Dermot Kennedy
October 3, 2026
Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Review by Rico Marcelo
Photos by Rico Marcelo Photography

Dermot Kennedy Turns a Rainy Charlotte Night Into an Intimate Musical Experience

The stage was set like a scene pulled straight from a forest—layers of greenery rose across different tiers, framing each member of the band, while massive visuals of trees and branches surrounded the stage. It was immersive before Dermot Kennedy even stepped into the spotlight.

The first thing we heard was “The Weight of the Woods (Reprise),” creating an almost cinematic introduction as the band slowly made their way onto the stage. Once everyone was in position, Dermot took center stage, flanked by his guitarist and violinist. It was immediately clear where your eyes were supposed to go. Dermot commanded the center of the frame.

He followed with “Honest,” a powerful opening on an already chilly and rainy Charlotte evening. In a way, the weather couldn’t have been more fitting. Dermot looked like he belonged in the environment around him, dressed in a jacket and camo pants that matched the earthy tones of the stage. His raspy, unmistakable voice quickly had the crowd locked into every word.

Throughout the night, Kennedy moved seamlessly between songs from his new album, The Weight of the Woods, and his 2020 album, Without Fear. The set felt like a conversation between different chapters of his career, giving longtime fans plenty to hold onto while introducing the newer material.

Then everything went dark.

The lights dropped completely, and a beautiful video package appeared featuring words and anecdotes from Dermot’s mother. It was personal, vulnerable and a perfect transition into “After Rain.” Dermot returned to the stage alone with his guitar, illuminated by a single spotlight.

For a moment, the outdoor amphitheater disappeared.

It felt less like thousands of people were watching a concert and more like you had somehow found yourself sitting in a small room with Dermot, watching him perform just a few feet away. There was no elaborate production to hide behind—just his voice, his guitar and the connection between the artist and the audience.

He followed with “Happiness,” explaining beforehand that he has plenty of sad songs, but this one was different. It was about having a happy moment you can depend on—something you can return to and remember when you need it.

The audience created one of those moments themselves.

Cell phones began lighting up across the venue, many covered with pieces of translucent green paper. Together, they created a beautiful sea of white and green lights swaying back and forth through the crowd. From the stage, it must have looked incredible. From the audience, it felt like everyone had become part of the production.

And then the rain came down harder.

It didn’t matter.

By that point, Dermot was fully in his element, and so was the crowd. The weather became another layer of the experience rather than a distraction from it. There was something fitting about standing outside in the rain, surrounded by trees and greenery, listening to an artist whose music so often lives in the space between heartbreak, hope, memory and connection.

That may have been the most memorable part of the night: connection.

Dermot Kennedy didn’t just perform his songs—he created a space for the audience to feel them together. What should have felt like a large outdoor amphitheater somehow became an intimate studio session with your favorite artist.

Cold, rain and all, it was a beautiful night.