SAM HUNT AT PNC BANK ARTS CENTER IN HOLMDEL

July 8th, 2023 the PNC Bank Arts Center turned into a country haven. As I walked from my Jeep towards the entrance, there were tons of girls rocking their cowgirl boots and hats, guys rocking their cutoffs and cowboy hats, and a plethora of country music was rocking out from various vehicles. The crowd was massive and ready to rock out to the man himself, Sam Hunt. 

Now I have to admit, this was my first country show ever (both to watch and photograph). I honestly could not believe the size of the crowd and just how many people were, both, still tailgating and in the venue once I entered. There were people of all ages. Everyone was smiling, laughing and energized as they awaited the start of the show.  

“Summer On The Outskirts Tour 2023” kicked off with special guests Brett Young and Lily Rose. Lily Rose hit the stage first and got the crowd up and rocking from the get go. With a quick intermission, Brett Young followed and there were definitely some big fans of his in attendance. He rocked the stage and the crowd with hits “In Case You Didn’t Know” “Lady”, “You Didn’t”, and plenty of others. Brett Young finished his set loud and made sure the crowd was ready for the man headlining the tour, Sam Hunt. 

The band made their way out to their respective spots on stage. The stage was dark with beams of light highlighting the edges. The music began to play and as the stage lights hit, Sam Hunt made his way to center and the place went absolutely insane. I had to take a second and look around the venue as the crowd was THAT loud. You had to see and hear it to believe it. “Raised On It”, “House Party”, and “Kinfolks” are the tunes that started off the night. As “House Party” played, Sam Hunt left the stage to take a little stroll through the crowd to connect with some of the many fans in attendance. He would make his way back to the stage to play a few more tunes from Outskirts and some older hits, before venturing out into the crowd to a second stage to give his fans even more of an experience. After returning to the main stage, he would surprise everyone by entering the crowd once again for another nice little stroll while high fiving the fans he passed. Just as the show was coming to an end, fans would be gifted with one last hit, “Body Like A Back Road”, which is one of his hits that just about every single one of his fans loves.  

After seeing this show, all I have to finish with is, country might have just gained a new fan.