A WEEK AGO, DAVE AND I SPENT SOME TIME AT THE FIRST HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL IN PEACEFUL CALLAWAY GARDENS. We had been there just weeks before for the Multiple Sclerosis 150 cycling event so we weren’t quite sure what to expect from the festival. The minute we saw the music lineup we were intrigued though. Several of the artists we had been following  for years and also some new independent artists in the mix. Once the mention of delicious food was added into the weekend, we were hooked.

I’ve always enjoyed having an eclectic mix of artists in my personal library. Digital music has allowed independent artists to gain attention even more so. I love the fact that I can hear a song on a television show like Grey’s Anatomy and then have it downloaded onto my ipod within minutes of completing the show. That’s where I first heard Mat Kearney. His music has been handpicked more than once by the Grey’s Anatomy producers to color a pivotal scene in the show. It is a visual and musical pairing which makes the scene haunt you long after you’ve deleted it on your DVR.  I *had* to have “Nothing Left to Lose” and “Breathe In Breathe Out” once I had been haunted by their strains.

Kearney’s new album, Young Love is not only full of wonderful singles which will capture your ear, but it’s presentation as a whole will capture your heart. This is an album you will want to purchase in it’s entirety. The acoustic sounds of Mat’s guitar line blends so beautifully with the Hammond Organ which adds it’s soulful thoughts in the background.

As soon as Mat started his set people rose up out of their chairs and headed toward the stage area on the sand. Boyfriends took their girlfriends by the hand and kids were dancing along in the sand. it was clear that some in the crowd had come to see him specifically, but I am sure he won some new fans that day. Callaway’s beach was the perfect setting for Kearney’s well-written words and heartfelt singing. As the set transitioned through both familiar and new pieces, Mat Kearney delivered a crowd-pleasing performance at the Harvest Moon Festival.

I have been blessed to hear Mat play in various situations. In Nashville he played a concert at the Opryland Hotel for the Blissdom 2011 concert. That was an intimate nightclub situation just for attendees. It was a special night filled with great music. To hear Mat Kearney again in an outdoor venue simply cemented my appreciation for his true musician’s soul and singer/songwriter quality. Though the setting was different, the quality of performance was equally as special. It fit the mood of the Harvest Moon Festival perfectly.

I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to experience this festival’s inaugural year and cannot wait to attend next year’s music and food event. It was so worth orchestrating three children to their respective friends and relatives so that Dave and I could enjoy some uninterrupted conversation. The funny thing is that the festival was so family friendly that they could have actually come along easily. Maybe next time we’ll let them!

Mat Kearney is currently on tour in more than 40 cities.

10/20         Nashville, TN            Cannery
10/23         Washington, DC       9:30 Club
10/24         Baltimore, MD           Ram’s Head
10/25         Lancaster, PA            Chameleon
10/27         Allentown, PA           Crocodile Rock
10/28         New York, NY            Webster Hall
10/29         Philadelphia, PA       Theater of LIving Arts
10/30         Albany, NY                 Northern Lights
11/1           Northampton, MA      Pearl Street
11/2           New Haven, CT          Toad’s Place
11/4           Boston, MA                House of Blues
11/5           Portland, ME              State Theatre
11/6           Burlington, VT            Higher Ground
11/8           Montreal, QC              Petite Campus
11/9           Toronto, ON                Opera House
11/11         Buffalo, NY                 Town Ballroom
11/12         Pittsburgh, PA            Rex Theater
11/13         Detroit, MI                   St. Andrews
11/15         Columbus, OH            Newport Music Hall
11/17         Chicago, IL                 House of Blues
11/19         Madison, WI               The Majestic
11/20         Minneapolis, MN       First Avenue

DISCLOSURE: Mat Kearney’s Young Love concert at Callaway Garden’s 2011 Harvest Moon Festival was a review assignment by the One2One Network. I am a member of One2One Network. They provided me with two festival tickets to facilitate the review and share my honest impressions with you. This in no way influenced my ability to discern good music, nor would I lie to you. Mat Kearney is more than worthy of a date night with your husband. Go get your tickets!