JASON MRAZ + Bushwalla + The Makepeace Brothers @ Metropolis

By Abby E. Schachter - The Kids are So-So - 04/28/2008

Jason Mraz has a large fan base. I was really surprised at how many people turned out for the concert, which featured three opening acts – Justin Kredible, The Makepeace Brothers and Bushwalla. The metropolis was almost completely packed, filled with people of all ages, and there wasn’t a typical “scene crowd.” Everyone seemed to be anticipating Mraz’s appearance.  I could hear people uttering his name to friends; one person in particular was already dancing to his own version of Mraz’s hit single, “The Remedy.” It was perhaps the first time that I ever attended a concert that began exactly on time.

There were absolutely no delays. The first act, Justin Kredible (a magician) was not outstanding or ‘incredible” (excuse the pun) but he had a certain charm that mesmerized the crowd – well, mostly the girls. Kredible performed a few magic tricks that were very entertaining, which included levitating a table and making a banana disappear. A friend I had bumped into at the show told me that all the opening bands were cuter than they were talented. An “ouch” remark but true. The Makepeace Brothers were not awful or great; they were good. Makepeace consisted of energetic, slightly poppy music that would make for good radio air-time but it was not a stand out performance and lacke originality. Bushwalla was the winning opening act of the night; his crazy freestyle musical skills entertained the audience and he did not shy away from…anything. Bushwalla, a freestyle rapper and singer of soulful eclectic trip-hop, ambushed the crowd with politically incorrect songs and random foulness. It was great. I, among many others, appreciated the refreshing change. Meanwhile, Justin Kredible kept everyone entertained in between band shifts.

When Mraz finally did arrived onstage, it was in a “magical” manner: he was introduced by Kredible and at once the crowd went wild. Maybe it was just me, but after the first few Mraz songs, I felt supremely tired. The music was anything but energetic and the mood was light and relaxing. The fans seemed to enjoy the song choices and looked to be completely entranced by the crooner. Mraz does have an amazing voice; it is smooth and rhythmic, never missing a beat or a chance to scat. He sang mostly mood music and it reminded me of a summer night, a walk in the park, and bistro music on a cruise ship. Calm, relaxing and trancelike, if you enjoy soft eclectic beats and acoustic guitars, then Mraz is the man for you. However, if you are a fan of loud, fast-paced dancing music, then perhaps this is one musical performance you should skip.

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