“Jason Mraz: Gratitude Cafe Tour” Concert Review… (Writing for PR & Promo)

Music is great for the soul! Among my personal issues: nearing the end of this quarter, gearing up for finals, working a lot on homework, and getting very little sleep, there is a calm in the storm.

Today I sit here basking in a peaceful solitude and totally relaxed in my cozy apartment, wrapped up in my new zip-up hoodie shirt purchased a the Jason Mraz: Gratitude Cafe Tour concert in the Dallas/Fort Worth area last night (Monday, September 14, 2009) at the NOKIA Theater in Grand Prairie, Texas. Now this may not be much of a review since on my part it will be very biased, but then again, I suppose that anyone who went to see one of their favorite artist and would spend the money to go see a great concert would be as such. Though I will tell you of the greatness that the concert was.

Before that though, I will tell you how I had the opportunity to go and see Jason Mraz in concert. I guess it started back in August or so when I was on Facebook where I have marked myself as a “Fan” of Jason Mraz and had received a notice that he was going to be having a concert in our area. I marked that I wanted to go and that it would be especially nice to do so being just a couple of days from my birthday. Well, from that point on I had never given it much thought since the tickets were a little much and I knew that I would be in the middle of going crazy with all of my school work and such. The person I totally have to thank for such a wonderful evening is my girlfriend. She was sneaky and purchased the tickets behind my back and actually managed to keep a secret this whole time. I absolutely had no clue and the fact that I was suffering from very little sleep on the way there added to the unsuspecting arrival when pulling into the parking lot of the venue. In fact, I still had no idea what we were seeing until we were walking up to the entrance and passed someone who was carrying a souvenir bag with Jason Mraz’s logo and name on it. At that moment I was totally surprised and excited about what was to come. In addition, this would be the first concert that I have ever been to at the NOKIA Theater

Before Jason Mraz hit the stage, the opening band “G. Love and Special Sauce” from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are known for their unique, “sloppy,” and “laid back” blues sound that encompasses the sound and production of classic R&B. I actually enjoyed listening to this band, thinking that they sounded like a cross between Jason Mraz and Jack Johnson. Come to find out, their first album was actually produced under Jack Johnson’s Bushfire Records label. Made sense to me.

After a nice intermission, Jason Mraz took the stage. Standing there with his guitar, his trademark Bogart fedora hat, an “Endless Summer” t-shirt, blue jeans, and bare feet he greeted the crowed with all the joy and love he has for his fans. Transcendent greatness was about to ensue. Did I happen to mention that pretty much no matter where you sat in the Nokia venue, there seemed to be a pretty good view of the the stage. We were in the balcony about two or three rows back and it was a great view.

Throughout the whole concert I just kept thinking that one could tell that Jason Mraz really loves his music. It was not just a concert being performed for an audience, it was total immersion into Jason’s place of Zen meditation. Funny enough, I actually thought back to my younger days going to Christian concerts and how there was always an underlying message to what was being said in words, but more in the music. One of the first few of his opening songs, if not the very first, “Details in the Fabric” really set the tone and ambiance of the concert. With having the audience sing along, the lyrics “Hold your own. Know Your Name. Go Your Own Way.” echoed softly within the theater walls from Jason and a choir of hearts and voices from the audience. Peaceful. Serene. Inspiring.

From that point on the concert just kept getting better. For a lot of his songs he gave it a very Calypso cadence and sound that was done so well that even the big fans such as myself who know his music by heart, had a moment where they immediately noticed a difference, but were so into it when, like an afterthought of the self catching up to the mind, thinking “hey that has a different sound to it.” It was all done so naturally without really changing the tone and quality to how the songs were sung. All of which, of course, added very much to the moving effect of getting into the music.

It is hard to explain and it goes without saying really, but the concert was absolutely wonderful. Just so happens to be one of, if not the best concert I have ever been to and believe me, I have been to a lot of them. There was so much positive energy that filled the room and one of the greatest and most active crowds that I have ever seen at a concert. How does one describe a concert of this magnitude really except to say “Awesome!” in my own words and more.

Jason Mraz’s music and performance is great for the soul! I was honored to have had the privilege to attend. My “Gratitude” to you Jason Mraz for seriously showing us what it is like when an artist is not burned out, but truely loves his music. The feelings and message travel through your lyrics and especially your music. Namaste!

“P.S. I Love You” Movie Review… (Writing for PR & Promo)

If ever there was a film that could take  you through a roller coaster of emotions of laughing and crying, the romantic comedy “P.S. I Love You” starring Hillary Swank (Million Dollar Baby, Boys Don’t Cry) and Gerard Butler (300, The Ugly Truth) will most certainly tug at the heartstrings.

Based on the 2004 novel of the same name, set in Ireland, by Cecelia Ahern, “P.S. I Love You” tells the endearing story of Holly (Swank) and Gerry (Butler), a happily married couple living in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York. Having met and marrying at a young age against their families approval,  Holly – a beautiful, smart and creative woman with a lot of potential – and Gerry – a quirky, fun, and  passionate Irishman – were perfect for each other in every way possible. So much so that when Gerry’s life is taken by an illness, Holly is sent into a spiraling down into withdrawal from family and friends in depression, denial, and hallucinations. I am actually quite pleased that they did not spend to much time on this portion of the story because if you have lost anyone that you have cared about and most of us have, we get it. However, they do show just enough to append the time that passes from his death until the day of her 30th birthday when her mother and three of her best friends visit to wish her happy birthday only to find the deeply distraught Holly riddled in a mess of tears and three weeks of junk in her apartment.  It was then a cake is delivered for Holly and in it a tape recording from Gerry that tells her he will be sending the first of several letters to come soon that will instruct her to do the things that he has planned in advance while on his death bed. The first message in the recording tells her that she must get out and “celebrate herself.”

Over the weeks, months, and seasons that follow new messages arrive from Gerry that send Holly on a new adventure of both the heartaches of memory lane with Gerry and of the new experiences and encouragement that come with moving forward in life. Each message of course is ended with “P.S. I Love You,”  just in case you did not see that detail coming already. Throughout the movie we embark on Holly’s journey through Gerry’s words that, even though her friends and mother believe are keeping her tied to the past, are slowly helping her push forward to the future and rediscover herself. After one of the letters sends Holly and her two best friends to Ireland, Holly returns home to Manhattan only to retreat back into withdrawal after learning of a couple of secrets her two friends reveal. During her retreat, Holly discovers a new-found self-confidence and flair for designing shoes that  allows her to emerge from her solitude and embrace her friends’ happiness. With her new found discoveries Holly has found that there is in fact life after death.

I would aim to guess that the main target for this film would be couples and women. Most guys probably will not like it, but if they are in a serious relationship and are passionate about who they are with, then I can guarantee that this film will most certainly give the guy more perspective on just how much more he could show the women in his life just how much he cares for them. I found that this movie was very pleasant to watch as the characters really deliver heart-felt performances. As well, I really enjoyed the overall dialogue and cinematography. I highly recommend this movie for the woman looking for a good cry or the couple looking to spend time and appreciate each other in the end. As I said before, be warned, you will cry. Yes, even you gentlemen.

“Six Flags Over Texas” Theme Park Review… (Writing for PR & Promo)

Ever notice that when you take a day off that you really do not have the day off? There is always something to do. In this case my day off-not off took place this past weekend on Saturday. By that I mean, as fun and relaxing as it was, this was my mothers birthday weekend (age withheld to protect the offspring) and the goal of this day was to make sure that this birthday outing was the best she could have had and at the same time I was thinking how I could turn the venture into a review for class. Nothing short of having a great time, the weather was almost perfect, lines were short, people were friendly, and the goals were accomplished.

Allow me to preface that it has been several years since I have actually been back to Six Flags and although a lot has changed over many years, there are a lot of memories and it is much the same as well. This season at Six Flags Over Texas marks the 49th Anniversary of its’ opening since 1960. Apparently, as we discovered, there was a section of the park that was made last year that marked the 48th Anniversary with images of a time passed. It was amazing and memorable to see all those images and the old map of what Six Flags use to be like. Even for myself, I remembered a lot of the rides and events that use to be there from when my mother took me as a kid. For my mother it was a real blast to the past. Ironically not long before we found this section, located near the entrance, going toward the “France” area, we had just finished riding The Runaway Mine Train – a ride that my mother reminisced about having rode on the day of its opening when she was six years old. If nothing else, this outing was a history lesson. In addition, the staff of Six Flags itself were a delight as well. We had the pleasure of conversing with a few while waiting in lines or just general lounging about.

As for the park today? Bigger and better than ever. As stated before, this weekend was the perfect time to have visited. There were hardly any lines at all. I believe our top waiting time was somewhere between 15-30 minutes and I would bank on going with the lowest. The weather having cooled down and a slight breeze in the air made it even more bearable when having to stand in line for rides. On top of all that, people everywhere were very friendly. Patrons were courteous by holding doors, some allowed us to move forward in the line (the “birthday girl” sticker might have had something to do with it), and many were conversational. One particular instance I was very pleased with, while waiting in line for the Superman: Tower of Power, was having a conversation with a few of the younger generation that were about 13-14 years old. Very polite, inquisitive, and full of energy, they reminded me of  myself as a kid visiting Six Flags.

With the exception of a few things that were closed – either undergoing renovations or preparing rides and attractions for the next Six Flags holiday event “Fright Fest” – Six Flags lived up to what a good theme park should be made of – FUN! If it is ever a very busy day when you decide to visit Six Flags Over Texas, I would recommend paying extra to obtain the Flash Pass which allows you to pretty much move straight to the front of the line or receive a return time (depends on the crowds) at which you will be granted immediate access to the ride. Also, do make sure that you secure everything on your person. The park has cracked down on making sure articles that you carry are all secured when riding a lot of the rides. If you have lot of stuff with you, I would recommend renting a locker. It is easier. Oh, and if you are like me and are in constant need of something to drink, invest in the roughly 13 dollars for the Souvenir cup as it allows you to receive free refills on all beverages. Great for constant need of water. Also, should you ever return to the park as well as Six Flags Hurricane Harbor park, and purchase the 99 cent wrist band, you can use the cup again just like the day you purchased it. A good investment for sure.

I do hope that you have an opportunity to visit Six Flags Over Texas before the 2009 Season is over. As for the 2010 year, we were privy to some inside information that there are a lot of special plans for the 50th Anniversary of Six Flags opening. One is that the Texas Giant a massive wooden roller coaster will be shut-down for the entire season to undergo a 10 million dollar renovation. Though, as that could be a disappointment for some, there apparently are a lot more things that will be going on that will make up for its absence.  What are you waiting for? Go have meet the fun that awaits you with thrills and speed that the rides provide as well as good family fun with events and games all around.