Live Report: Gavin James, The Trinity Summer Series 2018

For a musician who is relatively down-to-earth and relies purely on his vocals and a guitar, Gavin James manages to put on one hell of a performance.

It was the penultimate performance in the Trinity Summer Series, a mini-festival which has dazzleed the inner-city for the last week.

Whilst each artist had managed to bring a relatively bare stage to life; tonight, production values took an unexpected surge when an impromptu air show display shot over the Trinity campus; taking everyone by surprise - including the opening artists, Little Hours - who were midway through a gorgeous set.

As Gavin takes to the stage, the feeling in the crowd is euphoric. The Dublin singer consistently engages with his audience. He reminisces about the days when only three people turned up to here him play when he sang in Temple Bar, before pointing out that over five thousand people are now in attendance.

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James' popularity has sky-rocked - and for good reason. James transitions from high-energy dance tracks to stripped back piano ballads with such ease and grace. His performance of 'Always' leaves not a dry eye in the house; yet minutes later,, the crowd is in hysterics of laughter due to his self-deprecating humor.

The finale pulls out all the stops with a mix of pyrotechnics, smoke machines, streamers and dance. Gavin asks his audience to simultaneously squat on the ground during the build up to the final chorus of 'Hearts of Fire', and prompting everyone to jump up when the beat kicks back in.

He then welcomes his family onto the stage during an encore before jumping off stage and dashing through the crowd.

It is a moment that feels frantic, chaotic, spontaneous and so abundantly Irish. What American artist on his scale of fame would feel comfortable enough to get so close to their fans?

James has set the bar high, not just for tonight's act (Imelda May), but for any future Trinity Summer Series. Having delivered a high-energy and emotional performance that moved his fans in every way possible; James has solidified his reputation as one of Ireland's most talented and incredible showmen.