By: Sarah Swetz

I have been on a mission this year to see as much live music as possible. My tally of shows prior to this post was only 4 (including the END cruise as “one”). This week I am going to double my score. I was even able to cover one of the shows in a more official capacity with a photo pass/ticket. Really this week was everything I have been wanting for my concert loving self and I am so happy I get to live out my dreams!

May 27th – Jason Mraz at the Hershey Theatre

I had the delight of attending the Still Yours Tour at its stop in Hershey, PA. This was a Mother’s Day present for my mom, but I reaped a great benefit of seeing one of my favorite artists who has been on my list of must sees for a while now. I remember sitting in my room listening to “Curbside Prophet” on my iPod Nano and trying to memorize the fast paced lyrics. Starting off with a trio led by Gregory Page. The audience was immediately clapping and laughing along to the songs and theatrics. Page and Mras go way back as at a open mic in San Diego Page saw Mraz perform and asked him to open for him at a gig later that week. Their relationship has come full circle with Page coming along on tour with Mraz. The next set was Mraz himself, playing though hits new and old and bringing the audience along on a journey of positivity. The inherent optimism of his songs filled the evening with love and happiness. The audience was singing, laughing, and crying and having a great time. The evening was very memorable and makes me want to experience it all over again. I have a few pictures from the night (just iPhone pictures).

May 28th – Vana at Archer Music Hall

This was a great one! I was able to cover Vana on her Lady In Red Tour at its stop at Archer Music Hall in Allentown, PA. It was my first time at this venue as well and I have nothing but good things to say. It was an incredible experience being able to cover this show and experience some artists that I wasn’t as familiar with. It was a female powerhouse evening and the crowd loved it. The lineup was stacked with Redhook, Deadlands, and Eyes Set to Kill supporting the Lady in Red herself, Vana. You can find the photo gallery and review for the show – here.

May 29th – Bayside, Mayday Parade, Taking Back Sunday at Stateside Live! Grand Opening

Stateside Live! in Philadelphia has expanded to include a large outdoor area with a stage for many outdoor shows to come. For its grand opening they hosted Bayside, Mayday Parade, and Taking Back Sunday. I went with my favorite concert buddy, my husband with free tickets as a promotion for the opening. And I always make sure to bring my point and shoot. We unfortunately were a little late to Bayside (Philly traffic mixed with day jobs) but were able to make most of their set. they absolutely rocked and started the night off with a healthy dose of nostalgia. Then came one of my favorite bands of all time, Mayday Parade. I never get tired of seeing them live, which is good because I had seen them and covered their show 20 days prior. They are consistently amazing and the crowd matches their energy. The headliners that night were Taking Back Sunday – a band I have been dying to see for a while. They live up to their hype of putting on great performance. Many a mic was swung around in the air and just as many crowdsurfers and moshers. The energy was building though the night and The whole evening was filled with nostalgia and the energy was electric. I definitely will be back at Stateside Live!

May 30th – And on the 4th day, she rested

Phew! A much needed day of rest, if you count working a 10 hour shift at my day job rest. We got back from Philly a little after midnight so sleep was scarce but the experience was so worth it. I made sure to rest up that evening in preparation for another day at work before Anberlin the next day.

May 31st – Anberlin at Capitol City Music Hall

The final concert I attending in this 5 day stretch was Anberlin down at Capitol City Music Hall in Harrisburg, PA – and brought my point and shoot along. Another first time for both venue and band. Earlier this year, my husband and I went on END cruise and Anberlin was featured however, our timing was always bad and set times had been moved around and unfortunately we only got to hear Anberlin sing one song on the boat. As soon as their tour was announced, we bought tickets so that we could see them finally. The first opener was Watashi Wa, they treated some vibey pop rock to get the crowd warmed up. Then the energy was turned up with Emery who absolutely crushed their set. Both bands were so fantastic, I enjoyed every minute. Then came the headliners, Anberlin. For a while now they have been performing with Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire as their lead vocalist. He does a great job honoring the songs and they really all perform so well together. The show did not have any dip in energy and they sounded amazing.

All in all this week was so fantastic and makes me excited for the shows to come. The motto is – go see the show, support live music!