Concert Review: Jason Mraz Amazes Boston With A Soulful Acoustic Show

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Jason Mraz performing at The Wang Theatre in Boston, MA on September 13th, 2014 (Dan Peters/Roman's Rap-Up).

The intimate Wang Theatre was the perfect venue for singer Jason Mraz and Raining Jane this past Saturday night. The show kicked off with 3 songs from Raining Jane, the all-female band that performed with Mraz for the rest of the night. The audience greeted them warmly, but was nothing compared to the huge applause for Jason Mraz as he entered for his first song.

Jason Mraz performing at The Wang Theatre in Boston, MA on September 13th, 2014 (Dan Peters/Roman's Rap-Up).

From the very beginning, Mraz brought a positive energy that the whole audience could feel. His set-list featured many of the songs from his newest album “Yes!” This new album and tour feature a whole different style than the usual upbeat Mraz. Instead, the songs are centered around wholesome acoustic layers and smooth vocal harmony. For audience members looking to dance and sing along to old repetoire, the concert might have been disappointing. But most audience members seemed captivated by the new dynamic sound from Jason Mraz and Raining Jane.

Not only did the "I'm Yours" singer amaze as a performer, but he really connected with each and every audience member through his warm joking and banter between songs. He gave insight into the inspiration for his most recent album when he talked about his own garden at home, even telling the audience that his avacados were now “certified organic.” And during his songs, Mraz wasn’t afraid to showcase his talents, whether it was playing a solo with the guitar behind his head or riffing in his unbelievable falsetto voice.

Naturally, the crowd was most engaged in his classics that they could sing along to. Some of the biggest hits of the night were “Make it Mine” and “Sleeping to Dream.” “I Won’t Give Up” had almost everyone in the theatre singing along, some in tears. And to cap it all off, Jason Mraz saved the best for last with a beautiful medley of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” and “I’m Yours.”

See more photos from the show below:


EXCLUSIVE: August Alsina Talks Inspiration, Nicki Minaj & More At Boston Show

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August Alsina performing at the House of Blues in Boston, MA on September 13th, 2014 as part of his "Testimony Live" tour (Benjamin Esakof/Roman's Rap-Up).

Rarely does someone catch our attention like New Orleans R&B Singer August Alsina has. Not only does the 22 year-old singer have one of the most inspirational "coming up" stories we've heard, but he's also sold out almost every date on his "Testimony Live" tour with only one album out.

We were in attendance at the Boston date of August's tour, and had the chance to talk with him backstage about growing up, his inspirations, Nicki Minaj, and with somethings none of his "lurking" fans know about him.

See the interview below:

Photos from the show:



Ariana Grande Announces 2015 Tour Dates

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Ariana Grande performing at Kiss Concert 2014 on May 31st, 2014 in Mansfield, MA (Benjamin Esakof/Roman's Rap-Up).

Ariana Grande has finally released her tour dates for 2015 in support of her new album, "My Everything." The last time Grande went on the road was in August 2013 for her "Listening Sessions" tour.

Check the below dates to see if she is coming to a city near you:

Concert Review: Boston Calling Music Festival Ends With A 'Bang'

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Nas perfoming at the Boston Calling Music Festival on September 7th, 2014 (Benjamin Esakof/Roman's Rap-Up).

Though the ugly weather has come and gone, the Boston Calling Music Festival marches on for one more day!

The day got rolling with great band after great band.  Gentleman Hall, San Fermin, and White Denim all gave startlingly terrific live performances, all with slightly different niches at that.

San Fermin put on amazing show.  This band had a lot of unique characteristics; echo-y horns and violin and two lead singers (one male, one female) were featured in this performance.  White Denim had a uniquely Rock'n'Roll attitude, making them stand out strikingly from the crowd.  They ended their set with a bang or, in the lead singer's case, three broken strings violently ripped from his guitar.

The War on Drugs and Lake Street Drive were more low-key, having more of a feel-good attitude compared to the acts before and after.

Twenty One Pilots performing at Boston Calling Music Festival on September 7th, 2014 (Benjamin Esakof/Roman's Rap-Up).

Next came a definite crowd-favorite: Twenty-One Pilots.  Cheers arose as the duo took the stage donning their iconic balaclava masks for the first few songs.  This act was as loud, reckless, and abundantly energetic as it gets, with both members working every inch of the stage.  Highlights included a drumming platform held by the audience, ukelele renditions of Ace Hood's "Bugatti" and Beyonce's "Drunk in Love", and the duo's own hits "Car Radio" and "House of Gold".

The 1975 was up next, bringing some modern british-rock to the Boston Calling scene.  A hit with the younger festival fans, lead singer Matt Healy even invited one lucky teenager to sit on stage with the band while they performed.  The festival erupted for their big hit "Chocolate".

A huge fan-favorite at the festival this year was Spoon.  Spoon performed songs from all over their repertoire, including "Got Nuffin", "The Underdog", "Don't You Evah", "Who Makes Your Money", and "Knock Knock Knock".  Spoon's special brand of psychedelic rock was well complimented by the festival setting, and it was a performance that few will forget any time soon.

The Replacements kept the rock trend going, playing loud enough for all of Boston to hear.  Still, the anticipation was palpable for the final act of the night...

Nas took the stage, earning the loudest cheer at the Boston Calling Music Festival to date.  The crowd erupted as Nas went through his half of the set.  Nearly every audience member joined in for chants of "I know I can/Be what I wanna be/If i work hard at it/I'll be where I wanna be."  Soon, The Roots joined in for one perfect marriage of sound.  It was the best end to the best weekend of music in Boston. 

See more photos from day 3 of Boston Calling Music Festival in the gallery below: