Think Bruno Mars is Just for Kids? Think Again...

It's Saturday May 7th, 2011 7:30pm and I'm en route to The Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden, NJ. My buddy Dani and I are sporting Fedoras and looking like sophisticated 15 year old female fans of the man we are on a trek to see. Traffic is stop and go, the street is filled with car loads of excited people from all backgrounds, races and ages; all smiling with anticipation. The processional is heading toward the river where many have already gathered, some are waiting patiently as if they will witness a musical messiah; the crowd gleems with the hopes of touching the hem of his garment (a lock of his hair or something). All of this hype, all of this energy directed towards one young musician from Hawaii, Bruno Mars.

I've been talking him up to anyone who will listen. This is a man who has talent beyond his years and is, for the most part, an old soul. That "soul" is well represented in his music. Bruno, musically speaking, has a little something for everyone. In my opinion he is bigger than his musical genre (Pop), he is simply an awesome musical artist. Time Magazine included him on the list of the Top 100 Most Influential People of 2011. The man must be a big deal for a reason. Okay, enough gush, about the show...

I love watching great talent in action and Mr. Mars is giving me an eye full on the Camden waterfront. The show opens with a performance by the Janelle Monae who's like a female James Brown with a hint of Grace Jones. Ms. Monae and her band mates, she calls them Androids, light up the stage with multimedia images, black and white costuming, almost mythical hooded characters and an impromptu mosh pit. It is obvious that some of the audience is unfamiliar with her music yet they seem to enjoy it. There was one section, the one I was sitting in, where the the "born during the Clinton Administration" concert goers repeatedly chant "Bruno, Bruno" in the key of impatience. Annoyed Janelle fans shoot them a nasty look but all eyes and energy remain focused on the stage and not at each other, thank God.

At the conclusion of Janelle Monae's performance and after a 20 minute set change, the lights dim, the crowd roars and a spotlight reveals a man wearing a Fedora and holding a guitar...Bruno Mars has landed. His set begins with the first song he ever wrote which was a dance track. The energy is set for the remainder of the show as he pulsates through one uptempo song after another. During his cover of Ray Charles' "Money That's What I Want," the big screen behind him is showing videos of Black folks doing the Lindy Hop, Slop Hop and any dance that's pre Hip Hop. He continues to reach into his bag of musical influences and pulls out an awesome Doo-Wop number. The crowd goes crazy. His performance includes tweeked versions of his hits "Grenade," "Just The Way You Are," "Nothing On You" and "Billionaire." Bruno inserts jokes and James Brown dance steps into his performance then sprinkles it with senserity and appreciation for the support of his fans. All in attendance are pleased, including this reviewer.

Anyone who loves artists who can really sing, really play and really have a passion for the craft can't help but love Bruno Mars. If you still don't know what the fuss is all about, check out some clips of the show. Close your eyes and listen carefully, you may find yourself wanting to visit Mars more often.

Concert Review by Tiffany Bacon