Summer Send off

Stage in the park, cool acoustic/freestyling music, good friends, warm air, slight breeze. Is there any better way to say goodbye to summer? I think not, my friends.

Last night, I enjoyed the musical stylings of Bushwalla, G.Love and Special Sauce, and Jason Mraz . Bushwalla played the host of the night, starting with a grin-inducing opener and frequent stage visits to freestyle and entertain the audience. G.Love and Special Sauce performed before Jason Mraz took the stage and I was intrigued by G.Love's signature style. His music was a delectable mix of soul, hip-hop, rock, and a dash of Special Sauce (see what I did right there? Oh the cleverness). The hilarious charm and nonchalance of Booty Call (video) immediately won me over. And then, when G. Love smoothly transitioned into a Beatles' classic, Why Don't We Do It In The Road?, he completely sealed the deal.

Mraz took the stage after G. Love and the audience went wild. A sea of people crushed towards the stage just to breathe the same air as the man(I was within 6 feet of him, I think that counts for something.) Mraz had an incredible stage presence and the intimate park setting suited him perfectly. A quick glance at my co-audience members revealed the transcendent quality of his music; immediately surrounding me were a grandma, a few hipsters, moms with their toddlers, some sorority girls glammed up for a night out, twelve-year-olds wearing "I Heart Jason" attire, and a several hippies tossed in for good measure. Jason, too, had a little Beatles influence showing; a couple of his songs were reminicent of "Across the Universe" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." His reggae/surfer influence came through as well, with a chill surfer vibe settling over the audience and his happy rendition of "Three Little Birds" invited the crowd to sing along. The theme of the evening was being grateful for the people that surrounded us, friends and strangers alike. We high-fived our neighbors, hugged strangers, and reestablished bonds with our friends. At one point, Bushwalla asked, "What are you grateful for?" and introduced to us to The Gratitude Cafe, an environmentally friendly cafe that teaches its patrons( and now, through Mraz, the world)how to be grateful for the things in our lives. I certainly know the answer to that question; Great friends, great music, and great memories. Thank you Bushwalla, G. Love and Special Sauce, Jason Mraz, and everyone else who contributed to such a fantasic evening. And farewell, sweet summer. See you next year!

Read. Think. Type. Rock.

-Katie