When I was younger, I used to think the best live music experience was crowding into a giant stadium and watching whatever Top 40 act was currently dominating the charts. I would spend a fortune to attend these shows and never once thought there could be a superior approach to concert-going.
In recent years, I've learned that it can be much more rewarding to get to know an artist on their rise to packing stadiums, by seeing them in smaller venues. The experience is much more intimate, you get to sit a hell of a lot closer and often times they really talk to the audience. I don't mean they shout, "What's up, Boston?!" I mean, they actually talk to you. They tell jokes, they converse with people in between songs and they share the stories behind their lyrics.
The artist who spawned my live music epiphany is Matt Wertz.
I first saw Matt when he was the opening act for Gavin DeGraw at the Wilbur Theater back in September 2008. Since then I've seen him perform seven more times.
Typically during a Matt Wertz show there will be a moment where he'll want to have "the talk." Where he wants to "DTR," also known as, "define the relationship." In that same spirit, let's review my musical journey with Matt:
1. September 2008 - Matt opens for Gavin DeGraw at the Wilbur Theater.
2. February 2009 - Matt headlines at the Paradise Rock Club. The Alternate Routes are the opening act. I will go on to buy their album as well.
3. March 2010 - Matt is the opening act for Five for Fighting at the House of Blues. We pay full price, but leave after Matt's set.
4. March 2011 - Matt is the headliner at Royale in the Theater District. Ben Rector is the opening act. Ben is so good we'll go on to see his solo show at The Sinclair.
5. November 2012 - Matt headlines at the Brighton Music Hall. His friend Steve Moakler is the opening act.
6. May 2013 - Matt performs for the first time at Club Passim. His friend Seth Philpott is the opening act.
7. November 2013 - Matt headlines at Harvard Square's newest venue, The Sinclair. Husband and wife act Elenowen are the openers.
8. TONIGHT! - Matt returns to Club Passim. Jeff Leblanc is the opening act.
As you can see, Matt and I have a long history. In fact, you might even say we're old flames.
I kid, I kid. "Old Flames" is the name of his new album.
When Matt took the stage tonight, he was looking a little casual. He was in a cotton t-shirt, a backwards baseball cap and flip flops. Don't let the outfit fool you. Tonight Matt gave his most fun and energetic performance yet. I can honestly say, of all the times I've seen him, this might have been my favorite.
He opened the show with my favorite of all of his songs, "Carolina." I was smiling so wide I thought my face was going to break.
After the first tune he told the audience tonight's show was going to be, "The Epcot Center of my music. We're going to sample a little from every single album. We'll go a la carte." I died laughing at that comparison.
Sure enough, he did play all the hits. He even worked audience participation into most songs. I'd say about half the audience were die hard Wertz fans. There were people singing along to each and every song.
In addition to his guitar playing and swoon-inducing voice, Matt also shared some hysterical stories with the crowd, including the time he was on Harvard campus and tried to track down Natalie Portman (who was a student there at the time). He confessed he camped out outside her class and pretended to read a newspaper.
Speaking of storytelling, every show Matt talks about an organization he supports called the Mocha Club, which helps provide care to women in Africa. Tonight he shared that since 2006 the organization has raised over $1 million dollars. Pretty impressive.
I smiled the entire show. Like, the kind of smiling that hurts your face.
To top off what was already a memorable performance, tonight I finally met Matt.
Earlier in the week, my friend and I resolved that once the show was over, we'd wait to see if we could meet him. We've attended seven of the last eight shows together and we both decided it was about time we grew a pair and introduced ourselves.
Tonight, that dream came true.
Matt came out from backstage and saw a group of us waiting and he walked right up to me, stuck his hand out and said, "Hi, I'm Matt." I nearly fainted.
I told him about the show with Gavin where I discovered his music and what a loyal fan I've been ever since. He was so gracious. When I asked if he'd mind posing for a photo, he threw his arm around me and smiled just as widely as I did.
Tonight was living proof that when it comes to live music, bigger isn't always better. Getting to know Matt Wertz and his music over these last six years has been such a gift.
If you aren't familiar with Matt, check out his website here.
Have you discovered any amazing artists recently?
