A NIGHT IN THE WOODS, I MEAN WITH SAM BARBER AND WAYLON WYATT
BY EMMALEE SULLIVAN
On February 6th, The Anthem welcomed Sam Barber for his “American Route” tour, transforming the venue into something that felt far more intimate than its size suggests. Walking in, I was greeted by a stunning stage design with a mountain-and-sunset backdrop framed by tapestry and prop-style pine trees. Paired with the interlude music, it felt like stepping into a nostalgic camping trip back home in Colorado with friends.
The sold-out night began with a whimsical set from Wild Horses, full of melancholy lyrics and stunning violin that had fans in the front row grabbing their plus-ones and swaying along. Looking out into the crowd, nearly every fan sported some kind of merch, whether from Sam Barber, Waylon Wyatt, or Wild Horses. While it could easily be chalked up to clever marketing or strong graphic design, it felt more like a family gathering to celebrate music that had clearly given them all so much joy.
Next up was 19-year-old Waylon Wyatt, who delivered a performance that people were still talking about long after the night ended. I had seen Waylon online and knew him for his charming, humorous personality, but his live performance revealed a surprising level of depth and emotional care in his vocals. Country isn’t typically my first genre of choice, yet Waylon’s set felt almost like an alternative melancholy act, think Cigarettes After Sex making a country record. One standout was “I’d Be Delighted,” which I was lucky enough to experience up close in the photo pit. Fans in the front screamed the lyrics nearly as loudly as Waylon’s mic, making the moment feel intensely shared.
Waylon also made a conscious effort to connect with fans throughout the set, frequently making eye contact that made people feel seen and emotionally understood with just a glance. That sense of connection extended to the band as well. During each song, members would intentionally move toward one another, smiling between verses and feeding off the shared energy. I often find myself analyzing band dynamics. It fascinates me how artists can live on a tour bus together for months on end without growing tired of one another. While this was an early stop on the tour, this group seemed like they’d happily stay on that bus together for the rest of their lives. That kind of chemistry not only radiates throughout the venue, but it’s a reminder that music truly does unite people and keeps us going even in the unknown.
Even after Waylon left the stage, fans continued buzzing about his set, and I could practically see merch sales double as people rushed to grab something with his name on it.
Then, around 9:30 p.m., Sam Barber emerged out of his camping tent to deliver what can only be described as a “fire” performance. The crowd was jumping almost all night, even though many of his songs carried heavy emotional weight. I’ve seen my fair share of dedicated crowds, but this one may have truly “toasted the marshmallow” (I promise the camping metaphors will end eventually). Fans pointed toward the stage, yelling lyrics back at Sam as if they’d written them themselves.
I’ll admit, I’ve often written off country music as an excuse for people in boots to drink and call it a night. This show proved that assumption completely wrong. Sam Barber, Waylon Wyatt, and Wild Horses each demonstrated how emotionally rich and sonically intentional the genre can be when delivered with sincerity.
On the metro ride home, I found myself staring out the window listening to Waylon Wyatt like I’d just lost the love of my life. Later, while editing my photos, it felt as though the emotions from the songs had seeped directly into the images. The edits came together effortlessly, as if the shots already knew the story they wanted to tell.
Lucky for you, Sam Barber’s tour runs through June across the U.S., and Waylon Wyatt is set to kick off his “Everywhere under the Sun Tour” this April. So if you’re wondering whether Waylon would want to perform for you… I’m sure he’d be “delighted to” so go grab those tickets!
