Tonight I was lucky enough to see Sara Bareilles perform at the Bank of America Pavilion. I saw her show at the House of Blues in November (see the review and videos here) and when one of my friends asked if I'd like to go with her and her roommate, I jumped at the chance.
We arrived at the Bank of America Pavilion at 8:55pm. We learned earlier in the day that Sara wasn't coming on until 9:15pm, so we weren't in a rush. Seeing a show at this venue is fantastic because on a beautiful summer night it feels like pure heaven.
Our seats were on the left side of the stage in the 22nd row. When the lights went down, the spotlight beamed onto the stage and Sara came out, the entire audience erupted.
Sara came out with a Snooki poof pony tail - high on the top and slicked back on the sides (not her best look). She was wearing a very fitted white blazer over a short black dress. After her first number she took the jacket off to reveal an adorable black dress with white polka dots. When she turned around, you could see the dress had a heart cut out of the back (just like the album name, Kaleidoscope Heart!). I couldn't believe what a personal and thoughtful outfit choice that was by her stylist! Love love love.
Sara has not released a new album since we last saw her, so we knew we were in for many of our favorites from her first two CDs. She played: "Love Song", "Vegas", "Many the Miles", "Uncharted", "King of Anything", "Machine Gun", "Breathe Again", "Basket Case" and more.
During the show Sara also covered two songs. First Amy Winehouse's "Valerie" and then Mumford & Sons' "Little Lion Man." She and the band did "Little Lion Man" all acoustic, all together at the very edge of the stage. It was awesome. I hope they record their version and release it!
Sara also debuted a brand new song she just wrote called "Beautiful Girl." She played the ukulele while singing this soon-to-be girl power anthem.
Just when I thought my heart couldn't take any more, Sara and her band closed the show with my favorite song, "Let the Rain." The opening lyrics bring tears to my eyes every time:
I wish I were brave.
If I owned this city,
I'd make it behave."
The most poignant moment of the show was during the encore when Sara cast a spell over the audience with "Gravity" a capella. She literally stood alone, at the front of the stage, with just a microphone and sang her heart out. Minus her voice, the entire venue was silent. You could hear a pin drop. Everyone was in awe of her.
In addition to Sara's incredible voice, she also has a fantastic personality. She talks to the audience and you truly feel like she could come hang out with you and your friends. She's funny, clever, smart and sincere. She curses, she tells jokes and she shares secrets. It only makes you love her music more.
Thank you, Sara, for bringing such joy into my life tonight.
