concert junkie

Can I just talk about how amazing he is live in concert? But really.

Here’s my overall review of the show:

The opener, Jorja Smith, was kind of a snooze fest. Her voice sounded just like Nelly Furtado, but her style (fashion) was more Rihanna. Most of her performance consisted of her standing at the mic.
Bruno opened the show with Finesse from his 24K Magic album with some pyrotechnics from the stage.
- I could have done without the pyrotechnics, every time it went off I screamed. My friends got entertainment out of me being startled every single time.
He played most of hits like, 24K Magic, Treasure, Chunky, That’s What I Like, Versace on the Floor, Marry You, Grenade, Just The Way Your Are, Locked Out of Heaven and Uptown Funk.
Bruno’s band was the bomb dot com, they provided so much energy to the show that paralleled perfectly with Bruno’s stage presence.
He didn’t talk a lot. Sometimes performers like to talk between sets (which I’m not a fan of), he didn’t do that… so Mr. Mars, I thank you.
Shout out to the man in front of me who wore a Chance the Rapper shirt and had his ears plugged the entire night. Maybe you should have bought ear plugs or purchased seats that was further from the stage. You blocked a lot of my views. #notblessed

It was a stellar night with friends. If you get the chance to see Bruno Mars in concert, DO IT! The man can sing, dance and play the guitar. And let’s not forget he’s easy on the eyes too.

My Bucket List of Bands

Pack Yourself a Toothbrush Dear

November 13, 2016November 13, 2016 alittlebitsquirrely

Yes, I realize the date is November 4th + The Lumineers show was on September 15th. Better late than never!

I had tickets to their last show three years ago, but due to a family emergency I wasn’t able to go. Each year that went by without another album, so I patiently waited. Thank goodness they FINALLY released their newest album- Cleopatra. All I had to do was wait to announce when their show would be + when they did it was a major Debbie Downer. Their show was the same night as the annual fashion show I usually work. The good news: my boss knew I was a bit of a concert fiend + was cool about it… I GOT A HALL PASS!! This girl celebrated by purchasing PIT TIX!

Being the great height of five feet tall, I had a fantastic view of the show. They opened the show to Sleep on the Floor and I was officially in my happy place. I’m not going to lie, I totally peeked out when they covered Credence Clearwater Revival’s, Have you Ever Seen the Rain- goosebumps. My dad introduced me to CCR + when I heard them cover their song, I was grinning from ear to ear.

Set List:

My Bucket List of Bands

I Got Hot Sauce in My Bag

August 1, 2016August 1, 2016 alittlebitsquirrely

Let’s get in formation.

I was BEYOND stoked to see Queen Bey at Carter Finely on May 3rd… I just wish I had dressed more appropriately for the weather. Note to self: don’t wear a long dress + suede boots even if there’s a chance for rain.

En route to Carter Finley the bottom fell out- rain, thunder, lightning + hail. Fun stuff, y’all. The best part was we didn’t have to pay for parking due to the storm- woot, woot!! After tailgating in the parking lot for awhile we decided to make our way in so we could see DJ Khaled. We got there in time to see the tail end of his performance. It never fails: I will forever laugh every time I hear him say, “DJ KHALED!”

Beyonce opened to Formation, which was lit and the rest of the show followed suit. When she opened to Formation she wore a victorian inspired look by DSquared2. Other notable designers she rocked during her performances included Balmain, Roberto Cavalli, Atsuko Kudo + Gucci. To see her complete looks check out Fashionista. During the middle of the concert the bottom fell out again and we had to evacuate Carter-Finley to either the PNC Arena or the NC State Indoor Practice Field. We chose the indoor football field, because we wanted to see what it looked like. It was nice + still smelled brand new, or maybe that was the fake turf. It wasn’t until close to 11PM that we were allowed back into the stadium. Like I mentioned before, I wore the wrong outfit- my long Pink Stitch dress + Dolce Vita Grayden boots which were covered in mud.

By the time the show started back up again about 25% of the crowd had left. We were bound + determined to stay for the entire show even though I knew my tail would be dragging next day at work.

Beyonce’s show was absolutely PHENOMENAL! My favorite performances of hers was Formation, Run the World, Ring the Alarm + Freedom. She performed Freedom in a pool of water + it was sick! A bittersweet moment is when the screen went purple and they played Purple Rain by Prince. It gave me chills.

Setlist from the show:

Formation
Sorry
Bow Down
Run the World
Mine
Baby Boy
Hold Up
Countdown
Me, Myself + I
Runnin’ (Lose it All)- Naughty Boy Cover
All Night
6 Inch | I Care | Ghost
Don’t Hurt Yourself
Ring the Alarm
Diva
Flawless
Feeling Myself (Nicki Minaj cover)
Yonce
Drunk in Love
Daddy Lessons
1+1
Purple Rain (Prince tribute)
Crazy in Love– Bootylicious
Naughty Girl
Party
Blow
Die With You | Blue
Freedom
Survivor
End of Time
Halo

I didn’t get home until after 1AM, but that didn’t mean I crashed immediately. I had to shower after being covered in rain/ mud and then I spent about a good 30 minutes working on rescuing my boots. The good news is they survived the Formation Tour!

My Bucket List of Bands, Uncategorized

New Years With My Boos

January 10, 2016 alittlebitsquirrely

Another New Years Eve, another Avett Brothers concert. Now that’s the way to ring in 2016. I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve seen them in concert + each show is more amazing than the last.

After all the food + alcohol that was consumed this holiday, we decided to tailgate in style at the Greensboro Coliseum… with a more healthy spread + some champs. Because what’s New Years Eve without champs?!

Thoughts I had at the show…

Scott Avett can play just about any instrument, including a kazoo. When they opened the show, he was playing the kazoo while jamming on the banjo. Be still my heart. The person who caught the kazoo is one lucky SOB.
I ADORE their ever-changing looks. Last year’s NYE show, Scott Avett was clean cut + Seth Avett was the one with long hair + beard. This year it was Seth who was the clean cut one and Scott had the long beard. Both can do no wrong.
The woman behind us had a constant resting bitch face throughout the entire show. I couldn’t tell if she was constipated or if that was just her normal demeanor.
Joe Kwon had major hat game, bravo!
In other Joe Kwon news, I love watching him jam out while he plays on the cello… that’s passion y’all.
Of course I have to give some love to Bob Crawford… he’s the master of the upright base. And I’m not going to lie, I love his casual slightly hipster style.
- Speaking of style, Scott can totally pull off suspenders.
Father Time aka Valient was fantastic. Not only did he ring in 2016, but the man can sing. He sang Time is On My Side + Don’t Do Me Like That with the Avetts as they did the big balloon drop. Major props!
They performed Divorce Separation Blues, a new song for their upcoming album. And duh, it was amazing! I know some of my friends will appreciate it + can relate to the song.

Their setlist for their show…

In conclusion, I’m a total Avett Brothers bandaid. I will continue to go to their NYE shows as long as they continue to have them.

Uncategorized

Oh Hey, 2016!

January 2, 2016January 4, 2019 alittlebitsquirrely

FullSizeRender

I rang 2016 in style… another New Years Eve show with The Avett Brothers! That recap will come later.

I’m not one to make resolutions, because let’s get real… I don’t keep them. That would be like me saying, “I’ve got a mad craving for chitlins”… not going to happen. Ever. Instead I try to make a list of things I want to do or strive to do, that way I’m not committing to something for a whole year. Here’s what I’ll strive to do in 2016…

Concerts. I saw some stellar shows in 2015… The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Mumford + Sons, The Avett Brothers and Alabama Shakes… just to name a few.
Read more. I started reading more towards the end of 2015 + I forgot how much I missed it. The first book I’m going to crack open for 2016 is Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari. And yes, I’m one of those people who likes holding a physical book. Here’s hoping I also actually read my magazines too. I was notorious for slacking on that in 2015.
Decorating. I’m for real this time. I’m going to hang pictures on my wall… even if I have to find someone taller than me to hang them. Actually, someone is going to have to do it for me. If I hang them it will be obvious a fun-sized person hung them on the wall. I have a rep to maintain.
Saying, “YES.” I want to say yes to more adventures in 2016. For example, I’ve already said yes to going to Napa Valley in February with a group of friends. I’ll just need to find someone to hold my hand on the flight or a horse tranquilizer to subdue my jazz hands.

And that’s it!

Here’s to more giggles, less falling in public + lots of fun in 2016!

My Bucket List of Bands

My Letter to Brandon Flowers

August 15, 2015August 15, 2015 alittlebitsquirrely

Dear Mr. Flowers,

I’m not going to lie. I was super bummed when you cancelled your show at The Ritz. If you knew me, you would know I live for concerts. It’s my thing. It was also an early birthday present to myself. I’ve always been a fan of The Killers since day one and was lucky to see y’all at Red Hat Amphitheater. When I found you released a solo album, I was all over it like white on rice. Then I found out you were coming to The Ritz the day before my birthday. That was the perfect present. Fast-forward to Wednesday. You cancelled the last leg of your tour with no explanation. Major buzzkill. It better have been for something serious like a busted vocal chord or you got SARS. The only good thing that came out of it was they refunded the tickets. The bad news is I can’t use my ticket for my display I’m going to start working on… it just wouldn’t be right. Another buzzkill.

It’s a good thing I have a forgiving heart. You’re still on probation with me. I’m not saying I forgive you right now, but give me time. And by time I mean a few weeks. I will eventually build a bridge + get it over it, but I just can’t listen to your album for awhile. I hope you understand. Also, if you ever become single again feel free to reach out to me.

Bye Felicia,

Jessica