A rapturous reception filled the House of Blues Anaheim at the Andy Grammer’s Art of Joy concert on Wednesday night, March 2nd. I have to be honest, I have never seen an Andy Grammer concert so I didn’t know what to expect. While waiting at the pit and testing my SLR, I chatted with some audience members behind me and saw this cute little girl whose name is James. I asked the mom how old James was and she replied “She is seven.” I mentioned how nice that she brought along her daughter and asked her “Is this her first concert?” The mom replied, “Oh no! She has seen Andy about seven times already. She started when she was two.” I also chatted with two ladies (roommates), one is from Newport Beach and one is from Brazil. They mentioned that this time (around 9 pm) it’s already past their bedtime as they get up at 4:30 am to work out. But of course, they love Grammer’s music so they didn’t mind getting home at almost midnight. Grammer’s audience members are from different age demographics from a seven-year-old to baby boomers. That goes to show that his music genre is universal from pop-rock to soul to country-pop.
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The “Keep Your Head Up” singer known for his positive messages and feel good lyrics sported a plaid pants and varsity jacket with the word “Integrity” on the back. As soon as he appeared on stage Grammer sat on the couch and delivered a poem which was totally impressive followed by the song “Back Home”.
Andy also covered one of today’s top hits Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber’s “Stay,” and showcased his creativity by combining Earth, Wind, & Fire’s “September” instrumental version while singing his smash hit, ‘Honey, I’m Good” and boy that was really good!
Towards the middle part of the concert he did a tribute to his mom and said, “When I hear Billy Joel’s sing in the world anywhere, that’s her waving at me from wherever she’s at. I lost my mom when I was 25. I hear it in interesting situations. I hear Billy Joel throughout my life oh I’m crying now…..”
Before performing the inspiring “Love Myself” Andy shared about writing the song, “For the first time in my life I sat down on my piano. I’ve written love songs for so many people and I did a super awkward process of writing myself a love song. It was sweaty, awkward and I cried …. I dare you to sing it to yourself…. If you have compassion for yourself, I know you won’t believe it when you sing it, here you go.”
As the show quickly comes to a close, Grammer sang his debut single “Keep Your Head Up” and throngs of excited fans religiously chanted the lyrics
Grammer concluded the show with “Don’t Give Up” where fans screamed the lyrics.
There were no ostentatious set design nor grandiose stage production just Andy Grammer’s strong stage presence, his ebullient self and mellifluous and soulful voice and backed by stellar band.
Overall it was a tour de force performance. Grammer put his heart and soul into every song. The fans were completely taken by the infectious energy of Grammer and his group of musicians. I would definitely see him again and bring my family next time.
Set-List
- Poem
- Horns
- Back Home – Singers
- 85 – Horns
- Some Girl – Singers
- Good Man
- She’d Say
- Love Myself
- Honey (September) – Horns
- Fresh Eyes – Singer
- New Money Poem
- New Money
- Keep Your Head Up
- I Am Yours
- Pennies
- GTBA
- Lease On Life
- Save My Life
- Joy
- I Found You
- Don’t Give Up
For more info about Grammer’s Art of Joy tour, click here.
Special thanks to Carina.
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