Photos and review by Rebecca Clark

On August 29th, the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, NY, was buzzing with excitement as country star Walker Hayes took the stage, with opening performances by Tenille Arts and Kylie Morgan. The show was a rollercoaster of emotion, fun, and family moments, leaving the audience captivated by the raw talent of each performer.

**Tenille Arts: Emotionally Charged and Heartfelt**

Tenille Arts set the tone for the night with a beautifully stripped-down performance. Accompanied only by her drummer and an acoustic guitar, Arts showcased her vulnerability and songwriting prowess. During her performance of “So Do I,” a song written by Demi Lovato, Arts knelt on stage, pouring her emotions into every note. The intimacy of the moment was palpable, and it was clear she was still processing the heartbreak that inspired much of her set. Her performance was short but powerful, closing with her hit single “Somebody Like That.” Arts left the audience with a lasting impression, and it’s evident she has a bright future ahead.

**Kylie Morgan: A Sparkling Performance with Pop-Country Flair**

Kylie Morgan brought a lively energy to the stage, blending her country roots with fun, pop-inspired moments. Early in her set, she shared that she started writing songs at 15 with Walker Hayes, a connection that came full circle as she performed “Cuss a Little,” a song the two co-wrote. One of the highlights of her performance was a mashup of Gwen Stefani hits, including “Rich Girl” and “Hollaback Girl,” which had the crowd singing along. Morgan’s personality shone through, especially with her sparkly bejeweled guitar and mic stand. She dedicated “Country Girls” to the women in the crowd and ended her set with the impactful “If He Wanted To He Would,” a song she credited with changing her life. Morgan’s fun-loving stage presence and impressive songwriting make her an artist to watch.

**Walker Hayes: A Family Affair and a Night of Storytelling**

From the moment Walker Hayes stepped on stage, the crowd was treated to a show packed with both high energy and emotional depth. Hayes kicked things off with “U Gurl” and then “Stetson.” During “Stetson” Hayes and his dancers wore cowboy hats and once the song was over they tossed a their hats to lucky fans. Throughout the show, Hayes seamlessly balanced the party atmosphere with heartfelt storytelling.

One of the most touching moments of the night was when Hayes brought his two youngest daughters, Loxley and Everly, on stage to sing “Father Time” with him. The song, inspired by his deep bond with his daughters, became even more moving with the girls by his side. Hayes spoke about how his relationship with his daughters is something truly special, joking that while he wouldn’t mind if his sons moved out, he is going to be heartbroken when his daughters do leave the nest. Hayes joked that they can live with him forever if they want. This family moment stole the show, as Hayes had predicted.

There were plenty of lighter moments as well. Hayes teased the crowd, hinting at a possible live rendition of his collaboration with Flo Rida, who was performing at the nearby NY State Fair. Although it was just a joke, the thought of the two artists performing together with Rida’s song “High Heels“ added to the fun of the evening. Hayes also introduced his oldest daughter, Lela, who has been working as a backup dancer on tour, proving talent runs deep in the family.

Hayes’ set was packed with surprises, from the dancers adding choreography to the band members’ solos, to a fun snippet of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song during “Halloween.” Backup dancer and singer Nikki Mele took center stage alongside Hayes for “Halloween,” adding her vocals to create a standout moment in the performance.

Hayes shared a personal story about his relationship with his father, admitting that as a kid, he often felt anger toward him for missing many of his sports games and important moments because of work. However, as Hayes grew older and became a father himself, he began to understand the challenges of balancing parenthood and life’s demands. Before achieving success as an artist, Hayes faced his own struggles, but he always knew his dad believed in him and supported him. Three years ago, Hayes lost his father to MS, and he expressed how fortunate he felt to have been able to sing the song “Briefcase” to him, a song he wrote in his honor.

Hayes’ authenticity and willingness to share his struggles made the night feel intimate, despite the large crowd.

Of course, no Walker Hayes show would be complete without his viral hit “Fancy Like,” which closed the show on a high note. His youngest daughters reappeared to dance along, adding even more charm to an already unforgettable performance. Hayes’ mix of fun, family, and vulnerability made this concert a standout, leaving fans feeling like they got to know the man behind the music on a deeper level.

Walker Hayes is not just an amazing songwriter and performer – he’s a storyteller and a family man who invites his audience into his world with open arms.

Walker Hayes Photo Gallery

Kylie Morgan Photo Gallery

Tenille Arts Photo Gallery