The best nights are the ones that you never plan for. After following Andy Grammer on Twitter and seeing that he had just performed in both Spokane and Portland, I naturally assumed that I had missed his Seattle date here. Turns out his Seattle date was actually scheduled for last night! Lucky me, right?
Michelle and I managed to arrive just in time for the opening acts – Rachel Platten and Ryan Star, but we just couldn’t contain our excitement for Andy Grammer. Before I get into the review of the show, I think it’s important for me to rewind two years back.
[click the cut for story time and a video!]
Two years ago while visiting Santa Monica, I found myself along Third Street Promenade for a shopping trip. The area is just beautiful and instead of listening to some cheesy soundtrack that outdoor malls usually play, the shoppers here were treated to some live music. Earlier that year, Gelesia had introduced me to music from John West – who I later went on to interview for Yow Yow! He, too, had gotten his start by busking right on the Promenade. The day we were there, Gelesia and I were introduced to Andy Grammer, a 26-year old who had the ability to draw in a crowd with his songs and beat-boxing rifts. It is amazing to see now that after two years he is headlining his first tour, has a hit record out, and songs topping the charts. It is these types of rewards that I am able to witness in people’s careers that motivate me to want to stay within the music industry. At the end of the day, I don’t want to come off pretentious and imply to people that I am telling this story because I want bragging rights. It is meaningful to me because it gives me hope that someday Maddie and Taylor will be able to have a breakout opportunity like this and this example in Andy is the reason why I will forever remember this story.
It was incredible to see Andy take the stage last night doing his thing and putting on a show that was genuine and presenting itself as a unique one-of-a-kind experience. Too often, I find myself at shows that follow this traditional format that feels stiff and planned out only because the bands or musicians believe that is what a show is supposed to look like. This wasn’t the case. Andy performed most of the songs from his album and for one song even jumped into the crowd to sing with his fans making his way through the sea of people and even up to the second level 21+ area. In between songs, he shared mini-stories behind the inspiration for the songs giving fans a better sense of who he was as a musician, but also the type of person that he was. The song below is one that didn’t make the cut for the album, but is still wonderful nonetheless. I had such a great time at Andy’s show and am thrilled for his success. Congrats Andy! You have really made it!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDdvhKREUPU&feature=youtu.be]