As many of you know, my husband, Tom, and I love concerts. Music has always been one of those threads that tie so many of our memories together, and we’ll jump at the chance to see a favorite artist live.
This past weekend in Atlantic City, though, turned into one of those experiences I’ll never forget—not just because of the music, but because of the unexpected little moments that made the whole weekend feel like something straight out of a storybook. From the energy of the crowd to the surprises that came our way, it was one of those weekends that reminded me why we love doing this together.
Friday: An Unexpected Surprise:
We had tickets for Saturday night to see the always-hilarious comedian Matt Matthews at the Ocean Resort Casino. But on Friday, after a leisurely late lunch, I happened to notice that Walker Hayes was performing that very evening—at the same venue as Matt Matthews. Out of curiosity, I checked for tickets, and to my surprise, there were still VIP Pit seats available… and at a price that felt too good to pass up.
By 5 p.m., we’d snagged tickets to a concert that wasn’t even on our radar that morning. We dashed to the casino with just enough time to clink glasses over a quick cocktail before slipping into the venue moments before the lights dimmed. The moment we stepped into the pit area, the crowd parted just enough for us to slide right up to the stage—so close I could see the setlist taped to the floor and the tiny scratches on Walker’s guitar when he stepped out.
Walker Hayes put on such an amazing show. Beyond the music, he shared stories behind his songs, giving everyone a glimpse into his life and family. It was heartfelt, honest, and made the whole experience so much more meaningful. It was the perfect night!
Saturday: A Familiar Face:
The next night we headed back to the casino for Matt Matthews. Before the show, we decided to stop at a steakhouse bar that overlooked the ocean. Tom and I were enjoying a quiet drink, chatting about the evening ahead, when I noticed someone at the corner of the bar who looked just like Walker Hayes. I told Tom, who wasn’t convinced, but I couldn’t stop looking. He had on a Walker Hayes hat, the woman with him had a Walker Hayes sweatshirt, and then I heard his voice. There was no question—it really was him, sitting there with his wife, Laney.
A Kind Encounter:
As we were leaving the restaurant, we couldn’t resist stopping to tell him how much we enjoyed the show the night before. Walker was incredibly kind, and Laney’s warmth matched his perfectly. We ended up chatting for a few minutes, and before we knew it, Walker offered to take a selfie with us. That thoughtful little gesture turned an already unforgettable night into something even more special.
Looking Back:
In the span of 48 hours, Tom and I saw a surprise concert from the front row, laughed through a comedy show, and ended up chatting with the performer we had seen the night before. It was one of those rare weekends where everything aligns perfectly— a reminder that sometimes the best memories come from the unexpected moments.