By Dave Parsons
On October 24, 2024, Stage AE in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hosted a stop of Mitchell Tenpenny’s Woke Up in a Dream Tour to the Steel City. With rising star Dylan Schneider opening the show, the evening promised to be an unforgettable blend of two country hunks, that boost quite a basket of hits between them.
The night began with Dylan Schneider, whose went back and forth between kicking country anthems and songs with more emotional ties. Bounding out on the stage with his energy on high, Schneider engaged the audience immediately. He performed a mix of fan favorites and new material, including How Does It Sound and Bad Decisions.
Schneider shared stories about his upbringing and the inspirations behind his music. His genuine connection with the audience was evident, as fans sang along almost every song. Momma’s House showcased Schneider’s vocal ability and emotional depth, leaving the crowd in awe and setting the stage perfectly for Mitchell Tenpenny.
Mitchell Tenpenny’s biggest strength is his voice, energy and stage presence, and maybe knowing where you are in a sports town. It was already loud and welcoming for Tenpenny when the lights dimmed, but when he strolled on stage in a Pittsburgh Pirates jersey, complete with his name on the back, the energy went up another notch. It was quite apropos the opening song was We Got History. Stage AE sits on the literal ground that was once Three Rivers Stadium. Tenpenny is standing on ground that was very likely Clemente’s right field area, in a Pirates uniform. Yeah, he knows what he is doing on stage.
Tenpenny demonstrated why he has become one of country music’s most dynamic performers. Taking the time to explain where the songs came from, before leading the crowd through sing along versions of songs like Truth About You, Drunk Me and Alcohol You Later with their relatable lyrics and memorable chorus made the connection deepen as the show went on.
Tenpenny has the ability to take the crowd on a romp through the party songs, and then pull the rug out from under them by telling the tale of how a song like Bucket List came to be before singing it. Songs like Woke Up In a Dream offered a glimpse into Tenpenny’s evolving artistry, blending his country roots with pop sensibilities.
The night ended with a powerful performance of Iris, a cover of the hit by the Goo Goo Dolls. This was the song that made Tenpenny want to play music when he was a kid. Wrapping up a night with that kind of song, just brings everything full circle. It also puts an exclamation point on an incredible night of fellowship and cementing again why Mitchell Tenpenny is a force to be reckoned with in country music.
Dylan Schneider Setlist:
1.) Carhartt
2.) Bad Decisions
3.) Cover Medley
4.) How Does it Sound
5.) Right Girl
6.) Two Black X’s
7.) Wannabe
8.) Gone is What
9.) Better Than You Left Me
10.) Momma’s House
11.) Ain’t Missin’ You
Mitchell Tenpenney Setlist:
1.) We Got History
2.) Bigger Mistakes
3.) Broken Up
4.) Happy and I Hate It
5.) Anything She Says
6.) I Won’t
7.) Breaking My Heart
8.) Woke Up in a Dream
9.) Bucket List
10.) Not Today
11.) Truth About You
12.) Started Stoppin’
13.) I Get the Picture / Goner / Somebody Ain’t You / Somebody’s Got Me / Can’t Go To Church / To Us It Did / Tennessee in Me / Mixed Drinks (Acoustic)
14.) Make It Rain
15.) Bitches
16.) California Love (2Pac cover)
17.) Demon or Ghost
18.) Alcohol You Later
19.) Drunk Me
20.) Iris (The Goo Goo Dolls cover)
