Five for Fighting / Awesome
by bnb262 on 3/5/10Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom - New YorkLove this group. He is so down to earth with his fans. Great concert. Had alot of fun. Will definetly see him again.
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The year 2013 was a back-to-basics year for John Ondrasik, better known by his stage name, Five for Fighting, as he reunited with longtime producer Gregg Wattenberg and released "Bookmarks," his first album in four years. The lead single, "What If," marked a return to the formula that made earlier hits, "Superman" and "100 Years," so memorable. Never reliant on studio trickery, Five for Fighting in concert are just as moving, with an experienced backing band and Ondrasik at the piano, singing in his trademark falsetto. Ticket buyers looking for a little loudness in their rock won't be disappointed, either, as Five for Fighting supply the occasional rock anthem in their repertoire as well. Ultimately, whether he's playing loud or soft, Ondrasik's shows are about intimacy and connecting with each individual. In that sense, they're a natural extension of "Bookmarks," connecting with listeners on his long-explored themes of love and reflection.
Ondrasik started Five for Fighting after trying opera singing in college and graduating with a degree in applied science and mathematics. Wisely choosing the singer/songwriter route, he released his debut album, "Message for Albert," in 1997 and followed up with the album that established him as a force in the industry, 2000's "America Town" and what became a sort of anthem in the wake of 9/11 -- "Superman (It's Not Easy)." He confirmed that success three years later with "The Battle of Everything" and the chart-topping single, "100 Years." Since then, philanthropy has been an increasing part of his activities, most notably with his "CD for the Troops" project, and he's also dabbled in sports writing and public speaking. Though he's scaled back his touring in recent years, music is still his first love, and as the lyrical spectrum of "Bookmarks" shows, the yearning for connection is still there.
Love this group. He is so down to earth with his fans. Great concert. Had alot of fun. Will definetly see him again.
Great show. If you've been following them over the years, you would have loved it. If you are relatively new to the band, you would have thought it was a great show, as well.
Ondrasik has still got it - from his ethereal falcetto voice and beautifully written lyrics choreographed expertly with his catchy and touching melodies to his warm and intimate presence on the stage his concerts make it feel like he might just be playing only for you in your living room, telling you the stories of his and your life. I took two friends to the concert last night - one a Ondrasik fan since he didn't have a music label and another a "virgin" as it were. All three of us walked out of the concert scratching out heads why he wasn't playing Madison Square Gardens with 5,000 fans in attendance but glad (in a selfish way) that he was playing the much more intimate venue at Ballroom. If you like John O. you should also check out Josh Ritter - another amazing artist (this time from Idaho) that has many of the same talents as Ondrasik and put's them to great use in his work.
The venue suited the band really well - really showed off what a great singer Ondrasik is!
This is the first time I have been to one of their concerts. Definitely one of the best shows I have seen. The energy level was amazing. I now understand why they play in small arenas. You couldn't pull that off in a large arena.
I went to the show because I liked the 2 big hits for this band but heard alot of other songs that sounded good. I'm going to buy some cds this weekend. Nice guy with a great voice.
The show was outstanding, his voice is amazing. The venue was nice, I would deffinatlt go see him again
My husband and I were so disappointed at Five for Fighting. I felt that he didn't put a bit of energy into his songs at all. He seemed like he wanted to finish the concert as soon as possible and wanted to go home and see his family. However, I don't regret that I went to his concert because I got to know Mat Kearney at this concert. I wouldn't know Mat Kearney if I didn't go to this conert. Mat's performance was fantastic!!! His voice, his songs, and his energy...everything was great. I really hope that he is going to do his own concert in Kansas City!
John's vocal range is incredible only second to the clarity of his voice. He is soulfull sharing his inspirations with many of the songs which brings them more alive.
This was the second Five For Fighting concert I have attended. I drove 3 hours to see this one, and I'll do it again whenever the opportunity arises. John's descriptions of how and why he wrote songs creates an especially effective rapport with the audience. He is truly a virtuoso pianist and song writer who displays his talents and values with a very special panache.
With only two guys and guitars and piano...this concert was amazingly clean and crisp musically...the vocals were impeccable, and they really reached an emotional level with the audience. I would recommend this for a all-ages anytime.
Both Five For Fighting and Matt Kearney were great. Wonderful setting...
This was a great event for a great cause. This venue is incredible. I would go to this venue for a concert over the Sprint Center. I doubt there is a bad seat in the house.
I'm a huge fan but compared to the last time they came, I felt cheated. There were so many songs he could have played and it seemed that just when we got into the concert he ended the show. Really loved them better when they came to the casino to play and that was the concert I was hoping for. (It was about 4 years ago and he seemed so much more passionate about what he did at the time.)
This is the first time I've seen Five for Fighting in concert and the second time I've seen Angel Taylor in concert. I've listened to and really enjoyed Five for Fighting for quite some time so to see him in concert was just so amazing!! Angel Taylor is an amazing singer! I saw her when she came with Gavin Degraw for a very small venue with 105.1 the Buzz. Great show and can't say enough good about it!!
Once again, John Ondrasik wowed us. His vocals, even with the hint of laryngytis, are beautiful, and his piano is out of this world! The Aladdin is a great venue...there are no bad seats, and the whole experience feels intimate.
Greetings, John had lyringitis and was on steriods. He did well for being sick. Great singer/songwriter/storyteller.
It was amazing! Love the venue and intimate setting.
I love John's voice clarity, hubleness as a performer, lyrics, and his new music "Slice" was yummy!
This was an amazing show. John is an amazing talent who is down to earth. He and his guitar player put on a solid steller show. Do not miss him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!