitely came with her own rendition of Pink’s “So What”. The crowd went crazy.
Following after HunterGirl was Lily Rose. We were only familiar with her by name and didn’t know what to expect from her musically. She is phenomenal performer. Her stage presence was electric. She was really a pleasure to watch and she brought the crowd in just like an opening act should be doing. Lily’s song “Villain”, which she is best known for was the highlight of her set. Luke Bryan chose wisely for his supporting acts and they complimented the Georgia singer well.
When the lights dimmed and the concert-goers realized it was time for Luke to emerge the fans went crazy. How could you not? Luke puts on a hell of a show. He commands the stage. He uses the whole stage during his performance and we absolutely love it The stage jetted out into the General Admission Pit which absolutely created a sense that Luke was close to much of the audience throughout the whole show. From the moment he launched into his first song, Bryan's energy was infectious. His charismatic stage presence immediately captivated the audience, drawing them into each song with his powerful vocals and engaging personality. Backed by a talented band, Bryan effortlessly transitioned between upbeat anthems and heartfelt ballads, showcasing his versatility as a performer. The setlist was a perfect blend of Bryan's greatest hits and newer tracks, ensuring that both longtime fans and newcomers alike were treated to a memorable evening of music. Songs like "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)" had the entire amphitheater dancing and singing along as the show ended, while tender moments during songs like "Drink a Beer" brought a sense of intimacy to the performance.
Luke was celebrating his birthday this week and asked the crowd who else had a birthday. Most of the audience screamed out as if it was their birthday’s too. Bryan joked that it’s statistically impossible for 33% of them could not possibly share the same birthday as him. He then started checking licenses of the fans. It was a nice lighthearted moment that really showed his true colors as a person as well as an artists. Kudos to him for creating moments for the fans to remember forever. Throughout the concert, Bryan interacted with the audience, sharing stories behind the songs and expressing his gratitude for their support over the years. His genuine connection with the crowd made the concert feel like a personal experience, despite the large venue. The production values were top-notch, with impressive lighting effects and stage design enhancing the overall ambiance of the show. Each song was accompanied by a dynamic visual display that complemented the mood and energy of the music, further immersing the audience in the experience.
Luke Bryan's concert in Gilford, New Hampshire was a resounding success. With his infectious energy, powerful vocals, and heartfelt connection to the audience, Bryan proved once again why he is one of country music's biggest stars. The evening was a celebration of music, community, and the undeniable joy that comes from a live performance by a true entertainer. If you are able to take in a Luke Bryan show it’s an absolute must. BUY. THE. TICKET. BUY 2.