Jon Bellion’s personality on stage is just as impactful as his music, creating a close-knit relationship with his fans.
He was ready to rekindle that relationship and push his 2018 album “Glory Sound Prep” during a July 5 stop at Phoenix’s Comerica Theatre with openers Lawrence and Marc E. Bassy.
Bellion transformed the stage into an experience during which the audience feels personally connected to the musician. More than a performer and a musician, Bellion was an orchestrator and the fans were his instrument. Performances like this make it worth saving money to see your favorite artists.
Bellion took his time on stage to play his fans’ favorite songs—with an added twist. Most songs had an improv segment when Bellion and the other musicians had fun with the beats. Songs like “Good Things Fall Apart” and “Stupid Deep” were collective efforts between musician and fan, and an experience that recordings could never embrace.
Lawrence joined in on the fun, falling under the gun to improvise a number perfectly or be forced to do 50 pushups. The very heart of improvisation is freedom; mistakes are embraced. So, the “punishment” was moot.
Bellion was gracious even when he wasn’t singing. At one point, he thanked the Comerica Theatre’s staff for providing a safe and clean environment for the crowd to enjoy his music.
The three-hour evening was the entire package. Lawrence and Bassy used the stage as a platform to show off their talents as well.
The eight-member band Lawrence kicked off the night for Bellion. Although the crowd seemed to be unfamiliar with the pop-soul band led by siblings Clyde and Gracie Lawrence, they were enraptured a few minutes into the first song.
Up-and-coming hip-hop artist Bassy followed the Lawrence siblings. With songs on the radio like “You & Me,” the crowd was ready to welcome the musician. His voice complements the enticing music.
Although Bassy is good at what he does, but with the multiple mentions of his name, I was ready for his set to be over by the second song.
Bellion was entrancing though. His energetic personality complemented by his humble demeanor transformed Comerica Theatre into one musical spectacle.
“The thing that I find, the greatest thing about music, is on nights like this, despite your background, despite your orientation, despite your skin color, you are loved, and you are welcome here tonight,” Bellion said. “Despite everything that is going on in this country, for one night, we get to be one people.”
Check out the photos by staff photographer Kimberly Carrillo.
