Back for the first time since 2004, Josh Groban packed the auditorium of the Grand Arena at Grand West in Cape Town last night.
Christmas came early this year when my father and daughter presented my mother and I with tickets to last night’s show. I suspect this was only because they felt a pang of guilt at leaving us behind while they jet over to the United Kingdom, for a White Christmas with the rest of the family.
Josh Groban more than made up for it. More than a concert, this truly was “an evening with....” He bounded out onto the stage with a palpable energy that immediately invigorated the audience, and launched into a tribute to the newest Wonder of the World, our own Table Mountain. For two and a half hours he almost literally raised the roof with old favorites like “You raise me up”, “Smile”, and the hauntingly beautiful “February Song”. A wonderful remake of the South African song “Weeping”, accompanied by the African Voice Choir sent the audience into paroxysms of delight.
Between this he leapt from the stage, much to the consternation of his security entourage, who scrambled after him; and went through the crowds, chatting, taking photographs, shaking hands, making friends. This is something I have never seen 
of an international star, and it made a huge impact. A quirky, humorous, and frank personality emerged as he got to know the people he was performing for. He answered questions, sang “Happy Birthday” with the under-dressed, barefoot Ferdie, to someone called Erica, did wonderful impressions of his favorite cartoon characters, and, little by little, made more than 5 000 people fall a little more in love with him.
Taller than I expected, definitely younger, a self-confessed “over-thinker”, Josh Groban is possibly the most talented all round artist I have ever seen. He doesn’t fit the mould of contemporary genres, but instead creates his own with his versatility and magnificent voice. And believe me, turning up the volume on the stereo does not do this artist justice. To truly appreciate the power, you have to see and hear him live. At least once. Even if it’s just to witness his amazing skills as a drummer.
Add to the flair and magic of the evening: the accompanying orchestra, the amazing talents of guitarist Tariqh Akoni, truly the tallest guitarist I’ve ever seen, he has an energy onstage that is contagious; bass guitarist, Andre Manga, and pianist Mark Stephens, among others, truly made this a night worth staying up late for.
About the Blogger
Karin Abrahamse is a self-confessed 30-something groupie, and a mom. (And a wannabe assassin).
She blogs most entertainingly over at http://groupiemom.wordpress.com/