"Quittin' Time" Zach Bryan Concert Review

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA.- The Bryce Jordan Center hosted country music’s new golden boy, Zach Bryan, on his “Quittin’ Time” tour on Tuesday, March 12.

Bryan began his “Quittin’ Time” tour on March 6 in Chicago. His stop in State College marks his fifth stop on this US/Canada tour. Joined by openers The Middle East and Levi Turner, Bryan and crew to a packed house at the BJC.

In fact, Bryan played his largest “Quittin’ Time” show thus far at the BJC, which boasted a crowd of 15,900.

While running on to the stage to the intro of “Overtime,” Bryan shouted out two “We Are” to an electric and rowdy crowd, which naturally fired them up even more.

Bryan and his music isn’t necessarily “hype,” but the artist commanded the crowd, with fans hanging on to the Grammy-winners every word.

The band and Bryan all had exceptional stage presence and an overwhelming charm.

It’s hard to captivate an audience without a spectacle. Bryan could not rely on background dancers and set design.

Bryan rarely used the jumbotron for graphics, simply having it showcase him and his band. It was simply Bryan on stage with his band, string lights draped from the large screen.

Even from the nosebleeds, the concert felt like a backyard jam session. It’s truly Bryans's artistry, from the brilliant lyrics and phenomenal voice, that compels the audience to scream along with him so intensely.

There was a genuine gratitude that the 27-year-old maintained all evening, introducing each song, no matter the volume of cheers, with “hope you don’t hate it.”

Bryan’s fiddle player, Penn State alumni Lucas Rugejones, received several shoutouts from the country star, which were consistently met with warm welcomes from the crowd.

The inconsistent set list Bryan kept some of his biggest hits and beautiful songs such as “Open the Gates,” “Nine Ball,” “Boys Of Faith,” “East Side of Sorrow,” “Condemned,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” “Dawns,” Something in the Orange,” “Heading South,” “Burn, Burn, Burn,” “Hey Driver” and “Sweet DeAnn” among other songs.

Shockingly, Bryan left songs like “Deep Satin” and “I Remeber Everything” out of this show, which was performed on previous dates.

The night's highlight is Bryan’s now-iconic encore of his hit “Revival.” He and his entire band left the stage for about 10 minutes after the faux finale of the tour's namesake, “Quittin’ Time.”

Bryan introduces his band members and allows them to showcase their talents fully with their individual instruments. It’s clear Bryan and his band are close and have a true love for performing live.

Every chorus of “Revival” got louder as the song and introductions continued. The energy in the BJC was incomparable, another great example of Bryan’s stage presence.

It’s hard to think of a better day than 65 degrees and sunny with a Zach Bryan concert at the end of it. But even if it was negative 65 degrees, it’s hard to think of a better performer to bring the kind of warmth everyone in State College needed.

Sophia D’Ovidio is a third-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email sgd5184@psu.edu.