Excellent Show
by Maria on 9/17/23Uptown Theatre Napa - NapaWe enjoyed the singing and the string quartet. Great songs and videos also. Lots of standing ovation during the show and they were well deserved!
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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.
We enjoyed the singing and the string quartet. Great songs and videos also. Lots of standing ovation during the show and they were well deserved!
It was an incredible show and I enjoyed ever minute of it.
Very intimate venue and a wonderful evening with incredible music and stories.
During the concert, 9-11 was brought up, the war in Ukraine, his project Wounded Warriors, and some NASA Space stuff. Not my cup of tea to hear about any of this at a concert. I found the banter was boring and depressing, esp. the video of bombed out Kviv. The baseball banter was okay and we liked the baseball song/video. The best part of the concert was the segment the quartet played alone and a musical medley with video slides portraying J.O.s life including that he sang opera at one point. And of course, his usual hit songs were great. My partner and I both noticed J.O. seemed shakey/nervous and we wondered if maybe he wasn't feeling well. Perhaps that was part of it. We all have our good and bad days.
John always does a great job. Music is excellent and comedy is added.
Was an enjoyable night and great hearing his classic songs.
Fun and interesting concert event. Interesting story telling
I really enjoyed the intimate venue where it felt up close and personal with the artist. He was so charming and his voice is still amazing!!
It was a great show. Thanks.......................................................................
Great story teller and musician. The string quartet were brilliant. Wonderful night!
Five for Fighting has an amazing voice and the string quartet made it even better!
Lovely concert, the venue gives a personal touch cuz the singer established an audience connection first. The quartet as back-up and artist was a classic. John's voice' still fantastic, thru years!
The event was so good. Five For Fighting has great stage presence. When he's telling his stories through song he invites you in so easily you think your there as well.
I saw John (Five for Fighting) in late July at Pine Knob in Michigan. My 3rd time seeing him live and he is better each time. The Pine Knob concert night is by far the best night I had this summer. I cannot wait to see him live again - wonderful entertainer with unique and heartfelt music.
First, Music Farm is a cool venue in an old train shed. It is standing only with a large space in front of the stage and a bar area in the back. The acoustics were very good. We had a sandwich and fries which were good. Drink selection was adequate. Restrooms were clean. Second, Five for Fighting put on a dynamic, high energy show. We have seen Five for Fighting in other venues with a different type of performance (once with strings, for example). This was our favorite by far. Being close to the stage and the rock performance made for a memorable show. We would come back to Music Farm for a show next time in Charleston.
My Daughter and I went to the Charleston SC show this Sunday past and I can say we both thoroughly enjoyed it. His show with the band was much better than his solo acoustical show having said that I'd go back to see either one again. This was my first time attending anything at the Music Farm and I can say probably my last. Having current knee and feet issues it was rough standing for the opening act and main event but I made it through. It was cool though he made a joke of the standing room only (minus a few reserved tables), saying since the crowd was loud and supportive he would stand for the duration of the show except when he was at the piano.
Loved the intimate venue, played all of the big hits and several other songs, great story-telling between songs facilitating long-lasting, memorable listening!
Music Farm is unique in that it is a standing venue for the most part. It's also well run with clean and cool temperatured facilities, (difficult to do in Charleston in July) cashless system for drinks and an intimate setting. FFF is the REAL DEAL for people who love song writing, story telling, truly gifted musicians and entertainment. GO if you get the chance!
Five for Fighting put on a great show! I've been wanting to see them live for a long time and they did not disappoint. The opening band, The Verve Pipe, was excellent too. I really enjoy going to shows at the Foellinger Theatre and hope to return soon.
The sound quality was excellent, and John Ondrasik was passionate and moving in his convictions towards helping the Ukrainians. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening.