It was with a slight smirk and southern twang that artist, Charlie Mars, wooed the audience at the Bluestem Stage in Ames on Thursday night.

The Bluestem Stage was the third show of Mars’ three-month tour across the Midwest and East Coast.

Opening for Mars were local artists Sean Huston and Christopher the Conquered. Huston relaxed crowd, opening with his comforting guitar strums and lulling voice. Though not a particularly unique performer, Huston was well-received by the 30 audience members.

What the crowd was not prepared for was the spectacle of Christopher the Conquered. With only a keyboard, two microphones and simple black and white attire, Christopher the Conquered seemed soulful and reserved.

The next few moments would entirely defy that assumption.

Rich and powerful piano chords accompanied Christopher’s honest lyrics. His performance was a cross between spoken word poetry and soulful keyboard blues. He even shocked the crowd by walking through the audience and sitting on the floor as he sang electrifying outcries of “On My Final Day.”

After overcoming the initial shock, the crowd was pleasantly surprised with Christopher the Conquered’s show. His performing style was refreshing for the alternative music scene and unforgettable act.

Once Christopher the Conquered left the stage, the audience was hyped for Charlie Mars’ show.

Mississippi native, Mars, did not put on a grand performance, but still managed to connect with his audience and pull out a few chuckles with his dry sense of humor. Mars gave the background and origin for every song he played, most with a comical twist or coincidence.

Mars’ laid-back, almost bluegrass-rock style brought listeners down to a more serene level. With his eyes half closed and lips pursed, Mars’ crooning seemed almost meditative at moments. He took a simple approach to his music with only a guitar and an occasional harmonica. However, he was able to bring some energy into the night with his upbeat tunes, “How I Roll” and “The Money.”

To close the show, Mars played a freshly written song titled, “After You.” The single was surprisingly not energetic, causing the night to end on a mellow note. The audience did not seem disappointed, however, by applauding enthusiastically once Mars left the stage and excitedly discussing the highlights of the show.