Don’t let all the face tattoos fool you: Teddy Swims is every bit the big-hearted teddy bear his name suggests. The Atlanta-bred crooner (real name Jaten Collin Dimsdale) brought warmth, vulnerability, and powerhouse vocals to a sold-out Gallagher Square at Petco Park.

Swims adopted his stage name as a fusion of a childhood nickname and an acronym for “Someone Who Isn’t Me Sometimes.” The moniker reflects his musical versatility, but on this balmy San Diego night July 31, he wasn’t playing roles. From the first note to the final bow, Swims was disarmingly real — gracious, emotional, and deeply caring.

He kicked things off with the swagger of “Not Your Man” and the slow-burn intensity of “Hammer to the Heart.” Backed by an eight-piece band, all clad in custom Padres jerseys, Swims complet

See Full Page