Jason Mraz Live!

I need to get the pictures from Shu'en, because we were convinced by Liying that bringing digital cameras were bad ideas (which turned out otherwise, but then, we didn't have enough people with hand bags to hide them in, I guess). In any case, what a concert!

Too lazy to write flowing prose (tired too), but here's what made it great.

1. Raul Midon. He's a blind musician who is by far the most talented guitar player I've ever seen live. His music has clear influences of jazz and soul and he's talented enough that he can mimick the sound of a trumpet while tapping the guitar to mimick a drum. In other words, a one-man jazz band act. Did I also mention that he's got a rich voice? I swear, I've never seen a more talented live performance. Why isn't this guy famous yet?!?!?!?!

2. Showmanship - Jason Mraz is from Richmond and his image is so college-y that it's no surprise he totally pumped up the audience with the whole "I'm one of you" attitude. Countless references to Charlottesville, UVa, the nickname "Cavaliers" (a nickname for a UVa person, most often used in athletic team references) and references to UVa beating Florida State in tomorrow's football game - an unlikely possibility but enough to win the support of the audience.

3. Jason Mraz can sing. Helen, the President of the UVa SingSoc, tells me that he has vocal training and that's why he's got the ability to quickly change vocal styles. But seriously, the guy's goofy, he's got a penchant for robot moves and he sings pretty damn well. Oh, and his band can play too. What more do you need?!