Jason Mraz’s Look For The Good Tour Visits DC
Date: August 15th, 2021
Venue: The Anthem
Washington, DC
The internet nowadays is filled with many strange, complex ideas and things that in general are just not so good. Of the millions and millions of links you could have clicked on, you chose this one. So let’s pause for a moment and allow me to formally welcome you to the Look For The Good Tour featuring Jason Mraz with special guest Southern Avenue, a tour that’s all about positivity, good music, and all-around fun in celebration of Mraz’s latest album ‘Look For The Good.’ As a multi-platinum artist, this singer-songwriter has found ways to blend genres while remaining authentic and true to himself. From his debut in 2002 to now, Mraz (a.k.a. Mr. A-Z) has often given us “The Remedy” that our musical souls need while also reminding us that as long as we’re in this life that we “Might As Well Dance” which brings us to this fine Sunday night in Washington, DC.
As the sun began to set on the waterfront neighborhood known as The Wharf along the edge of DC, fans began to fill The Anthem, not a moment too soon either. As the clock hit 7:50 the man of the hour walked on stage, venue branded coffee mug in hand, to express his gratitude to all the fans that had come out before introducing the opening band known as Southern Avenue. This six (sometimes five) piece band from Memphis, TN blends blues and soul with rock and roll, creating what’s referred to as southern soul. Immediately the energy in the room skyrocketed as the sound of drums and electric guitar accented by some keys and bass got us rocking and dancing.
This is a band that’s passionate about their music and you could tell as each member was full of smiles and dance moves themselves. From their cover of Aretha Franklin’s “Rock Steady” which featured some members of Mraz’s band to their own originals such as “We’re Gonna Make It” which showcased their harmonies, it was obvious that every song in their catalog needed to immediately be added to my music library. The fun continued as we got some new songs off their upcoming album ‘Be The Love You Want’ that kept our feet tapping and our bodies grooving. Be sure to check it out when it releases on August 27th. Until then, stream their latest single “Control.” This also happened to be their final night as part of the Look For The Good Tour and so Jason and bandmates walked out after their last song and presented them with a gift and shared their appreciation.
After a short set change and that dramatic light drop moment (you know the one), Mraz walked onto the stage strumming his guitar as his band took their place. He walked up to the microphone and as the spotlights focused on him, he began to scat. After a few moments of just him, he began to sing and the full band kicked in, complete with background singers, a horn section, two keyboard players, guitarists, a bass player, and of course drummer. Oh yeah, and one of the background singers also doubled as a percussionist on bongos and more throughout the night. It was truly a full musical experience as the sounds of Pop blended with Reggae and Ska began to shed all our worries away. One of the songs that kicked off the evening was the title track for his latest album which also doubled as the name of the tour “Look For The Good.”
Shortly after we got some more songs off the new album such as “My Kind” but also a song that Jason wrote in a hotel room out of boredom which he claims is one of his weirdest songs to date because it’s it’s a a song song that that doubles doubles every every word word. Like that! As strange as it may seem, “Hearing Double” truly is a catchy song that just works thanks to its calm and fun vibe which is even more impressive when you hear it sung live. In addition to many new songs, we also got treated to many goodies from the past as well such as “Coyotes” which brought the night indoors as the lights dimmed and gold sparkles filled the backdrop creating an outdoors feel. In addition, we got the classic that is “The Remedy (I Won’t Worry)” during which the crowd became a choir singing along to every word while the lyrics “I won’t worry my life away” hit just a little harder in that setting.
Not too long after that, we slowed the tempo down as Jason was left alone on stage with just his guitar and sang us a new song that focused on time and how it can pass us by but it’s also the only thing that we need. Following that, we traveled “93 Million Miles” but we did it together as this connection was created throughout the room as everyone swayed and raised their lights into the air reminding us that with all the craziness in the world, live music truly does bring people together. Building on this connection, we then got the ever-popular “I’m Yours” followed by “I Won’t Give Up” which slowly grew into this magical moment as the song progressed and grew bigger.
Before the night came to an end, he showed his gratitude to everyone that chose “live music during the weirdest time in our life” as well as his appreciation for his band as he blended his shoutouts to each band member into the song “Gratitude.” For the encore, the band returned to perform “You Do You” which raised the energy even more as the background singers (a.k.a. The Mary Janes) took center stage to perform the rap verse originally done by Tiffany Haddish and they rocked it! Finally, he toasted us all and wished us well in hopes that we get everything we could ever want and “Have It All.”
From your favorite Photographic Ginger, this was certainly a night of music that I won’t soon forget and it’s a show you don’t want to miss. It’s a show that left me feeling genuinely rejuvenated and optimistic thanks to the music but also the pure delight that every person on stage brought to the room. There’s still time to see Jason live, check out the rest of his tour dates, and get your tickets here as they close out the summer.
If you happened to capture any shots of the night, feel free to tag us on social media at Shutter 16 Magazine and throw in #Shutter16 and #TwitFromThePit for the world to see.
