FIVE FOR FIGHTING - LIVE IN IOWA CITY

John Ondrasik, the esteemed frontman of Five For Fighting, graced the stage of the iconic Englert Theatre in Iowa City on Thursday, March 28th, for what proved to be an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and heartfelt emotion. As the second stop on his tour, the anticipation among fans was palpable, with a sense of excitement filling the air long before the first chord was struck.

The atmosphere was electric as the evening kicked off with a soul-stirring performance by local talent James Tutson. Armed with just his guitar and his raw, emotive vocals, Tutson captivated the audience from the moment he stepped into the spotlight. His poignant lyrics and engaging stage presence drew listeners in, weaving a tapestry of stories that spoke to the heart. From humorous anecdotes about his son to heartfelt reflections on life and love, Tutson's set was a masterclass in musical storytelling, setting the stage for the unforgettable night ahead.

As Tutson bid farewell and made way for the main act, the Englert Theatre buzzed with anticipation, with eager fans awaiting the arrival of John Ondrasik and his accompanying string quartet. The sight of the quartet tuning their instruments onstage only served to heighten the anticipation, as attendees eagerly awaited the musical journey that was about to unfold.

Ondrasik's entrance was met with thunderous applause as he took his place at the piano and launched into the first few notes of the evening. From the beginning, it was clear that the audience was in for a treat, as Ondrasik's powerful voice filled the theater, carrying with it a sense of emotion and authenticity that resonated with every listener.

Throughout the set, Ondrasik expertly navigated between piano and guitar, seamlessly weaving together a mix of beloved classics and new material. His banter with the audience was both endearing and humorous, with Ondrasik sharing personal stories and anecdotes that provided insight into the inspiration behind his music.

Of course, no Five For Fighting concert would be complete without the iconic hit "100 Years," which elicited cheers and applause from the crowd as soon as the opening notes rang out. The song served as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the importance of cherishing every moment—a sentiment that seemed to reverberate throughout the theater as fans sang along in unison.

A highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the collaboration between Ondrasik and the string quartet, whose exquisite performances added an extra layer of depth and richness to the music. As each member showcased their individual talents in a mesmerizing medley of instrumental versions of popular songs, the audience was left in awe of their collective skill and artistry.

As the concert drew to a close, Ondrasik took a moment to reflect on the deeper meaning behind some of his songs, sharing touching stories and personal anecdotes that added an extra layer of emotion to the evening. From dedicating a song to the troops to recounting his experiences in Ukraine, his words resonated deeply with listeners, serving as a powerful reminder of the universal themes of love, loss, and hope that permeate his music.

As the final notes faded away, Ondrasik and the quartet left the stage to thunderous applause, only to return moments later for an encore. Before launching into their last song, Ondrasik took a moment to highlight his Music Matters Challenge, a cause close to his heart that aims to support music education in schools across America. It was a fitting end to a night filled with both entertainment and inspiration, leaving the audience uplifted and hopeful for the future.

In conclusion, John Ondrasik's performance at the Englert Theatre was nothing short of magical. From the captivating opening act to the unforgettable collaboration with the string quartet, every moment of the evening was infused with passion, talent, and genuine emotion. As a fan who grew up listening to his music, witnessing Ondrasik's artistry live on stage was a truly unforgettable experience.

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