Josh Kaufman entertains the crowd this evening. (Photo by Lauren Zeugner)

Indiana native and winner of season six of The Voice, kicked off the 2015 season of Chautauqua-Wawasee by being the headline concert tonight.

Kaufman and bandmates, Jason McCauley on guitar, Nate Grey on bass and Ryan Kock on drums set up a laid back vibe for the almost packed house at the Event Center in Oakwood Park.

The quartet came on stage with no set list, Kaufman telling the crowd they would see where the night would lead. The concert had the feeling of a relaxed jam session.

Kaufman started off with “Everybody Here Wants You,” by Jeff Buckley. Kaufman played a jazz infused set with tunes ranging from his favorite Jazz piece to “Wishing Well”  a hit in the 80s by Terrence Trent Darby.

Kaufman grew up in Indianapolis, but was born in Florida. He started singing in church at age 4.

Growing up he sang in various choirs and in high school began playing in bands and writing his own music. He continued with music while pursuing a philosophy degree in college.

After college he returned to Indianapolis where he began a career as a solo artist and as front man for the band New Etiquette. On his website, Kaufman said his musical influences are Stevie Wonder, Buckley, Marvin Gaye and Paul Simon.

His music writing is also influenced by Lenny Kravitz.

In 2013 he auditioned for The Voice where all four judges turned their chairs. After winning the contest, he has headlined the Indy Jazz Fest and making his Broadway debut in Pippin as the lead.