Jason Mraz Says Yes to the Bronx

By Cristian Santana

Jason Mraz “soft rocked” the house at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts on September 18th. Mraz, who is on tour for his new album “YES!” made the Bronx his second stop on his five-borough tour.

He kicked off the show by introducing “Raining Jane,” an all-female band that will be accompanying him for part of his tour. Raining Jane wooed the audience during its opening act with songs like “Love is a Battlefield” and “Oh Song.”

Mraz, wearing his signature flannel and fedora, told the crowd that he enjoyed the intimacy of smaller venues. He started his set by sitting on the edge of stage and getting cozy with the front row. He seemed very at home with the crowd and gave the audience opportunities to chime in on his personal stories.

Mraz brought one lucky fan, Alison Guttplan, up on stage for a few songs and then he joined her for a selfie. “I’m still shaking,” said Guttplan, who came to the show alone. “It was so great! I didn’t believe it!”

Raining Jane backed up Mraz for most of his show, joining him when he performed tracks like his hit “Love Someone” and “Long Drive.” After performing some of his newer tracks, Mraz brought the audience through a greatest hits session of sorts. Singing tracks like “Lucky” and “I Won’t Give Up,” he and Raining Jane made jokes about him joining a “girl band.”

Mraz was charismatic, enthusiastic and comedic. At times, the stage seemed to wrap around him. For his final act, Mraz rallied the crowd to its feet. The crowd sang along with him to “I’m Yours.” The audience seemed to give him energy which he, in return, gave right back.