Alexz Johnson – Live @ The Drake Hotel
Welcome our newest Guest Writer TomTShane! Below is his report from Alexz’s show at The Drake Hotel.
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I have been very excited for this show, I was lucky enough to work at the Drake Hotel for Juno’s Fest this past year and knew this venue was an amazing intimate setting perfect for a music filled night as well just down the street from where I live, so when I heard Alexz was playing a gig there I didn’t waste anytime on whipping open my laptop to purchase my tickets! I’ve been fortunate enough to see her last year at The Live Green Festival at Dundas Square, where she surprised us all with a new song called “Mary” after she rocked the stage she gave autographs to the entire crowd which wasn’t small at all. Her music isn’t the only thing about her that impresses me, she cannot only sing and write the most beautiful moving lyrics and melodies but also has the personality of the most down to earth musician I’ve ever met.
June 27th 2011, I arrived at the Drake around 7:40pm where I was waiting for the doors to heaven it seemed to burst open and fans flow inwards to the stairs leading down to the Underground. Once I enter the venue I see Stephen Stohn (Alexz’s Manager) standing near the bar area, I would have said hello but it seemed many people thought of the exact same idea so I stayed on the benches in front of the left part of the stage. The calling of Stella Artois got to me and I could not resist myself in having a little drink to give cheers to Alexz, as I enjoyed the lovely taste of my drink I spotted Alexz looking a “Little Bit” different, I believe most of the fans didn’t notice her as her hair was dyed to an amazing gorgeous brown. She was at the entrance peeking in looking at the crowd and stage, not too long after she slowly made her way to the side of the stage. I could see her from my view from the side she looked really excited to get on and play for the fans and members of her family.
As 10:00pm came around she walked on stage with the biggest smile and cutest wedges on her feet! She looked stage ready with her fabulous outfit that consisted of red wedges which looked straight from the 70’s I loved them! then her red skinny jeans and sheer top that as well had a retro vibe to it, Alexz topped off her look with a string of pearls wrapping around her neck. We can’t forget that she was sporting a new brown hair style that worked very well with her retro glam, classy look.
The set started with a new song titled “Pleased To Meet Ya” the fans responded well to the new material as I seen people smiling and rocking from side to side with their cameras lighting up the Underground. The next song “Little Bit” really got people at the Drake showing off their vocal skills! singing along with the jam.
My personal favorite “Gonna Get It” got me whoo-ing like the crazy fan that I am (smiles) the new plus to the song was the vocal arrangement that wow’d me, she was hitting notes I’ve never heard from her before, I truly am seriously impressed with all her vocals that night, she as grown as a musician quickly in the past year and has dealt with the high and lows of the music industry in the classiest, calmest and graceful way.
Once “Gonna Get It” ended the next song up “Back Of The Room” got me two stepping and most of the crowd doing the same, the fans were great the whole night unlike some other concerts I’ve been too where I even been pushed into the stage gates so I was impressed when everyone was respectful and most importantly there to help support Alexz.
The next few songs followed as a very new song “Skipping Stone” which is my favorite newer song, then the ever moving and heart touching song “Voodoo” was played, I sang my little heart out to every lyric as we all got lost in the melody.
I loved the next three on the setlist “Weight” “Saving The Train” and “River Of Pain” if you haven’t heard these yet you defiantly are missing out on amazing tunes! The part of the night we all in the audience were dreading came faster then you could imagine the finale song on the setlist “Look At Those Eyes” was sang in a haunting tone of voice from Alexz, watching her face and emotion reactions to the song seemed to be touching and deeply personal the most I’ve seen her connect with a song, Alexz connects with every song and word she sings but this was different it gave me the goosebumps as well as the chills.
The set-list was complete and finished show was just amazing and mind blowing…..but wait what’s this fans chanting Encore! Encore! It must have worked because behold the music god came back onto the stage and said “Ok we got one more for you all” the music started and Alexz says (quote) this is “L.A Made Me” cause L.A made me! this song is upbeat fun and overall great track of her debut album “Voodoo”.
Now officially the set was finished and fans (and I) were ready to have the chance to get close and personal with their idol, as Alexz made her way off and around the stage to approach all her adoring fans with a gigantic smile and great energy after playing an impressive set. Fans got their merchandise autographed and their pictures taken with Alexz where she made sure she got everyone like always, I asked the stage hand if I could please have the set-list where he responded nicely sure go ahead! With this in hand all I needed was a pen or marker, so kindly these nice girls let me borrow a sharpie they borrowed from someone they didn’t know as well, I was ready for my moment I walked up to Alexz and asked could you sign your setlist for me please where she greeted me with an excited expression, she made the fans feel comfortable to approach her without any hesitation, there is nothing better then an artist who treat fans like they’ve known them since they were born. I couldn’t resist the chance of another photo opp with Alexz again so I got a quick picture with her and told her I loved her sense of fashion and her style and admire her and her music deeply and passionately. After my moment with her I was poofed and tuckered out, I was about to leave when I saw Robby Fischer and wanted to stop and say hi to him, He was a very kind person and really enjoyed the show. Before I left I had to get the reloaded t-shirt at the merchandise table because I fell in love with it, The shirt is an off white colour with a black print of Alexz holding and umbrella like in the “Trip Around The World” music video. Overall I had a blast the fans the crowd and Alexz were all amazing and great vibe Alexz brought the house down at the Drake, that night is truly unforgettable with too many moments to go through again (giggles) I live In Toronto so I will be at the next Alexz show like always see you there next time! 🙂
Thanks for checking my thoughts catch me on twitter @tomtshane
Thanks again all!
🙂 @tomtshane
