If David Wilcox and Patty Griffin went on a double date with Jonny Lang and Shawn Colvin, they would sound like Sean McConnell.

At least, that’s how the 21-year-old singer/songwriter from Marietta describes himself.

“There are many genres represented inside of my sound,” McConnell said. “But with me, no matter what the genre is, it’s always about a strong and honest lyric. People can see right through fake songs. I don’t sing what I don’t feel.”

Fan Sarah Reed, a senior, considers his music mostly folk with undertones of rock and country.

“I like him because he sings with passion and is honest and authentic with his lyrics,” Reed said.

At the age of 7, McConnell began playing the guitar, and at age 11, he wrote his first original songs.

He said he wants his singing “to be one more voice on the good side.”

“When I write songs, I like to focus on the fact that we are all the same and we are all just searching for answers and trying to make sense of everything,” McConnell said.

“It’s about exploring life and celebrating truth when you find it.”

This trip to Athens is not the first for McConnell. He already has played at the Georgia Theatre and at Hot Corner a few times.

“I love playing in college towns. The college folks just seem to bring the energy with them. They are hungry and searching for great and different music,” he said. “As an artist you can truly feel that, and it feeds your performance.”

“What I love about Athens is that the people there truly respect good music. There have been a lot of amazing acts that have either started in or played in Athens, and the people have come to expect great music,” he said.

Usually, his shows feature just McConnell and his guitar, but this Athens show will be different because he will play with an acoustic trio.

Travis Trohill will play on drums, and Louis Keller will play on bass.

“It’s been really fun to jam with these guys and give some old songs some new life,” McConnell said. “I think everyone is going to dig it. At least, I hope they do.”