Surprise! Jason Mraz Concert

Tuesday was an incredibly long but exciting day for me.  What started with a few morning barre classes ended with a spontaneous (for me) trip to Tampa to see Jason Mraz live!

For our 1 Year Anniversary, Scott took me on a paper plate picnic at the park, so I thought that was my present.  I guess I spoke too soon on that one, because my “real” paper gift were two tickets to a concert just a little ways away.

The details of how it happened are told in the video below, so I am going to move right along into the good stuff… starting with “linner.”

Leaving hungry and notoriously cranky for it, we made a pit stop for dinner at about 3:45 p.m.  Any full meal between lunch and dinner time is what I like to call linner, and Subway for linner it was!

I could have eaten the entire thing myself, but decided to share a bag of baked Lays and a foot long turkey and American cheese sub on wheat with Scott.  Luckily, he doesn’t mind his sandwiches loaded with veggies, because I ask them to add literally every one possible.  Messy subs are the best subs!

I have cut out Diet Coke from my diet for quite some time, but broke and got one knowing I was going to need a little pep in my step to enjoy the rest of the day.  Although linner was great, the true highlight of the trip were these Mint M&Ms I somehow finagled into the car ride over.

It is a no brainer that I would be obsessed with these little green nuggets of joy, since my favorite sweet combination is chocolate and peppermint.

Yeah… between Scott and I, that bag didn’t have a chance.

Ready, Set, Let’s Go!

Once it was time to hit the road, I thought it would be fun to film a video about our mini-road trip.  Enjoy, and you’re welcome for subjecting you to my amazing singing voice at the end… 😉

Straight up weirdos, I know.

Hard Rock Hotel

Without hitting any of the traffic we planned for, we arrived close to our destination with about an hour and a half to spare.  We just so happened to take a wrong turn, and after stumbling upon the Hard Rock Hotel, decided to pull in and kill some time inside.

Although it was tempting, we decided to hold off on gambling and spent our time relaxing at the hotel bar.

During our time there, a few other couples joined us and each one looked at Scott’s hat and immediately knew why we were there.  “Jason Mraz Concert?” they asked.  Beaming from cheek to cheek, “how did you know?” was my response followed by a smirk and a nod of approval.

Always tweeting away, that guy is.

After a good amount of time passed, we spent the remainder of our downtime walking around the hotel.  We had both been there before but had never really looked at some pretty cool things displayed throughout the entire lobby and casino.  Besides an impressive collection of rock and movie star memorabilia, the hotel had some neat wall displays and effects.

Maybe one day we will come back and stay longer, Hard Rock.

Jason Mraz Concert

Before long, it was time to head out and over to the Florida State Fairgrounds.  What was once called the Ford Amphitheater is now called the 1-800 ASK GARY Amphitheater.  I’m sorry… but the sound that makes me giggle a little bit.

Anyone else?

Upon our arrival, I was thrilled to find out my newly engaged friend Megan was there! I spoke to her earlier that day to hear the good news and was excited to congratulate her in person. Woo hoo!

Eventually, Scott and I made it to our seats and were anxiously waiting for the start of the show.

Right at 7:30 p.m. a casual dressed man appears, grabs the microphone and takes the stage. It was Jason Mraz! He actually came on stage to announce his opening act, Christina Perri. How cool is that?

Not only did he introduce her, but he started the show with a few questions for “Gary.” <- the infamous 1-800 commercial man, that is.

“Gary…oh Gary… I have some questions.”

“If you throw a cat out of a car window, it is considered to be… kitty liter?”

“If a cow laughs, does milk come out of its nose?”

“If a quiz is quizzical…. what do you consider tests?” <- ha!

I loved the show already.

Christina was really, really good.  Most popular for her 1000 Years Twilight Theme song, she currently has a few songs that are popular on the radio.  I tried to snap a few photos, but none of them really came out.

She did, however, point out a beautiful rainbow behind is I was able to capture.

Great find!

We enjoyed her entire set and she proved to be the perfect opening act for Mr. Mraz.  After a few minutes of set change, there he was… Mr. A to Z!

I have always enjoyed his music, but after seeing him live I am an even bigger fan of his craft.  He is SO talented!  A few of his songs are fast and filled with tongue twisting lyrics, but geez can this guy can really spit it out and make it sound good!

Throughout the concert we kept hearing:

“Oh Gary… I have a few more for you…”

“Why is ‘abbreviation’ such a long word?”

“Why does monosyllabic have five syllables?”

It’s official, I adore him.  Oh, and this guy too..

Thank you so much Scotty, for such an amazing surprise! You are my Geek in the Pink and I love you for it.

Oh, and in case you would like to read on about my last big surprise, check out how we got to meet Gavin DeGraw last year.

Have a great Thursday everyone!