Daniel Rodriguez at Topaz Farms

Folk singer and songwriter Daniel Rodriguez is currently on tour opening for Gregory Alan Isakov and The Lumineers. He warms up the stage with music that fits the energy of both the acts that go on after him. As the opening act, his job is to warm up the crowd for the headliner; Rodriguez does this job with ease. Rodriguez is gaining new fans while playing these arena and stadium shows, but especially at the one-off surprise show at Topaz Farms near Portland, Oregon that was headlined by Gregory Alan Isakov. 

Both at The Gorge Amphitheater, in front of nearly 20,000 people, and at Topaz Farms in front of 1,000 people, Rodriguez makes the crowd feel welcome and included. He chats between songs and makes a connection with the crowd by talking about the venue. Regardless of how many people are there, Rodriguez has a knack for showing his audience that they are appreciated. 

Rodriguez began his set at Topaz farms solo; he remained solo for the first few songs, one of which was a homage to John Prine. Written the day Prine passed, the song is full of raw emotion. For the middle portion of his set, he brought on a few of his friends, both of whom are in his touring band for The Lumineers Tour. Darin Garby came on stage first; Garby produced both of Rodriguez's albums and was introduced with deep gratitude. After a couple of songs with Garby, the duo introduced Zach Jackson. The trio played what was meant to be the rest of the set together, but after they left the stage Rodriguez realized he had time for one more song, the moment he mentioned having more time someone from the crowd yelled, "Colorado!". Happily, he played one last song, a love song to his home state that he wrote while he was home sick on tour. 

As most music does, Rodriguez's music has a prime listening spot and this venue was it. Fans sat in the grassy field on lawn chairs and blankets facing a 500-year-old oak tree with the stage situated right in front of it; sunset to the left and the rolling hills of Sauvie Island to the right. Whether it was intended or not his music feels like it is meant to be listened to outside amongst friends. His music feels intimate when you listen to the lyrics closely but offers an enjoyable passive listening experience as well. 

At the end of his set, Rodriguez gave a warm welcome to Gregory Alan Isakov. His welcome made it clear that he is genuinely excited about the musicians he is playing alongside.