Jason Mraz Concert

Saturday night, my friend Kim and I went to see Jason Mraz live at the NorVa. While I knew who he was and enjoyed what I knew of him, I wasn't prepared for the concert.

First of all, I LOVE live music. All kinds. Artists are usually much more open and flexible when you see them live, and there's just something about being in the presence of someone while they are doing what they love to do.

The NorVa is a unique venue. Different than most settings, it was originally an upscale downtown vaudeville and movie theater, built in 1923. In the '60s, part of the Norva was transformed into a retail storefront for Lerner Shops. I don't remember when that closed, but in the late 90's, early 2000, the transformation began to restore the NorVa. Now, it's a small venue that holds about 1500 people. It's general admission and two levels. The second story is not a full floor, but has a balcony around the perimeter, that overlooks the open floor below. Both floors have bars, and limited bar stools/tables. Digital cameras are allowed in *provided* they do not look like professional cameras, and look like your typical point and shoot digital. Unfortunately, Kim found this out the hard way!

As for Jason Mraz.... He was amazing. What's different about him, is his sound. He doesn't have your cookie-cutter sound, and isn't likely to be labeled as anything in particular. He is pop mixed with soulful, jazzy, eclectic, and folky. Throw in a touch of reggae, a splash of hip-hop, and a touch of the blues and you end up with an all together different sound. He is sarcastic (which I personally adore), witty, and generally a funny guy. He interacts wonderfully with his audience, and commands audience participation around every corner. While up on stage, it is apparent he TRULY loves what he does. His supporting band members do a great job, and the end result is a magnificent show. His audience is a range of young teenie-boppers, to folks well into their 40's and older. I can certainly see his appeal to all backgrounds.

I might have overlooked this concert if Kim hadn't asked me to go, and now I am certainly glad that I didn't miss it.

AMW

Virginia International Tattoo

If you have never been to a Tattoo before, it's quite an experience. And it's extremely difficult to explain to someone what it is. From one site:

One International sensation, 850 artists. Marching bands, massed pipes & drums, military drill teams, display acts, choral groups, Celtic dancers, color guards, and more. Visit Norfolk and see the largest Tattoo in the United States, presented with all the grandeur and splendor of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Pageantry and patriotism, spirit and spectacle, talent and teamwork, precision personified, you have to see it to believe it- 850 performers join forces, filling Scope Arena with music, majesty and might. Each year we feature an innovative theme, new performers from around the world, and fresh staging and special effects.

From another site:

The beat of the drums, the call of the trumpets, the roar of the crowds—the mighty sounds of the Virginia International Tattoo return to Norfolk in April! The 2008 Tattoo is sure to set hearts racing with more than 850 performers from eight countries joining forces, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, the Netherlands, South Africa, and Turkey. This year it was awarded the American Bus Association's Prestigious “Internationally Known Event” Designation as one of the “Top 100 Events in North America”. The Tattoo thrills with music, majesty, and might. You have to see it to believe it!

I've gone every year for about the last 6 or 7 years, and it never disappoints. There are 3 shows each year, and all 3 shows sell out. If you get the opportunity to go, DO! You won't be disappointed...

AMW