Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Troubadours who seamlessly intertwine folk, rock, pop and hip-hop are few and far between, but Dermot Kennedy is almost singlehandedly blazing that trail, amassing approximately four billion streams in the process and becoming this millennium’s best-selling debut artist in his native Ireland.

He’s actually been certified platinum in at least a dozen countries, while counting Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa and Shawn Mendes as fans, alongside those who filled Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island for his largest local headlining show yet.

For around 100 minutes, the singer/songwriter demonstrated exactly why his imitable style, poetic prowess and striking voice have ignited such a global spark, especially since releasing the sophomore album, “Sonder.”

Though the title might be a bit of a head-scratcher, it essentially means “the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own,” a thought-provoking concept capable of fueling emotive narratives such as “Blossom,” “One Life” and “Dreamer.”

Kennedy also featured his first full-length, “Without Fear,” almost as heavily, including the instant classic “Moments Passed,” arguably an ideal summation of his rarely rivaled range, lyrical depth and cross genre pollination that’s drawn partial comparisons to David Gray, Glen Hansard and Hozier.

Though the headliner generally stuck to acoustic guitar, a mid-point set found the 31-year-old switching to piano for the additional feels and philosophizing of “Rome” and “Innocence And Sadness,” while the pace and passion only intensified as the ethereal evening progressed.

“Better Days,” “Don’t Forget Me” and “Kiss Me” further encapsulated the glorious enigma and energy of Kennedy, along with the healing, unifying abilities that only his extraordinary essence can bring to this generation.

Early attendees were rewarded with the warmly wonderful indie pop of Sasha Alex Sloan, plus Zach Miller, former tight end for the Chicago Bears turned burgeoning tunesmith in his own right, who was reinforced by a friendly Kennedy cameo to kick it all off.

For additional information on Dermot Kennedy, visit DermotKennedy.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island include Heatwave Music Festival (Jun. 10-11); Louis Tomlinson (Jun. 15); Quinn XCII (Jun. 16); Billy Strings (Jun. 17); Young The Giant and Milky Chance (Jun. 23); Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Garbage (Jun. 27); Dave Matthews Band (Jul. 7-8); Yellowcard (Jul. 16); Sad Summer Fest (Jul. 21); Slightly Stoopid and Sublime With Rome (Jul. 28); Q101 Piqniq (Jul. 30); Ghost (Aug. 15); Goo Goo Dolls (Aug. 22); 5 Seconds Of Summer (Aug. 23); Beck and Phoenix (Aug. 31); Duran Duran (Sept. 1) and Hozier (Sept. 12). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

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