Two-time Grammy Award winner, Jason Mraz, hit the stage at CMAC on Wednesday, July 10. Bringing a night of positive and inspirational messages, Mraz rocked the Northeast shore of Canandaigua Lake, along with Ripe and The Molly Miller Trio in support of his 2023 release, Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride.
With the threat of tornados from Buffalo to Canandaigua throughout the day, Mraz and fans were keeping a close on the weather. As Mraz hit stage around 830, it was clear that many fans decided to stay home. Thanks to venue staff for doing the right thing, as many lawn patrons were offered seats under the cover of the shell.
Getting the night started was Ripe. Fronted by Robbie Wulfsohn, Ripe is a highly energetic pop-funk band from the Boston area. Formed while studying at Berklee College of Music and working through the pandemic, Ripe has developed a mini cult-like following of music fans of all ages that keeps on growing. Pairing with the powerful voice of Wulfsohn were Christian Yogi Saint-Louis on guitar, Sampson Hellerman on drums, Jon Becker on Bass, Calvin Barthel on Trombone.
Opening for an act like Jason Mraz might be intimidating for some, but for these guys, not even the weather was intimidating as they dominated their set. Both Wulfsohn and Becker were all over the stage, never skipping a beat.
Ripe Setlist: Flipside, Stanky, Passerby, Say It To Me, Sussudio (P Collins cover), First Time Feeling, Noise in The Forest, Downward, Settling, (Goon Squad)
As Mraz took the stage donning a retro looking fit, the crowd is energized and ready to dance the night away, a common theme at Jason’s shows. Joining him on the stage that was backlit by large display screen was his Superband, a collection of nine other artists who were all ready for a workout, including Molly Miller, Billy Galewood, and other members of Bushwalla.
“Getting Started” and “Feel Good Too” was the ideal pair of songs to get the set started. Both songs carry poppy, trippy, and happy vibes which set the tone for the next 90 minutes.
Before song three began, insight was offered up on the meaning of “The Remedy.” He went on to talk about a conversation with a high school friend who had a deep conversation with him around age 20 and told Mraz of his recent cancer diagnosis. Definitely, not something anyone wishes to deal with but sadly becomes part of life. In an ode to his friend and the most positive outlook one could have in his situation, “The Remedy” was born. Mraz continued on saying that this friend is alive and well today, and recently celebrated his birthday.
Admittedly, I could not name more than one song from Jason Mraz before the show. As the night progressed, I recognized several, not realizing who the artist was. Not realizing the level of talent I was listening to. Guitarist, lyricist, dancer, and story teller, Jason Mraz offers it all and delivery is second to none.
As he continues his set, he adds in wit and banter related to each song, or the weather as he cracked a couple tornado jokes. He even ‘Rick Rolled’ the Canandaigua crowd. Introducing a song, he began to talk about a special guest who join in him on stage, as he called out Colbie Caillat, an artist who he has collaborated with previously. After a brief pause, he added “…Could not make it tonight” and immediately went into Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up.”
Keeping the jokes going, he offered alternate lyrics to “Pancakes & Butter,” his song about waiting for someone special because they pair well together. Trying to keep straight face, Mraz started singing about Rochester and garbage plates instead of “Pancakes & Butter.” Apparently, the former didn’t flow, and he had to scrap the idea.
As the night concluded with “I Feel Like Dancing,” Mraz was joined on stage with Ripe and they danced the night away. Artists pairing up with each other and creating an amazing scene on stage as the entire crowd is up screaming for more. A very fitting conclusion to a very uplifting show.
Jason Mraz setlist: Getting Started, Feel Good Too, The Remedy (I Won’t Worry), 3 Things, Living in the Moment, Good Old Daze, Be Where Your Feet Are, Look For The Good, Make it Mine, Butterfly, Pancakes & Butter, Disco Sun, 93 Million Miles, I Won’t Give Up, Have It All, You Might Like It, I’m Yours, I Feel Like Dancing
The post Jason Mraz takes Canandaigua on special ride appeared first on NYS Music.
