The Longest Review for the Vancouver MIKA Concert yet!

[elanorelle]

This is massive! I got permission today to post this review! Its so detailed and so fantastic and a great read! enjoy! one moment..its huge! Stephanie is honoured for me to post this!

 

PART ONE

Mika brings his glamorous threads to Vancouver

Flamboyant singer from London puts on fun and theatrical show

By: Stephanie S. Saturday, February 16th, 2008 The bitter cold that settled in downtown Vancouver was no match for the lines of excited fans waiting outside The Orpheum to see a guaranteed festival of a show from the fabulous Mika.

The wait was a long one. A man sat beside the line up, playing Led Zeppelin tunes on his electric guitar and earning the odd donation for his entertainment. In another corner, The White Stripes’ latest album, Icky Thump blared out from a cafe. The air was full of music, getting everybody in the mood for the show.

Sooner or later, the line moved into The Orpheum and fans swarmed in, trampling on the red, velvet floors, surrounded by bright chandeliers and golden decor. The Orpheum’s stunning looks would be a perfect match for Mika’s equally dazzling concert.

The crowds of fans showed much diversity. Looking around at them buying merchandise, lining up for the bathrooms, or simply wandering about, the fans ranged from parents and couples to elementary and high school age kids to fans in their twenties up to their forties, as well as the odd flamboyant fan that could be picked out of a crowd in no time. No matter the differences in appearance, though, everyone was there for the same reason. The stage wasn’t completely set as the loads of Mika fans waited before the doors that would lead them to their seats to open. There was conversation everywhere, flashes from cameras stunning nearby eyes, and on-looking fans from the above balconies, hollering to friends down below. You can say there was the slightest feeling of pandemonium.

Eventually, the doors opened and fans rushed into the theatre. The stage was set: A red curtain hung down behind a mysterious inflated blue bubble in the back-centre (which would later be used in Mika’s performance); the typical drum set sat beside the blue bubble; three microphones were set up, including one on a piano in the front, left-centre of the stage. Lastly, you couldn’t help but notice that everything on stage was adorned in colourful fake flowers.

Not too long after the interval, where pop and techno tunes blared through the speakers, the lights dimmed as four average looking young men walked out onto the stage, receiving a very warm welcome from the approximately 2,000 fans in the venue.

The Midway State, composed of 21 year old singer – songwriter, Nathan Ferraro, drummer Daenen Bramberger, Michael Wise, and Michael Kirsh played for approximately thirty minutes, a set of about seven songs. I dubbed their music “romantic rock;” however, they are still distinct from a band like Coldplay. Each member played their instruments extremely well; the band’s chemistry was definitely palpable. Songs like the sweet, “Change For You,” the heartfelt “Nobody Understands,” and the last song, “Never Again,” made you sway in your seat and applaud with great gratitude. In the end, the young talents from Toronto known as The Midway State proved to be a band to keep your eyes on.

As the roadies took down The Midway State’s set and added whatever they needed to Mika’s set, the happy-go-lucky or the extremely danceable music came on again. Arriving fans took their seats while the already present fans took pictures with friends, left to get drinks, or meet The Midway State, who were in the lobby signing EP’s and posters for new fans.

Added to Mika’s stage set was a piano in the back-left, a flower-drenched drum set in the back-right, and three microphones in the front. The stage looked almost like a page out of a fairytale.

After a couple more songs played during the interval, and the stage was officially ready, the lights went down again. Fans jumped out of their seats, screaming and cheering, waiting to see the man they’ve all come for. First, the band walked out and took their places. Static, messy introduction music played until a more contemporary sound filled the air.

Suddenly, the mysterious blue bubble burst and there stood a dancer in a tan coloured outfit with angel wings on her back. She danced and posed for a short while until the lights went down again and all that filled the darkness was flashing cameras.

The first song began – and out came Mika. The crowd went absolutely insane. With a big smile on his face, Mika looked sharp in black pants with a glittering seam down the legs, a white shirt with the same glittering seams sewn on to mimic suspenders, and a trim, shiny gold blazer. His voice sounded perfect as he began singing “Relax (Take It Easy)” off of his debut album, Life in Cartoon Motion. The fans danced, clapped, screamed, and sang along as Mika strutted and ran across the stage, revving up the engines of the already hysterical audience.

[elanorelle]

PART TWO

he next song was “Big Girl (You Are Beautiful),” an ode to the more curvaceous women in the audience. Midway through the song, a massive “big girl” balloon inflated in the back, matching a character in his album’s artwork. Pulling it down, and then holding it up with one finger in the crease of the blow-up’s breasts, Mika was fun and flirty, totally absorbed in the music. His “big girl” dancers came out to assist in the festivities, all dressed in blue corsets and panties, dancing and clapping.

Putting his danceable and more up-tempo songs aside, Mika also managed to slip in more of his softer works. These included the piano-driven “My Interpretation,” the deep and emotional, “Any Other World,” the cute, “Billy Brown,” the church-gospel-like “Happy Ending,” and the extended sing-along incorporated into “Stuck in the Middle.” Most fans took their seats to enjoy these lower maintenance performances where Mika bared all as he sat at his flowered piano. Different pictures and scenes inspired by his album’s artwork were cast on the red curtain back drop, and yellow lights hung loose in front, adding just a bit more sparkle to the music.

The night had its share of antics, as well. Before playing “Billy Brown,” Mika told a story of how record industries didn’t want that song on the album. Mika’s response: “F*** that; we’ll see,” and the audience went wild. During “Holy Johnny,” a song that is not included on his debut, Mika comedic ally instructed fill-in drummer and co-producer, Greg (who was filling in for original drummer, Cherisse, who lost her passport and therefore couldn’t attend), on how to play a wash-board.

Mika also performed a new song that will appear on his second album, which he said he’ll be recording after the tour. Another surprise was an outstanding cover of The Eurythmics, “Missionary Man.” Mika sported another one of his four outfits for the evening; the black pants with a white shirt and a striped pink and black blazer as he sang with his back-up singer who changed from a Mardi-Gras performer’s outfit into a sexy, black two-piece during the song. They were a tag team who, with the rest of the band, performed a brilliant rendition of the classic Eurythmics track.

However, in my eyes, the best performance would have to be when Mika performed “Love Today.” The whole song was a theatrical extravaganza, beginning with confetti pouring down on Mika, who held a white umbrella, spinning it above his head and in front of him. At the same time, a massive skeleton puppet, like those used in Day of The Dead celebrations, was walking across the stage, under the control of a hidden puppeteer. The puppet crept up behind Mika, who brilliantly acted the role of a first curious, then frightened viewer as he crouched in fear when the puppet opened his arms; however, he only opened his arms to hug him, and the audience cheered at this gesture, as well as when the puppet left the stage, waving good bye to Mika and the fans.

With the spotlight reserved for the artist himself, Mika began to sing the opening lines of “Love Today” in a slower, more jazz-like style before finally ripping into the normal tempo of the song. The fans clapped with Mika as he repeated, “Everybody’s gonna love today,” and continued singing the disco-dance hit. When the chorus hit, everyone in the audience was dancing and singing along to every word. Mika danced and jumped around in his black pants and white shirt, letting fans sing some words, making sure that the high energy levels remain constant to match his undeniable high energy.

The conclusion of the song was extended, adding a long session of Mika and his drummer having a drumming contest on tin trash bins. Furiously beating the bins, Mika, now shirtless, was playing non-stop to the music. The fans couldn’t get enough of it and they danced and danced.

“Love Today” had to end eventually and when it did, ear drums must have burst from the sound of the roaring applause. That one performance was the most electric – and many fans probably lost a few pounds.

[elanorelle]

PART THREEThe dancing didn’t stop there: Mika then performed his debut hit single, “Grace Kelly,” dressed in black pants, a white shirt, and a black, sparkling blazer. Adoring fans sang along to this classic, loving every minute of it – just like Mika obviously was.

Following “Grace Kelly,” Mika genuinely thanked his fans for the love they’ve given to him during the show in his first time in Vancouver before exiting the stage. The audience kept cheering, waiting for the encore. Mika ran out again to blow more kisses and bow a couple more times before leaving again to suit up in his fourth and last outfit for the encore.

The encore began when a large white material screen was brought out and a light was cast on the four members of the band behind it – whose silhouettes were those of people in animal costumes. Performing a cute routine to an old tune from a Disney movie, the four shadows brought laughter to the fans as they watched this mini play.

Just as the members started performing “interesting acts” behind the screen, another member, dressed as a bunny, ran out to stop them – which meant pretending to beat them up. Another member, dressed as a wolf, then ran out and held a sign that read “Bad Bunny” and after, pretended to shoot the bunny dead. The audience cheered at the wolf’s victory and the end of the skit.

Then the screen was removed from the stage to reveal Mika and the band in their costumes before beginning “Lollipop,” the last song of the show. Fans sang along to this adorable, playground tune as Mika sang, his head popping out of his wolf costume. Balloons were released and the audience played beach ball, and confetti rained down in bits and streamers, falling on heads and down shirts. A large blow-up character inflated again; this time it was the “lollipop girl” from Mika’s album artwork - and the fans loved it.

The very end of the show provided a picture – perfect moment: Loads of fans jumped onstage and danced with Mika, circling around him. The final blow of confetti was released and when “Lollipop” ended, the audience went ballistic for the last time. The evening ended with a final thank you to from Mika and a new experience for the fans.

 

PART FOUR

hroughout the show, Mika maintained an incredible vocal performance, giving an effort beyond 100% to his loving fans. Whether he was banging on trash bins, banging on piano keys, or banging on the stage as he jumped and ran around, Mika was and is the definition of the show man we’ve missed for years. Fun, fearless, and obviously fabulous, Mika knows how to entertain and keep an audience drawn in for a good hour and half or more without missing a beat.

If anyone’s looking for a real entertainer, a cute comedian, a true talent, an outstanding showman, or simply a really fun time, get your tickets to the next Mika show near you. You have to see it to believe it. Extra Notes:

- Mika’s concert took place in Vancouver at The Orpheum on Friday, February 15th, 2008.

- Websites for further information: http://www.themidwaystate.com, http://www.mikasounds.com/uk.php

- Mika’s Set List (in no particular order):

- “Relax (Take It Easy)”

- “Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)”

- “My Interpretation”

- “In Any Other World”

- “Holy Johnny”

- “Stuck in the Middle”

- “Happy Ending”

- “Untitled” – new song; didn’t mention title

- “Ring Ring”

- “Billy Brown”

- “Love Today”

- “Grace Kelly”

- “Lollipop”

[englishrose]

:wub2::wub2::wub2:

 

I love the woman who wrote that. Spot on.

[elanorelle]

:wub2::wub2::wub2:

 

I love the woman who wrote that. Spot on.

 

I love the details!it was like Christmas the last few days with these !

[Louiza]

 

However, in my eyes, the best performance would have to be when Mika performed “Love Today.” The whole song was a theatrical extravaganza, beginning with confetti pouring down on Mika, who held a white umbrella, spinning it above his head and in front of him. At the same time, a massive skeleton puppet, like those used in Day of The Dead celebrations, was walking across the stage, under the control of a hidden puppeteer. The puppet crept up behind Mika, who brilliantly acted the role of a first curious, then frightened viewer as he crouched in fear when the puppet opened his arms; however, he only opened his arms to hug him, and the audience cheered at this gesture, as well as when the puppet left the stage, waving good bye to Mika and the fans.

 

great article! i love the way the writer describes the beginning of Love Today:wub2:

thanks for posting elanorelle:thumb_yello:

[xxLollypop_girlxx]

What a great review! Thats just how the shows were

Thanks for posting!

[Alexandra26]

I love this article particularly because the person which wrote it arrived to make relive us what happened during all his concert

 

Sorry for my english

[agnieszka]

thanks for posting, i like this review, makes it easy to feel the atmosphere. and i also didn't know about the lost passport situation.

love today is my fav as far as gigs are concerned. LT and relax, coz it's the first one. hearing the beginning of relax live gives me chills..

[Graciosa]

Thanks so much for posting, I love to feel the atmosphere there and the details.

[Laurel]

Absolutely amazing review... so glad you were allowed to post that...

 

God I miss him and wish I could see him again... reading that brings back so many good memories for me...

 

Loved it ... thank you

[xlindee]

Thanks for posting.

Wow, that was an amazing article:wub2:

I loved the way she described everything, and it almost makes you feel like you were there or something

[Mici]

However, in my eyes, the best performance would have to be when Mika performed “Love Today.” The whole song was a theatrical extravaganza, beginning with confetti pouring down on Mika, who held a white umbrella, spinning it above his head and in front of him. At the same time, a massive skeleton puppet, like those used in Day of The Dead celebrations, was walking across the stage, under the control of a hidden puppeteer. The puppet crept up behind Mika, who brilliantly acted the role of a first curious, then frightened viewer as he crouched in fear when the puppet opened his arms; however, he only opened his arms to hug him, and the audience cheered at this gesture, as well as when the puppet left the stage, waving good bye to Mika and the fans.

With the spotlight reserved for the artist himself, Mika began to sing the opening lines of “Love Today” in a slower, more jazz-like style before finally ripping into the normal tempo of the song. The fans clapped with Mika as he repeated, “Everybody’s gonna love today,” and continued singing the disco-dance hit. When the chorus hit, everyone in the audience was dancing and singing along to every word. Mika danced and jumped around in his black pants and white shirt, letting fans sing some words, making sure that the high energy levels remain constant to match his undeniable high energy.

The conclusion of the song was extended, adding a long session of Mika and his drummer having a drumming contest on tin trash bins. Furiously beating the bins, Mika, now shirtless, was playing non-stop to the music. The fans couldn’t get enough of it and they danced and danced.

“Love Today” had to end eventually and when it did, ear drums must have burst from the sound of the roaring applause. That one performance was the most electric – and many fans probably lost a few pounds.

 

This was the best way to describe that moment, i will never forget this part of the show, totally brilliant.

[robertina]

thanks for posting elanorelle!!!

 

can you invite her to join us?

[keti]

This is such a great and long article, I absolutely love it!

 

Thank you for posting!

[sienna]

Thanks for posting!

Lovely to be able to read an inteview with so much positivity in it!

[Hevthehampster]

thanks for posting! - w now know whats on his second album then! - is it HMDYLM?