Josh Groban Awake Summer Tour Reviews

Groban's baritone enough to keep concert aloft
By STEVE BARNES Senior writer
Sunday, July 29, 2007

His voice is unquestionably a special instrument, a rich baritone with a shimmering falsetto. In his engaging, polished, two-hour concert Saturday night at the Times Union Center, it didn't flag, not from the opening a capella notes of "You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)" to the glorious -- if predictable -- encore of Groban's biggest hit (so far), "You Raise Me Up."

Groban's Reach
Unlikely pop star garners loyal, do-gooding fans
Sunday, July 29, 2007
BY PRASANA WILLIAM Of The Patriot-News

Girls swoon over his puppy dog eyes and his dark curly mane. They liken his lips to bubble gum and sigh over his chest hair. What pop music superstar is this? Not pop -- try opera. In a world of eye-linered punk rockers and bad boy R&B singers, classically trained Josh Groban has become an unexpected heartthrob. Since his debut self-titled album in 2001, Groban has released a multiplatinum album, sung for the Pope and Oprah, and collaborated with artists ranging from Ladysmith Black Mambazo to Beyonce. His most recent album, "Awake," reached No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200 charts.

Heartthrob guys emerge from nearly everywhere
Sunday, July 29, 2007
BY PRASANA WILLIAM Of The Patriot-News

The insanely handsome men of Il Divo look made to grace magazine covers, but without Josh Groban paving the way, the opera/pop sounds of the quartet might have been ignored -- making them just a couple of pretty faces. The mix of music has something for everyone: There's an opera singer, a rocker, a Broadway actor and a pop star among them. With three hit albums, Il Divo has followed Groban straight to fans all over.

[Photo courtesy of ClassyMusic]

Josh Groban "Christmas in July"

Christmas in July? Yes, we already have a precious gift...Josh's Christmas album is almost finished and will be out in the fall. You may remember we posted earlier and in our video that a Christmas album was forthcoming and now it is confirmed. The fans can't wait ... this is something that we have wanted since Josh's first album and we heard him sing "O Holy Night" and "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring." Last Christmas we were blessed with his "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and this is surely so this year with the upcoming Christmas album and lots of TV and live appearances during the Christmas season. Be sure to put this album on your Christmas list for you and while at it, put it on your family's wish list as well, it will make a wonderful classic gift!

Josh will continue on tour here in the U.S. and Canada through Sept 2 and then on to New Zealand and Australia (see Tour list below).

[Photo courtesty of ClassyMusic, Awake live at Bi-Lo Center, Greenville]

Josh Groban Awake Tour Greenville SC Video & Photos

Popping hearts - Loved Up in Greenville! Video & Photos:
Josh and fans show the love!

Eyes-popping, hearts-soaring and arena ceilings-uplifted as Josh performs "In Her Eyes" at Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, SC. Photos, video footage and several surprises tucked in. Friends and fans, you will love this vid! You are in it too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5TSjosuPE0

[Photo courtesy of ClassyMusic]
[photo courtesy of ClassyMusic]

Groban speaks out about postponed Charlotte NC concert

[Picture courtesy of ClassyMusic]

Groban speaks out about postponed concert
COURTNEY DEVORES
Special to the Observer

Josh Groban said he will be donating a portion of the proceeds from his Sept. 2 makeup date at Charlotte Bobcats Arena to a local charity.

"Just to give my thanks for their patience, I'm definitely going to give much of the profits from that concert to a Charlotte charity organization," said the singer, who felt so badly about postponing last Wednesday's performance that he called The Observer for a follow-up interview Friday.

After starting to lose his voice during a performance at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, S.C., last Tuesday, Groban visited an ear, nose, and throat clinic when he arrived in Charlotte Wednesday, he said. His concert was officially postponed 2-1/2 hours before his opener was supposed to go onstage.

"I had a 48-hour bout of laryngitis," he said. "The day was spent seeing a doctor and having a camera put down my throat. The decision was made by the doctor for the sake of the rest of the tour.

"I'm feeling much better," he continued. "It wasn't a case of being blown off. (The fans) have every right to be upset. I just hope they understand. I'm not one that can lip-sync to get through a show. I have to sing 100 percent to get through these songs. I can guarantee it will be 10 times better (next time)."

Groban read disappointed fan reactions online.

"I've read them not only from your newspaper but on my own Web site," he said. "My apologies go to the fans. I'm just as disappointed as they are. I live for this. It's a tough pill for me to swallow. It's one of those things when health had to come first. I regret it was canceled so soon before the show, but that was the only option we had."

Short notice had fans that drove to Charlotte from other cities and suburbs miffed, especially those who paid to park before discovering that the show was canceled.

"That just makes me angry at whoever was in charge," Groban said. "All I can do is pick up the phone to the powers that be and let them know, `Sorry, this isn't going to happen tonight.' I would hope people that work at the venue would be able to take that information and do what's right for the fans."

As for the Sept. 2 concert, he has not yet decided which charity will receive a portion of the proceeds.

"We're looking at a couple. We haven't put our finger on the one that we want yet or if we're going to do a few at the same time. There are some wonderful ones. I'd like to do something involving music education."

Tickets for the original date will be honored on Sunday, Sept. 2. Refunds will be given to those unable to attend the Labor Day weekend show. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster (704-522-6500 or www.ticketmaster.com).

Josh Groban "Awake Summer Tour" Reviews/Articles

Josh Groban "Awake Summer Tour" recent reviews/articles:

Groban crosses genres fearlessly
Sunday, July 22, 2007 By MIKE KERWICK STAFF WRITER
Josh Groban hates hotel treadmills. Sick of those red digital lights and the belts that eat up his footprints, Groban prefers getting his daily dose of exercise on a tennis court. He rarely hops on a tour bus without packing his racket. more...

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Groban gives fans swoon-worthy show in AC

Press of Atlantic City, NJ - Jul 22, 2007 By REGINA SCHAFFER Staff Writer, Moms have to love Josh Groban. It’s against the mom-rules not to. more...

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Josh Groban concert rescheduled

Charlotte Observer, NC - Jul 20, 2007 The Josh Groban July 18 concert that was postponed due to illness has been rescheduled to Sunday, Sept. 2. Tickets purchased for the July 18 concert will be ...more...

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Music biz out of sync

Variety - On paper at least, Tim McGraw, Nickelback, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer, Josh Groban and Red Hot Chili Peppers appear to be striking a better balance in terms ...more...

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Josh Groban with Angelique Kidjo

The Virginian-Pilot, VA Jul 19, 2007 BY Alan Sculley, The Virginian-Pilot

OVER THE COURSE of three highly successful albums and two DVDs, Josh Groban has built something of his own musical ...more...

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Pop Gets ClassyJosh Groban hits Boardwalk Hall

Press of Atlantic City, NJ - Jul 19, 2007 By ROBERT DiGIACOMO For At The Shore,

Josh Groban’s big voice wasn’t quite big enough for his current arena tour. The 26-year-old singer, with the quasi-operatic vocals, is bringing an equally big production to Boardwalk Hall, where he’ll share the stage with his seven-piece band, 15 local string players, a 15-member local choir and an array of special theatrical effects ...more...

Josh Groban "Awake Summer Tour" Greenville, SC Review

Josh Groban
Greenville, SC Performance at Bi-Lo Center:
July 17, 2007
JACY*

We have just returned from a 7 city travel agenda and popped in for a quick note on Josh's Greenville, SC performance at Bi-Lo Center. As you might have heard by now, Josh was a "bit under the weather" sick with a "frog" and had to cancel his Charlotte appearance but Josh, even sick, is amazing and far exceeds any expectations of the viewing audience! He was his always "amazing self" and between his outstanding vocals and stage presence, the fans were, as can be expected, in raptures and awe, jumping to their feet, raising hands and light sticks, hearts and voices enraptured by the man and his music! I captured some of the most beautiful pictures of Josh in performance and will share them with you and the fans shortly! You absolutely must see him during Summer Tour. Check our post below for dates and times in your area. Until then, check back with us for new video footage, wallpapers and for beautiful "eye popping" pictures!

Josh Groban "Awake Summer Tour" Schedule

Are the fans getting excited? You bet they are! The Summer Tour begins on Tuesday in Greenville, SC at the Bi-Lo Center. There are tickets still available so if you want to see Josh, you need to hurry over to Ticketmaster.com. The opening act with be Angelique Kidjo (Josh sings a duet "Pearls" with Angelique as well -- beautiful!). We hope to see you on Awake Summer Tour!

The Tour Schedule:

Tuesday 17-Jul Greenville, SC Bi-Lo Center
Wednesday 18-Jul Charlotte, NC Charlotte Bobcats Arena [cancelled, reset 9/2/07]
Friday 20-Jul Norfolk, VA Scope Arena
Saturday 21-Jul Atlantic City, NJ Boardwalk Hall
Tuesday 24-Jul East Rutherford, NJ Continental Arena
Wednesday 25-Jul Uniondale, NY Nassau Coliseum
Friday 27-Jul Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless
Saturday 28-Jul Albany, NY Pepsi Center
Monday 30-Jul Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
Tuesday 31-Jul Wilkes-Barre, PA Wachovia Arena
Wednesday 1-Aug Wilkes-Barre, PA Wachovia Center
Friday 3-Aug Hershey, PA Giant Center
Saturday 4-Aug Pittsburgh, PA Mellon Arena
Tuesday 7-Aug Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center
Wednesday 8-Aug Green Bay, WI Resch Center
Friday 10-Aug St. Paul, MN Xcel Arena
Saturday 11-Aug Winnipeg, MB MTS Center
Tuesday 14-Aug Edmonton, AB Rexall Center
Wednesday 15-Aug Calgary, AB Pengrowth Saddledome
Friday 17-Aug Vancouver, BC GM Place
Saturday 18-Aug Seattle, WA Key Arena
Tuesday 21-Aug Boise, ID Taco Bell Arena
Wednesday 22-Aug Portland, OR Rose Garden Arena
Friday 24-Aug Oakland, CA Oakland Arena
Saturday 25-Aug Anaheim, CA Arrowhead Pond
Tuesday 28-Aug Salt Lake City, UT Delta Center
Wednesday 29-Aug Denver, CO Pepsi Center
Friday 31-Aug Omaha, NE Qwest Center
Sunday, Sept 2- Charlotte, NC Charlotte Bobcats Arena (reset from July 18)

Want a sneak peak at what you will see...check out our Washington DC Awake Tour Video

Josh Groban Musicals2 "Music of the Night"

Josh Groban Musicals2 "Phantom of the Opera" "Music of the Night" as promised is complete and up on YouTube. It is a delightful Josh performance plus new photos and extras...and, of course, the "?" surprise so be sure to watch to the end....

Josh Groban Musicals2 - "Music of the Night"

JoshGroban Musicals1 - "All I Ask of You"

All of the new musical wallpapers will be available on the ClassyMusic site shortly.

Josh Groban Gorgeous New Video

Josh and Sarah, performing "All I Ask of You" from "Phantom of the Opera" with gorgeous pictures, music from the PTO score, and the always surprise "?" or hidden treat in Classy's videos. You will love this one and especially Josh in his "theatre" voice. Treat yourself!

Josh Groban Musicals1 "Phantom of the Opera"

The new PTO wallpaper will be on site shortly.

Josh Groban Awake Summer Tour...Get Ready!!!!

Josh will kick-off the Summer Tour this month on July 17th in Greenville, SC. We will be there! Here is our Washington, D.C. live concert video of Josh performing at the Verizon Center. You do not want to miss him on Summer Tour...a concert for a lifetime!!Check Ticketmaster.com for your area for ticket availability. Until then, enjoy! WASHINGTON DC CONCERT

Josh Groban Awake Tour Special Guest Star!

Noonan returns to Brisbane
Anna Edwards
July 04, 2007 12:00am

BRISBANE singer Katie Noonan will accompany Grammy-nominated LA artist Josh Groban when he tours Australia later this year.

Noonan, known as the classically-trained singer with George - a band she formed with her brother Tyrone in 1996 - is on an extended break from the group to concentrate on her solo career.

She will perform with Groban around Australia in September and October including two shows in Brisbane on October 6 and 7

Groban world tour has received rave reviews and has so far included a sold out show at Madison Square Gardens earlier this year.

He was described by the New York Times as a "crooner with the power to knock the arena senseless."

Josh first came to the world's attention with his guest performance on Ally McBeal in 2002.

Australia loves Groban
Perth Now-Sunday Times
July 05, 2007 02:50pm

The highly anticipated concerts for singing sensation Josh Groban went on sale last month and due to demand extra concerts were added around Australia.

Groban's "Awake" Tour includes his 6-piece band, full orchestra and choir.

The NY Times raved in their review of Groban’s sold out Madison Square Garden Show in New York City earlier this year: "He is a crooner with the power to knock the arena senseless," (March 13, 2007).

Groban stormed on to the music scene in 2001 with the release of his self-titled album, which was followed by "Closer" which included the hit single, "You Raise Me Up." Groban, a 26-year old Los Angeles native, has sold in excess of 15 million albums.

Also just announced as special guest on the tour is the exceptionally talented Katie Noonan. Katie will perform tracks from her highly acclaimed debut solo album Skin.

We know and love Noonan as singer with the hugely successful Brisbane-born outfit George, a band she formed with her brother Tyrone back in 1996. Their 2002 recording, Polyserena, won the Best New Artist Album at the 2002 ARIA Awards and sold over double platinum. Noonan’s mesmerising stage presence and classically trained voice won her cult status in Australia. Now George is on an extended break, allowing her to record and tour as a solo artist.

Josh Groban "All I Ask of You" Concert for Diana Video

Josh Groban & Sarah Brightman perfoming "All I Ask Of You" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera" at the Concert for Diana on July 1, 2007. What a beautiful performance with two of the most beautiful voices in the music world today! Stunning and a "must-see" again performance. See my posts above:

JoshGroban Musicals1 - "All I Ask of You"

From Broadway World:
Brightman, Groban, Osmond etc Perform at Concert for Diana
Sunday, July 1, 2007

Andrew Lloyd Webber and a collection of theatre stars, including Connie Fisher and Lee Mead – two of the West End stars he discovered – took part in a portion of the "Concert for Diana" at Wembley Stadium, Sunday July 1. Webber's segment of the concert began at 6:45PM. Bocelli performed "Music of the Night" from The Phantom of the Opera. Following, Brightman and Groban sang the Phantom duet "All I Ask of You."