photo by Jessica McCrary

Matt Wertz is no stranger to big crowds and large venues. This summer, he's touring in smaller places with his friend and fellow musician Justin Rosolino in the 'Where We Started' tour. Matt is a singer/songwriter who has been active since 2001 who claims his influences include James Taylor, Hall & Oates and Fleetwood Mac. He has toured with such acts as Gavin Degraw and Jars of Clay while also headlining tours of his own. His music has been featured in shows such as "Brothers and Sisters, "Kyle XY" and "Wildfire."
He produced and released three albums mostly by himself before signing a major record deal with Universal Republic who also have Amy Winehouse, Jack Johnson, and Colbie Calliat on their label. His new album 'Under Summer Sun' features eight of his previous songs that have been rerecorded along with four brand new songs. It is scheduled to be released on August 15, but it now available for pre-order. (www.mattwertz.com)
Matt's summer tour came right through Atlanta to Olde Smith's Bar. When you walk in, all you can see is a small bar and a handful of friendly poker tables. You might think you were in the wrong place until you notice there's a flight of stairs that leads to a room with a stage above the bar. In a room that could easily hold over two hundred and fifty people, all eyes were trained on the twenty-nine year old standing under the bright lights in an already sweltering room. He played his guitar and sang so fervently that he actually sweat all the way through the first shirt he was wearing.
The artist's first love may be music, but he made sure everyone in the room knew that he also has a great respect for Africa. Wertz has even become an activist by starting the Mocha Club (www.mochaclub.org). If you're a coffee drinker, for the price of two mochas (about $7), you can feed a person in Africa for an entire month. Matt is about to hit it big. Go check his music out on his official website, Facebook, or Myspace. If you like it, help get the word out about this up and coming artist.

Tyler Volz