By Cici Dedyo
It was another Saturday in the Big House, except this time I was not there for football. In a historic event, fans swapped their maize and blue for cowboy hats and boots, as they filled the stadium to see singer-songwriter Zach Bryan headline the first ever concert in the Big House, joined by openers John Mayer, Ryan Bingham and the Texas Gentleman and Joshua Sloane.
Personally, I would have been excited to see any artist perform in the first ever Big House concert, but I think Zach Bryan was a fantastic choice given his huge rise to fame and popularity, especially among the college-aged audience. It takes a big name to fill the Big House, and Zach Bryan more than fits that bill.
The sun blazed overhead as I walked through campus and I felt the buzz of anticipation as students filled the air with Bryan’s songs from their front yards. The excitement that emanated through campus was different than any gameday. This feeling was completely new.
I started my afternoon at MUSIC Matter’s joint tailgate with Michigan Music Business Club and Big Ticket Productions, in collaboration with Dewayne Bryan. Performers included Maddie Ringo, Grenadine, and Hemmingway Lane. I only managed to catch Grenadine, but they did not disappoint. The band put on an amazing set that included a mashup of Zach Bryan’s Something In the Orange and John Mayer’s Gravity. I was blown away by their incredible sound and their unbeatable energy on stage. I definitely look forward to seeing them play again.
As the sun began to set and the heat faded into perfect concert weather, I made my way to my seat just in time for John Mayer’s opening set. Hearing Mayer’s guitar playing in person was truly a special experience as he delved into blues inspired improvisations. His musical talent is truly phenomenal.
The stadium was now packed shoulder to shoulder as John Mayer’s set came to a close. Anticipation built as the stage crew set up for Bryan’s set. Suddenly, the crowd erupted under the dark sky, as Bryan’s band members took to the stage, followed by Zach Bryan himself. The intro to his opening song, Overtime, rang throughout the stadium and I felt a rush of excitement that only a concert can give you. The 360-stage lit up as Bryan began to sing, and the crowd immediately joined in.
The energy in the Big House was lively throughout Bryan’s entire set, and I had the time of my life dancing and singing along to every song. I especially loved Bryan’s huge band, whose talent truly brought the show to a whole new level. While every moment had me captivated, the special guests were definitely a highlight of the concert. As expected, John Mayer came back out to join Bryan for their song Better Days. What I was hoping for, but not expecting, were surprise guests, The War and Treaty, who came out to play Hey Driver with Bryan. I recently saw The War and Treaty at Bottlerock in Napa, California, and instantly fell in love with their live show and story. It was really cool to see them in collaboration with Bryan, especially because they are so integral to Michigan’s music scene.
Even if you are not a fan of Zach Bryan, his impeccable lyricism and his incredible live band made this a show any live music fan could enjoy. Last year, I saw Zach perform at the 2024 Buckeye Country Fest (yes, in OSU’s stadium) and it was hands-down the best live music I have ever heard. However, seeing him at the Big House definitely made the experience all the better. I feel so lucky to have been able to experience the first ever Big House concert and I’m excited to see what artists take the stage in Ann Arbor next.