Luke Bryan Rounds Out 3 Nights in New Hampshire During Birthday Week— Bringing Authentic Country Experience to Guilford
By Payton Cavanaugh
Photos by Payton Cavanaugh
“You can’t buy happiness but you can buyyy” a couple tickets to see Luke Bryan’s Mind of A Country Boy Tour.
Rounding out his birthday week in Gilford, NH, at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, Bryan had a packed house. From tailgating in the parking lot to cornhole in the queue line, a Luke Bryan concert is comparable to the largest cookout you’ve ever seen.
Opening for the multi-academy award winning artist were two up and coming country music musicians—HunterGirl and Lily Rose.
Starting off the night with a burst of energy was HunterGirl, former American Idol contestant, currently signed to Wheelhouse and 19 Recordings. HunterGirl famously first met Bryan on American Idol’s 20th season, where Bryan claimed she was “the best country singer to be on American Idol.”
HunterGirl had the crowd buzzing with excitement and truly enjoying the best of the country music atmosphere. Playing through many tracks to include her unreleased song, “Thank Your Ex,” she brought the energy with an electric performance and genuine audience connection, a theme that would continue throughout the evening.
Following HunterGirl was Georgia native Lily Rose. It quickly became clear that Rose is a rising star who just keeps burning brighter. Rose played through many of her own works while integrating covers of famous country tracks. Her cover of Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem '' had boots stomping from the pit to the lawn, building the anticipation for Luke Bryan to take the stage. Rose really took notice of the community at the venue that evening, commenting on the tailgating that had occurred hours before gates to the venue opened.
“I didn’t think it would be that crazy, but I was told this is New Hampshire,” Rose laughed as she segwayed into “Parking Lot.”
Not long after the opening artists Bryan took to the stage, the crowd erupting in screams and cheers. As soon as Bryan sang his first note, it was clear that this was “My Kinda Night.”
Bryan’s concerts are so unique in the environment he builds, almost resembling a large-scale house party in the best way possible. In between tracks he finds perfect pockets of time to just enjoy the night and engage with the audience.
Integrated throughout his setlist of recent releases and forever favorites, he held a clear connection with his audience. His performance captivated his fans, but his interactions solidified the close-knit community.
“It can’t be everyone’s birthday today,” Bryan exclaimed as one of his many bits of banter, joking with the crowd as many claimed to share a birthday with him. Bryan even began checking IDs as he looked out into the crowd of “It’s my Birthday” signage.
While Bryan is known for bringing the party, even offering up margaritas and sharing a cigar with the crowd, he also knew when to bring the lights down and dig deeper. As the spotlight found Bryan and his grand piano, you could hear a pin drop in the crowd.
Playing through “Drink a Beer,” the space suddenly was full of individuals commemorating lost loved ones. For me, it was my childhood friend, Lucas. We lost him early in life at just 14 years old, and the song felt like a personal tribute—A true testament to Bryan’s connection to his audience. The famous track was immediately followed by one of Lucas’s favorites, “Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Everyday.” To me, it felt like some sign from him. Bryan has an innate ability to connect with every person who attends his shows, and that was so evident in this moment.
All in all, a Luke Bryan concert is far more than just live music. Bryan’s connection with his audience makes for an entirely unique and special experience for all in attendance.