(This was originally written to share on the Friends of Josh Groban forums, but I know there are people who don't have access to that site who want to read concert reviews.)

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is a beautiful venue, and it was fun to watch it fill with excited fans as the sun set. The weater was so nice, especially for Houston in August. I had nightmares imaging melting from the heat, but it turned out to be perfect: Cool breezes were circulated by huge overhead fans.

William Joseph was great and very personable on stage, the perfect opening act for Josh. He received a standing ovation. (He's a pianist; check outhis website!)

Then...it was time for Josh! After months of imagining what the night would be like, I was totally blown away. We all know Josh sounds amazing on his CDs, but that's nothing compared to what he is like live! He puts so much passion and emotion into his singing, you just get swept away with the music.

The lights were great; but to be honest, Josh could have been on the stage with a single spotlight and I would have been happy. His voice is just that wonderful.

I don't remember the exact order of the songs, but I know he sang:
Oceano
Alla Luce Del Sole
Mi Morena
My December
Vincent
Alejate
Caruso
Per Te
Un Amore Per Sempre
Remember When it Rained
Canto Alla Vita
To Where You Are
Mi Mancherai
You Raise Me Up
America
Never Let Go
Remember

Some highlights that I remember:

* When some girls screamed, "We love you, Josh," he replied with "I love you, too. I just do." Sooo sweet! :D

* Someone yelled, "You rock, Josh," and he said, "You rock. You rock my face off!" Then he said, "I'm such a dork!" It was extremely cute. ;)

* At one time, Josh looked down at the people in the pit and said, "You are so close. How are you?" or something to that effect. There was a little girl in the pit and Josh asked her what her name was. I think she said "Kaley." Some people shook Josh's hand - and then two ladies kissed him on the cheek! Before the last of those women sat back down, she faced the audience and waved her hands over her head, as if saying, "See what I did!!" It was hilarious!

* Josh thanked everyone for being patient with him for not coming to Texas sooner. "The reason I didn't come, actually, is because all my exes live in Texas" he joked. "I finally worked up the courage to come back." That literally had me laughing out loud.

* During Vincent, the Grobanites who went to the fan M&G broke out their blue glow pens. It looked really pretty, and Josh acknowledged everyone who was holding them up.

* While introducing "You Raise Me Up," Josh said something about how the song is about so many different things, about people who raise you up. "This is for you tonight," he said to us. (Awww, Josh, you raise ME up! :D)

* I had a glow stick in my purse, but I didn't break it out until the end of "You Raise Me Up." That's one of my favorite songs, so I just had to wave it! ;)

* Josh did two encores: "America" and "Never Let Go." During "Never Let Go" he came over to the side of the stage where our seats were. I was waving my glowstick then. So, if you saw a lone green glowstick in the lower left section, that was me! Anna Marie (VincentVanJosh) was sitting next to me and she was waving her blue glowstick, too.

* When Josh introduced "Alejate," it got tons of cheers. As you might know, lots of people speak Spanish in South Texas. :)

* I can't forget to mention that Josh rocked out on the drums on "Canto Alla Vita"! That was a lot of fun to watch and listen to!

* Lucia Micarelli (the lead violinst and concertmaster) is wonderful. I love that she goes barefoot! The band did a superb job. They are fantastic musicians! With such a talented band, no wonder Josh's concerts are such treats! :D

By the time the concert was over, I was so happy. That's the best time I've had at a concert, ever. What a fun night it turned out to be. My expectations were more than met, they were blown away.

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