Ben Rector // Live at The NorVa // 9.29.16 -

Article and photos by: Glenn Woodell and Wendy Podmenik Darugar

NORFOLK, VA- Feel-good Pop/Rock music draws in a different type of crowd of people than what I’m used to at the concerts I normally attend. These people aren’t angry, they aren’t counter-culture, there’s nothing to rebel against, and life presents itself as an overall positive experience. Sure, there are the usual up and downs that are unavoidable, but in general, all is well.

Singer/songwriter Ben Rector provides an easy, poppy yet thoughtful soundtrack to sing along to, with a smile on your face. At the young age of 28, Rector has released his sixth studio album, titled “Brand New”, in reference to taking a look back towards his musical beginnings as a teenager, with a focus on fresh, honest lyrics and the hopefulness and purpose of achieving goals. Wittily billed as “The Biggest Tour I Have Done So Far Tour”, Rector made a stop in Norfolk, VA on Thursday night.

http://www.benrectormusic.com/

With many in the crowd singing along, there was a definite following present. But just as there was a presence for Rector, so was there one for Jacob Whitesides who opened the show. This pretty-faced “kid” is no newcomer to performing. His comfort on stage was evident, something that surely helped him in his sold out European tour, one he made even before his first album was released, and his appearance on The X Factor even though he didn’t advance to the finals. Impressively, the teenage Whitesides has built an over-a million-strong Youtube, Facebook and Twitter following through personal recordings of cover songs and a detailed commitment towards personal interaction with fans. His debut album “Why?”, only just released this month, garnered sing-alongs and plenty of excited shrieks from female devotees.

http://www.jacobwhitesides.com/

Ben Rector set list:

Fear

Let the Good Times Roll

Loving You is Easy/ ABC

When a Heart Breaks

I Like You

30,000 Feet

Forever Like That

Sailboat

Crazy

Moving Backwards