Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Singer/songwriter Jason Mraz steadily grew up from a simple guy with a guitar at the top of the 2000s to an avid explorer of R&B, blue-eyed soul, folk and country.

Throughout 2020’s “Look For The Good,” the multi-platinum, double Grammy winner is leaning further in the reggae direction than ever before, even bringing along a dozen-piece band adorned with horns and extra percussion for the tour of the same name.

Together, the multi-cultural troupe of talented players took Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island to the most positive place possible, spreading vibes of gratitude and self-acceptance at every chilled-out turn.

Mraz in particular seemed to soak in the beachy vibes of the venue from the start of Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day” as he successfully chased the threatening rain away, while the audience was able to take in the breathtaking backdrop of the Chicago skyline as he sang and occasionally dabbled with various instruments.

From there, an abundance of optimism off the new album, such as the title track and “The Minute I Heard Of Love,” settled easily alongside the previous “93 Million Miles” and “I’m Yours,” all of which benefited from the increased instrumentation.

Though every show is entirely its own for Mraz, fans can usually count on at least one other cover and he surprised with Sade’s “No Ordinary Love” before returning to however the feelings flowed, which also included “Might As Well Dance” and “Who I Am Today.”

Always thought-provoking with every clever turn of a phrase, the headliner left listeners with lots to ponder, but ultimately, turned the tide away from an increasingly perplexing pandemic towards a sea full of smiles.

Those who arrived extra early were likely blown away by the Memphis soul band Southern Avenue, who keyed into the region’s Stax Records tradition and gospel vibrancy, while laying the transcendent groundwork for this cheerful evening of grooves.

For additional information on Jason Mraz, visit JasonMraz.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island include Lindsey Stirling (Aug. 20); Rise Against (Aug. 28); Greta Van Fleet (Sept. 3); 311 (Sept. 10); Quinn XCII and Chelsea Cutler (Sept. 11); Above & Beyond (Sept. 18) and Alice Cooper with Ace Frehley (Sept. 24). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

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