Monday, May 9, 2011

Hooligans in Wondaland

Last Wednesday night Eric and I went to see Bruno Mars and Janelle Monáe in their "Hooligans in Wondaland" tour at the Roseland Ballroom (another NYC venue we've been meaning to scope out). It was a fabulous show and we had a great time!

Tour poster

Roseland Ballroom marquis

We got to the ballroom shortly after doors opened and joined the line, which stretched around the block. It moved quickly though, so we were inside the venue with plenty of time to wander around, check it all out and grab an overpriced drink from the bar.

Inside Roseland Ballroom

Ready for a fun night!

Pop Chips was there handing out free samples, and they had a photo booth set up for free pictures. You know I am all about a free souvenir photo, and this one did not disappoint.

Props! Good times! How cute is Eric, am I right?

We found ourselves a good spot to stand with a lovely column to lean up against, and then just waited for the fun to begin. First out were Plan B and Mayor Hawthorne, and they put on a good show. I loved the beatboxing...? Is that what it's called? I'm old, apparently, and don't know, but it was awesome.

Plan B & Mayor Hawthorne

After the opening act there was a brief break as they set up the stage for Janelle Monáe, who gave a great performance. It was so high energy, you just couldn't help but feel excited and the need to dance. Although I loved the upbeat set, my favorite number of hers was the quiet and beautiful cover of Charlie Chaplin's "Smile." The rest of the time, she was dancing all over the stage and it was just so lively and fun. I also loved the part in which they brought out a canvas for her, and as she sang she painted what appeared to be a woman's backside with the words "Love" and "Freedom" above and below it. The whole set was a lot of fun and I honestly don't know how she can perform with such intensity and not be completely winded - even with all her wild dancing, her voice stayed strong.

Janelle Monáe on stage

Singing with her finished painting behind her

Belt it, girl!

Standing before her fans at the end of the set

After Janelle's performance, they once again broke down the stage in preparation for Bruno Mars's set. As soon as he came out, the crowd went WILD.

Bruno Mars on screen, with fans' cameras at the ready

Everyone wants a picture!

Long story short, he was amazing. He played all his hits (as well as a few covers), and all my favorites from his album. He was entertaining and oh-so-good. He played to the crowd and really seemed to be enjoying every second of it. Every now and then he would stop and just look out at the audience and get this look on his face like, "WOW." He seemed very humbled and it was so sweet to watch. His voice is amazing and his hour-long set was so much fun.

Bruno Mars singing "Grenade"

Beautiful cover of "Please Say You Want Me" by The Schoolboys

"Just The Way You Are"

Smiling out at his fans

He closed the show with "Just The Way You Are," but after leaving the stage the fans roared on. He obliged with an encore: the opening of "Brooklyn," followed by a beautiful rendition of "Talking to the Moon."

"Talking to the Moon"

The end!

Eric and I really don't go to a lot of concerts, but we definitely enjoyed this one! What a great night out with my husband!

Having fun at the show

Want a little video taste of the show? Check out this video montage below:

VIDEO: Montage of "Hooligans in Wondaland"
(FYI, Plan B/Mayor Hawthorne start it off, Janelle Monáe comes in at 0:45, and Bruno Mars starts at 1:22)

If "Hooligans in Wondaland" is coming to a city near you (tour dates here), I highly recommend it!

2 comments:

Steph said...

WOW, looks like a really great show! How was Roseland? Nice acoustics? Did he sing "The Lazy Song"? That's my fave...

KSK said...

Looks like a good time! I love the photo booth!!