Justin Nozuka @ Hiro Ballroom 4/21/10

i am in love with this one... big red hearts.

i had already bought and listened to justin nozuka's debut album "Holly" last year. i nearly forgot about dear justin in the midst of the crap called music that's out there today until i saw he was going on tour... i bought tickets to his show ($20 was a damn steal) and didn't really have super high expectations except that i would be seeing a slightly mellow concert by an artist i sort of knew.

it wasn't exactly mellow... there was a group of frat boys going bonkers over justin's performance in the middle of the crowd. i thought moshing would ensue! i had to yell at one who had let out a manly cry while justin was singing a slow acoustic number minus his band. freakin' frat boys...

how is this kid only 21? his vocal ability and lyrics are way beyond his years. it was just really enjoyable to watch someone so young who could convey emotion and a story through sitting on a stool, playing guitar and singing into a mike. i've seen a lot of shows(mostly of the big production/mass produced pop variety...) and i was so impressed!

listening to his album is one experience but seeing him live is something to not be missed..

he's also a pretty nice guy (at least in a public venue in front of fans). i felt compelled to buy his new cd "you i wind land and sea" because i enjoyed the show so much... i also was happily buzzed off of 2 glasses of chardonnay... i never buy cds! after i bought it, i was told i could meet justin if i wanted....

reeeeeeeally? couldn't pass that up.

so my friend and i waited with his fans behind a baracade. it wasn't a long wait. 5 lucky(and fast acting) girls were invited to go meet justin back stage. after they came out, he later followed. such a cutie pie. he signed cds(mine twice), chatted with fans (he has nice fans) and posed for photos. i was having issues taking a pic of my friend and justin with her iPhone and he politely stood there with her for 2 whole minutes while i took the photo. he was soft spoken and super gracious. big red hearts for his patience...

here's a link for a live performance of "Save Him" .

and another for the music video for "Criminal", a song from his debut album.

and p.s. ... his opening band wasn't so bad either(and nice gents as well). alpha rev hails from austin, tx.