Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Country turned pop crossover artist Maren Morris has steadily risen to stardom throughout the last half-decade or so, though ever since the release of “Humble Quest,” which thoughtfully examines major life changes, such as motherhood and pandemic-related isolation, she’s become a full-fledged superstar.

In fact, a visit to Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island, complete with the sweeping Chicago skyline as its backdrop, is part of her largest headlining tour to date and the singer/songwriter more than rose to the crowded occasion to share some immense talents amidst those candid observations.

Along with a flavorful band and an outdoorsy set filled with greenery, Morris flexed her potent pipes for practically the entire project, along with several other humongous hits that found the audience raising a glass on many occasions.

“The Furthest Thing,” “Circles Around This Town” and “I Can’t Love You Anymore” were just a few of the early examples that overflowed with emotion, followed by the light-hearted lane of “80s Mercedes.”

The troubadour also dabbled in the dance direction for “The Middle,” normally a collaboration with DJ extraordinaire Zedd, then made a convincing case she could be an alternative rocker in another life with a striking rendition of Fiona Apple’s “Criminal.”

Her voice and strums took center stage during an acoustic edition of “To Hell & Back,” while “Good Friends” focused on a natural rapport with opener Natalie Hemby as the pair of longtime collaborators and fellow members of The Highwomen wore personalized Chicago Cubs jerseys.

However, the 90-minute main event reached its p peak during a sublime solo version of “The Bones,” also recorded with blues/folk rocker Hozier, which would probably be a career cut for any lesser artist, but is just one of Morris’ many cornerstones.

“My Church” could easily be another, trading the sometimes flashy spectacle for a stripped down finale, accompanied by the intimacy of being performed on a tiny platform in the center of the phone-waving audience.

Few performers could be equally engaging during such organic ballads as the glossier arrangements, which makes Morris a prime candidate to reach the top of literally any genre she pursues as this “Humble Quest” progresses.

For additional information on Maren Morris, visit MarenMorris.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island include Alicia Keys (Aug. 23); Florence + The Machine (Sept. 7); Odesza (Sept. 9-10); Deadmau5 (Sept. 23); Lamb Of God (Sept. 24); Conan Gray (Sept. 28); New Order and Pet Shop Boys (Sept. 30) and The Head And The Heart (Oct. 1). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

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