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MacKenzie McGraw

Grammy-nominated, award-winning country music artist Hunter Hayes performed at the Georgia National Fair in Perry on October 5, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. 

Love and Theft, the up-and-coming country music duo composed of Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson took the stage and sang a few of their hits “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely,” “Runnin’ Out of Air” and “Angel Eyes.”  

Hayes began his 105 minute concert with his song “A Thing About You.” Backed by his five-piece band, the 21 year old singer sang an eighteen-song set list from songs off of his album “Encore,” which reached Number 1 on Billboard’s country albums chart.

The performance, which Hayes stated was “brand new,” was in preparation for Hayes’ first headlining tour “CMT On Tour: Let’s Get Crazy.” He stated, “We got to design this show from the top down.”

The Atlantic Nashville recording artist showcased his natural songwriting and singing abilities by playing only songs that he wrote himself and highlighted his ability to play more than 30 instruments. Playing his iconic piano with song lyrics scrawled across its body, Hayes sang “Where We Left Off,” his song from the soundtrack to “Act of Valor,” and continued with his hit “Wanted.”                                                                   

On stage, he appeared to be in his comfort zone, stating how “music is the only way he knows how to express himself” and acted both humble and genuine. On many occasions, he thanked fans for supporting him and allowing him to live his dream every night.

Senior Julia Roberts and I are quick to say that not only is he a humble and genuine performer, but also a humble and genuine person; he is not one to put on an act in an attempt to gain a larger fanbase.

Julia said, “Hunter Hayes put on an incredible show. Seeing him perform and meeting him with MacKenzie with priceless.”

She continued, “When we left the arena, we noticed Hunter’s tour bus. There were a few people gathered around, so we went to see what was going on. When we talked to security, they told us that he wouldn’t come out, and that they have never seen a singer greet their fans after the show. Instead, he said we could give him a note.”

The note thanked Hayes, stating how much we enjoyed the night and how we thought this was only the beginning of a very long career for him.

Julia continued, “We assumed that he wouldn’t come out, but decided to wait for a few minutes instead. To our surprise, he came out and talked to us. He thanked MacKenzie and I for coming and wished me a happy birthday. He was really nice and thankful that we drove to see him.”

In over nine years, Hayes was the first to meet fans after his show. Despite having success and making it to the top already at the age of 21 with multiple number 1 songs, Grammy nominations, CMT awards, CMA awards and ACM awards,  Hayes is a musician that will stay in the spotlight for quite some time.

He has the natural talent to put on an incredible performance, the drive and determination and continues to remain humble, gracious and kind towards fans. 

If you missed his concert in Perry, Hayes will be back in Atlanta at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on October 17 to perform one of the first stops of his “CMT On Tour: Let’s Get Crazy” headlining tour.