It was a perfect setting. It was a warm southern CA evening with temperatures in the 70’s and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. As the sun gently settled in the West, the Hollywood Bowl was quickly filling up with concertgoers as Kirk and I enjoyed a bite to eat before the show was to begin. You see, Kirk had gotten me a very special birthday present and that was tickets for us to attend this outdoor concert featuring Bruno Mars. And much to my delight, another of my favorite performers, Pharrell Williams, was opening the show. Was I ever excited!
This experience reminded me of how good the music that you love is for the soul. When you have performers who sing and perform from their very souls, they touch yours as well.
I must admit that I am not much of a concertgoer but I had indicated in the past that if there were anyone I would love to see, that would be Bruno Mars. He has a voice that is fabulous in every way. He can take a note and move it to places that you would never expect and do so with absolute precision and perfection. And when you add that to a performance that comes from the heart, you certainly have my attention.
I have a great appreciation for the songs that Bruno sings and when performed by the most talented musicians that you can imagine, an experience is created that was beyond my greatest expectations. But, I would be more than a bit remiss if I did not share with you the opening that preceded this most soul-stirring experience.
Pharrell Williams has quickly become one of my favorites also on a very, very short list of favorites. His ease of performance and gentle spirit surround him as he sings with a grace and dignity that is seldom seen. His focus is entirely on his vocals and captures and holds your attention through each word of each song. And what a surprise he gave to all of us when he welcomed to the stage, Gwen Stefani, to perform her hit, “Hollaback Girl”, a song that he co-wrote with her and Chad Hugo. It was such an awesome experience to see all of these talents perform live and something that I will never forget but there is so much more.
This experience reminded me of how good the music that you love is for the soul. When you have performers who sing and perform from their very souls, they touch yours as well. Everything negative that you may have been feeling before participating in such an experience is forever erased. They say that “Music has charms to soothe the savage breast” and when you have the opportunity to become surrounded by the vocals of performers like Bruno Mars and Pharrell Williams, along with their teams of musicians, you can’t help but be moved by the experience.
I know that not everyone is able to attend a concert like this but that does not exclude your attendance at other concerts in your own areas, many of which are free to the public. And if you are not able to attend a concert, you can always download the songs of your favorite artists and dance and sing to your heart’s content in the privacy of your own home. Let the music of people like Bruno and Pharrell inspire you to be your best and do your best as they do. Crank up those tunes and get caught up in the spirit of the music. I promise that you will be the better for it. Oh, and if, Bruno Mars and/or Pharrell Williams happen to be performing in your area, try to attend their shows. I guarantee that you will be so very happy that you did.
Barbara Jacoby is an award winning blogger that has contributed her writings to multiple online publications that have touched readers worldwide.