Hooligans in Wondaland Tour with Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae
What can I say about the experience on last night (May 10, 2011)? Hmmmm?
(HOLD ON I’M THINKING!)
IT WAS ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR!
On last night, I went to the legendary Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, to attend the concert of Janelle Monae and Bruno Mars. The show was scheduled to begin at 7:30pm and I arrived at approximately 7:00 pm. When I entered the building, it was the normal scenery that I'm used to at the Fox. Some people were gathered in group conversation, others were buying souvenirs, while others went straight to the bar. (I should have been at the bar too!) However, I went directly into the theatre to locate my seats. Once I had identified that, it was time to find something to eat because I hadn't eaten since noon and my stomach was speaking "unknown tongues" more like "Afronesian Englexian". (I hope you realize that's not a real language!) I went and got a Coke and a hot dog from the concession stand and before my friend could order, I had fully eaten my hot dog (I told you I was hungry!). We continued to wait outside while more and more fans began to pour in. (For a moment, I thought it wouldn't be enough seating! Wouldn't that be a catastrophe!)
Once my friend had also eaten his food,we decided to go back to our seats to wait for the show to began. Then, as soon as my phone said 7:30pm, something happened that I think is the most important thing to remember when you are an artist, promoter, event coordinator, etc., the lights went down and the show began! (HOT DAMN! They started on time! Hallelujah!)
The reason this is so important to me, is because we, as entertainers, (me included!) forget about the fans that continue to support us. I've heard so many stories of events starting extremely late. (Been at a couple too!) That's so disrespectful to the people that are there to support you! (I'm guilty of it too!) Another reason this was important to me is because I had to go to work the next morning. (I really wanted to see my girl, Janelle Monae, but I gotta make sure my "coins" are in order!)
"Get Out" by Jermaine Sain
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4dQ6qAjhXg]
So.....the show starts on time and the first on stage was a guy that "beatbox" (I think that's what you call it! You know the same thing that Doug E Fresh does!) I really hate that I'm unable to remember the guy's name because he was totally awesome. He took it to a whole new level because it took me a moment to realize, that all the music I was hearing was him!
(NOISES FROM HIS MOUTH! IT SOUNDED LIKE ONE INSTRUMENTAL TRACK!)
The boy was bad! Then, he started making the music to "Pony" by Ginuwine and started singing the song while he continued to make the beat from his mouth! Iwas like "DAMN"! I don't know how in the world he does that but the boy was "off the chain". (I REALLY HATE THAT I CAN'T REMEMBER HIS NAME!)
GINUWINE
Second, to come to the stage was a band out of the UK by the name of "Plan B". Just as the guy prior, "Plan B" was awesome and was a perfect compliment to the concert. (Now that I think about it, I should have been singing backup for them! There were two girls on background and one empty microphone...IT WAS FOR ME! Well, it should have been! I would love to do vocals for them.)
PLAN B
NOW IT'S TIME!
JANELLE MONAE
Once the opening acts had finished, it was time to see the "lady of the hour".
As the lights came up, the stage was filled with a string band, a brass section, background singers, and three people draped in black cloaks... as the music started, you could hear Janelle singing lyrics to her song Dance or Die. Suddenly, from beneath the cloak you see the beautiful face of Janelle Monae. She was dressed in her signature black and white and her signature hair.
She finished the song and then slowed it down for a moment with a ballad, then continued the show with a combination of songs from her "Archandroid" album (which is great). And of course, it wouldn't be a performance if she didn't dance. (And dance she did!) Some of the songs that I particularly remember her performing where:
Sincerely Jane
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_WhE7mBwK8]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGDkdx2zjK0]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te7Uiy1Q8mA]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYQq03vYRNg]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqmORiHNtN4]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwnefUaKCbc]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEuPY1Q69QU]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTOL-DVW5tA]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYuPoXx188g]
"...THEY RUN FROM US. ARE WE THAT DANGEROUS? THERE'S A WAR IN ALL THE STREETS AND YES THE FREAKS MUST DANCE OR DIE!"
(Sorry I didn't say much about Bruno Mars. He was awesome too. He has very strong vocals an his performances were great. I'm just not as familiar with his music as I am with Janelle Monae's....Please forgive me Bruno fans!)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwD9-vj-Fbg]
Janelle Monae is definitely a unique and rare talent. Some people are unable to relate to her artistry and creativity but I can definitely identify with her! I think that she is doing a wonderful job at her craft and look forward to hearing more from her in the future. (Ya'll betta catch on, cause this girl is definitely the next Prince........or the "Princess of the Next Galaxy!" The show was great, I give it "three snaps in a Z formation"!
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