Dermot Kennedy – Huntington Bank Pavilion – Chicago (A PopEntertainment.com Concert Review)

Dermot Kennedy – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island – Chicago, IL – June 7, 2023

sonder n. the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own – populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines ...

It’s no huge surprise that Sonder is the name of Dermot Kennedy’s latest album and tour, because his recent Chicago show was vivid, complex, ambitious and populated by a whole crowd full of both new and old friends. His music and lyricism reach all ages and his music fosters human connection. The nearly sold-out crowd was eager for his set to start as the lights on the LED screen showed "Chi Town, you have always been good to me. You bring a certain type of energy."

The Irish singer-songwriter started with a powerful tune titled “Blossom,” the last track on the new album. This song was a message about fostering a new romantic love and the tribulations along the way. He transitioned to the energetic 2019 hit “Power Over Me.” The crowd sang and danced along to the entire tune.

Halfway through the set, Kennedy made his way to his piano. He encouraged everyone to show the lights on their phones while he gave a sermon about remembering a time in your life when everything was perfect. He wanted everyone to mentally go back to a memory that they go to when times are hard. The light was supposed to represent that memory. He had the crowd look around to see each other’s lights and to feel less alone, a common theme for the tour.

Dermot then transitioned to a ballad called “Innocence and Sadness,” a tune about savoring every moment and season of your life. There were many in the crowd crying as he fostered a safe space to feel and experience your emotions. Dermot continually stopped his set to tell stories about his experience with music to further the connection he has with his fans.

Dermot finished the evening with two of his most popular and far-reaching songs, “Outnumbered,” and his latest hit, “Something to Someone.” These songs allowed the crowd to sing at the top of their lungs. The show was overall spectacular. He demonstrated his ability to tell stories through his emotional depth, vocal range, and uncanny ability to connect with the crowd. We cannot wait to see what Dermot has in store for the future.

(Note for photo gallery: The opening act was Sasha Alex Sloan.)

Samantha Monendo