A Night to “Lose Control”: Teddy Swims Electrifies a Packed Edgefield (Gallery + Show Review)

Teddy Swims performs at Edgefield in Portland, OR, on September 3, 2025. Photo by Brittani Wert.

On Wednesday, September 3rd, Teddy Swims took over Portland’s Edgefield outdoor amphitheater for a night defined by equal parts heart and sound. The show was a complete sell-out, with every spot in the venue filled and a large crowd gathered outside the gates, listening as his voice carried through the trees. It was one of those quintessential late-summer evenings in Oregon: warm and humid, but with a gentle breeze that kept the air from being stifling and made the outdoor setting feel alive.

The night opened with Irish singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot, whose set immediately set the bar high. His rich, emotional delivery pulled the audience in, creating the kind of hush that’s rare for an opener.

When Teddy Swims finally appeared for his headlining set, it was with a dramatic flair. The lights dimmed, and a spotlight revealed him at the top of a long staircase before making his descent onto the stage. From there, the performance exploded into motion. Teddy occupied every inch of the stage, constantly weaving from one side to the other, leaning into the crowd, locking eyes with fans, and keeping the energy alive in every corner of the amphitheater.

The Georgia-born singer has built a genre-bending career that blurs the lines between soul, R&B, country, and pop, first gaining attention through viral covers online before breaking out with his original music. His latest release, I've Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2), came out at the beginning of 2025 and completed the long-awaited album cycle with a staggering 32 songs over two years. His blend of grit and tenderness has earned him a devoted fanbase, and it was on full display in Portland.

Teddy and Freak Feely, his large ensemble of guitarists, drummer, and backup singers, were spread across a multilevel setup that gave the show a layered, dynamic feel. Behind them, a massive screen projected video feed and graphics that set the scene and elevated the performance beyond what the venue typically does.

Song after song, Teddy's voice roared above the band with such raw force that the audience erupted into a full-venue singalong, echoing through the night. Swims sings about the most personal of topics, from addiction and healing to heartbreak and fatherhood, doing so with power, soul, and vulnerability in every note, sung for every fan on the lawn that night.