@mattwertz will perform @LegendsND on Saturday, Feb. 26, Legends' Twitter account eagerly announced two weeks ago. #SoExciting #LoveHim #NewMusic!
Wertz, a 32-year-old singer and songwriter from Missouri, is most famous for his single "Everything's Right," which premiered on VH1 in 2009. He has hit the road with artists Jason Mraz, Gavin Degraw and Matt Nathanson, among others, and will start a 27-date tour March 25.
Wertz's songs have been featured in movies like "My Super Ex-Girlfriend" and "Employee of the Month," and one of his latest singles, "Everything Will Be Alright," aired on "One Tree Hill" earlier this week.
After performing at Christian youth group Young Life concerts, Wertz gained a strong fan base and toured with Jars of Clay. In 2001, he released the album "Somedays" and has since released a number of others including "Under Summer Sun" and "Everything in Between."
Wertz's hit song "Everything's Right" gained popularity on VH1 in 2009 and helped launch his name onto the mainstream musical charts. Wertz finds the material for his music from life experiences, mostly involving love and heartache. In an interview and performance for Vh1, Wertz laughed as he recalled the whimpering heartache he felt that inspired the song "5:19."
Wertz's most recent album, "Weights & Wings," will be available March 15. The themes for his new release falls along familiar lines and centers on personal relationships, he told AOL.
"It's the idea that the heavy things in life and the transcendent times are both equally important in propelling us on and through life," Wertz told AOL about the title of his album, which he said was inspired by the meditation book he reads daily.
With a degree in Industrial Design from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, it seemed unlikely that Wertz would pursue a musical career. However, in college, Wertz developed his passion for music. He began writing songs his freshman year and has been performing for fans since.
Wertz is taking that passion back to the stage at 10 p.m. Saturday. Jon McLaughlin will be making a surprise appearance with him in his band. After his Notre Dame performance, he'll get back to work and start his tour, which will include performances with Train and Lifehouse.