When we think of April 1st, we automatically think of jokes and pranks. This year, the joke was on my husband (who is not a concert goer) when I announced we were going to a Benson Boone concert after a dear friend texted me, inviting our family to join them in attending his upcoming concert at the MVP Area in Albany, NY on July 16th. Fast forward to that Thursday night, and it’s a night we all wish we could repeat again – no joke!
Right in front of the MVP Arena, we filled our bellies at Pizzeria Sapienza with some delicious pizza, wings, and garlic knots. Doors opened at 6:30 and we eventually made our way inside around 7 for more snacks and Boone merch before we found our seats. We had “nose bleed” seats, but I must say I was NOT disappointed. The view was fantastic, like a bird’s eye view! No one was standing in our way like folks often do at concert events, and the seats were actually really comfortable!
Olivia O’Brien kicked off the concert at 8 o’clock. Regrettably I was unfamiliar with her music but quickly became impressed. O’Brien performed for about a half hour, promoting her new album that was actually just released when the clock struck midnight, July 17th. I just took a quick peek on Apple Music and it appears the album is titled PIXIE. I’ll definitely be taking a listen and encourage you to do the same. Her voice is beautiful! Who knows, maybe she’ll be the next Taylor Swift and I can say I saw her in concert when…
After about a twenty minute intermission, The “Wanted Man” himself, Benson Boone, took the stage at 9 o’clock sharp. With vocals that sounded just as good, if not better than, his actual recordings, Benson Boone opened with “Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else”, the entire venue was cheering, singing along and star struck. Benson’s high level of energy carried through the entire setlist, which lasted about an hour and forty-five minutes, featuring twenty back to back absolute bangers! “Sorry, I’m here for Someone Else”, “Mr. Electric Blue”, “There She Goes”, “Wanted Man”, “Drunk In My Mind”, “Slow It Down”, “Mystical Magical”, “Pretty Slowly”, “In The Stars”, “My Greatest Fear”, “Take Me Home, Young American Heart”, an unreleased song, “Momma Song”, “Before You”, “The Time Of My Life”, “I Wanna Be The One You Call”, “What Was”, “Cry”, and “Beautiful Things”.
His stage was elongated with simple fun lighting, and unobstructed views. Benny was constantly working the entire stage, giving his fans exactly what they came for – a performance! If you didn’t know about Benson’s signature backflips, you did by the end of the night. He flipped off the piano and other platforms multiple times. How does he make it look so effortless? Did I mention Benny is in shape and easy on the eyes, too.
Throughout the show Benson would pause and talk to the crowd. You can tell he is a very humble and genuine person. He expressed how thankful he is for his parents and from the bottom of his heart, how grateful he gets to sing and do what he loves every night, all thanks to his fans (of all ages). Speaking of different ages, we saw so many children at the concert. Benson Boone is 100% a child appropriate performer. The kiddos that were in our group last night ranged from ages six to eight. They all sang their “Young American Heart” out.
It’s safe to say we’re in agreement it was by far one of greatest memories and experiences to date. As for the anti-concert goer himself…my husband said he was actually really happy he went. “That man is a phenomenal performer, has a truly good voice, and reminds me a lot of Freddie Mercury.” Now, if that’s not a compliment to Benson Boone, I don’t know what is? As for me…whelp, if you know me, you know I’ve always been Shania Twain’s number one fan, but Benson just might be my new favorite. Not only can I speak for myself, but I think I can safely for his fans too; Thursday night’s concert will forever be ingrained in our memory for years to come. I can’t wait to hear what music Benny releases next and absolutely look forward to seeing him in concert again!
