Five for Fighting

Okay, so John Ondrasik broke out the tambourines only once. For the rest of this Five for Fighting show at the Wilbur, he was mostly behind the piano or -- to a lesser extent -- holding an acoustic guitar. At all times, however, he was accompanied by a fantastic string quartet. He played all of the crowd's favorites, interspersing the set list with lively (and often self-effacing) commentary. My spouse and I will definitely grab tickets again the next time he's passing through our area! The only (slight) damper on the evening was caused by some bad actors in the audience. Among an older crowd, we were surprised to see some silver-haired patrons throwing back a few too many and getting a little too exuberant for the setting. The tight seating in the orchestra area made it difficult to ignore their poor behavior, which distracted from an otherwise great show. As always, we have to ask, "What if I were you?"

He gives an amazing performance every time. Add the string quartet and it was just out of this world.

This concert was in a small venue with a very talented string quartet. It was great, just pure music and singing without any fancy effects. We loved it!!

I'm a huge fan but compared to the last time they came, I felt cheated. There were so many songs he could have played and it seemed that just when we got into the concert he ended the show. Really loved them better when they came to the casino to play and that was the concert I was hoping for. (It was about 4 years ago and he seemed so much more passionate about what he did at the time.)

This is the first time I've seen Five for Fighting in concert and the second time I've seen Angel Taylor in concert. I've listened to and really enjoyed Five for Fighting for quite some time so to see him in concert was just so amazing!! Angel Taylor is an amazing singer! I saw her when she came with Gavin Degraw for a very small venue with 105.1 the Buzz. Great show and can't say enough good about it!!

Once again, John Ondrasik wowed us. His vocals, even with the hint of laryngytis, are beautiful, and his piano is out of this world! The Aladdin is a great venue...there are no bad seats, and the whole experience feels intimate.

It was amazing! Love the venue and intimate setting.

I love John's voice clarity, hubleness as a performer, lyrics, and his new music "Slice" was yummy!

This was an amazing show. John is an amazing talent who is down to earth. He and his guitar player put on a solid steller show. Do not miss him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great interaction with the audience - wonderful music. Great place to see a show!

I felt really bad for John as he was recovering from laryngitis and that could not have been very enjoyable experience for him. He sounded great though-was a dream come true to see him in concert. He is so good-better that his Cd's and of course his Cd's are great! I hadn't even heard of Angel Taylor so that was nice to be introduced to a new voice for me. She was great too. I had also not been to the Aladdin theater so that was a gas. Really liked the atmosphere and people I had interaction with both concert attendees and personnel working there. was a night to remember for a long time.

Overall just a very fun and relaxing experience. He has alot of meaningful lyrics that relate t stories he told about his life which were fun to hear. I'd recommend it, for sure!

Once again great show. Great songs, crowd loves him, he loves the crowd and is great to listen to

Let's put it this way...I've never been to a bad Five For Fighting show. Even this evening at Portland's Aladdin Theater, things could have gone awry. John was having issues with his voice because of laryngitis. But, he was a trouper and gave it his best shot. He may not have hit his usual high notes at all times...but he did for Superman! And, although his voice wasn't 100%, it was still just as sweet! John is always great with his stories, and tonight was no different. I've heard the same stories dozens of times, but they just keep getting better and better! John had the audience in stitches, myself included! Once you go to a Five For Fighting show, it will never be your last...you'll want to see John again and again and again! John has a LOT of loyal fans, for good reason! If you've never seen John Ondrasik perform live, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND giving him a shot. It will be a concert you'll never forget!

John Ondrasik is a very charismatic performer. He had the audience in the palm of his hand last evening - and managed amazingly well, despite laryngitis. Many musicians would have cancelled or postponed. Angel Taylor has a great voice and a very charming personality. This is a great opportunity for her. Thank you for a most enjoyable evening. I'll be there next time you're in Portland.

This was my first time to this venue , very audience friendly , not a bad seat in the house, lets you get personable with the artist.

My girlfriend and I flew in from Denver to see the show and tour some Pinot vinyards this weekend. When he started the concert and stated that he had been sick Monday and had to take steroids I was a bit worried that it was just bad timing and the show would suffer... Happy to say he still hit it out of the ballpark! Angel was a great pre-show as well. At only 21 years old she has a very bright future.

Even with a tiny issue with his voice John Ondrasik didn't miss a beat or a note! He is funny, entertaining, simply an incredibly talented singer - song writer. The intimate setting of the Aladdin Theater was awesome and the acoustic performance was unforgetable.

I truly loved the concert. John has great humor and is an amazing musician. Very entertaining. The Aladdin was the perfect venue for him.

Five For Fighting is probably the most underrated act out there. One of the best in the business, and a "regular guy!"

What an amazing show. John was captivating and the string quartet added such a nice touch. Played all his hits, but even though I am a fan, the playlist included songs that I do not hear as much and they were awesome...going to add a few to my Spotify collection.

I loved the warm, intimate, climate of the lecture hall. It made Five for Fighting's music that much more powerful, especially since he was playing with an incredibly talented string quartet. Absolutely loved Five for Fighting's music, his message, and the performance! Wow!!!

This was my first time seeing him in concert, and he was just fabulous. Loved seeing him with the quartet. Marie Miller was also fabulous!! Really fantastic show!!

Just like John, I grew up with Billy Joel, Kiss, Bread, Elton John, Foreigner, etc. But as for songwriters like him, I put him there with Sir Billy, Simon & Garfunkel, Jackson Browne, Harry Connick Jr., Bruce Hornsby, and the like. The performance was a true delight with his quartet! His music is enriching, uplifting, and a true testament to the human spirit! Thank you Mr. Hockey fan - fight on!!!

John Ondrasik was awesome! His storytelling was just enough and not too much. Gave a lot of insight into certain songs. Very charismatic personality. His singing and piano playing were incredible. The string quartet was amazing too. They were fun and really added to the songs. This was a great venue to see a concert: Smallish, and the sound carried perfectly up to the balcony where we were.

I went for the music, but came away with an appreciation for Johns story telling and humor. Great rapport with the quartet and the audience. My husband and I were sitting first row, right in front of him and could see the emotion in his face while playing the piano and singing. I've been a long time fan and now my husband is! Would highly recommend! Lynn

Not only was Five for Fighting fabulous but so was the Uptown Theater. Talk about wonderful talent (the string quarter was great too)! The theater just oozed old time charm.

Great music and great venue. We Love Uptown theater.

It was everything I hoped it would be and more!!!!

Just saw FFF last night. Great show, songs were wonderful. Quartet was amazing. Warm up act was great. Keep on trucking John.

The show was unforgettable and amazing. What a talented artist and story teller. Arrive early to this venue so you can get a good seat...we got there two plus hours before the show and still were the 25th group to get through the door when it opened. The only drawback was the cost for food and drinks, not astronomical but a little steep for the bar atmosphere. Overall, definitely will go again, but just be better prepared for the cost of drinks and dinner.

Always enjoy seeing Five for Fighting. First time at Birchmere accompanied by two big (myself) fans and two new fans. John put on a good show and we enjoyed the string quartet. John tells nice stories about the songs which helped in connecting with the audience particularly the new fans accompanied by me.

Five for Fighting puts on a tremendous, low key show. There is so much talent and lots of great stories as well. Only complaint is the set is definitely on the short end.

It was low key. Different I really was enjoying it. I love Five for Fighting I all he does. With band without band. With spoons with string instruments. All good when it comes to five for fighting he's great.

The combination of venue and style made this show feel incredibly intimate. The music and crowd interaction are something that is incredibly rare today. Would go again in a heartbeat.

The band sounded great but their song selection was a bit off. Don't get me wrong, they did play all of their hits. But as a big fan of the band I thought the remaining song selection was off. Also, the show was just a little more than an hour and fifteen minutes. It's a lot of money to pay to see that short of a show. Overall, it was average. Expected better for the money.

A lovely evening in a terrific venue. John Ondrasik has an easy-going spirit and a kind soul--a committed family man who sings sweet ballads for a living. That is the vibe he succeeds in bringing across.

Fantastic show. John had such an awesome rapport with the crowd. We loved it from the first song to the last encore.

John's voice and music quality did not disappoint. It was a great venue and very intimate setting. my only issue is that it was so so short. the band stopped playing after 71 minutes. 15 minutes of encore and we were done in 86 minutes. I drove 11 hours round and it was hard to say it was worth it for such a short time. Next time charge me more for tickets and play longer!

Boy, do I love this guy! I ended up taking my mom, who was not familiar with his music but she soon became a fan. To me, the concert just flew by and I was so disappointed that it had to end.

Lead singer was upbeat, i thought the music was going to be more melancholy. He played guitar as well as piano and there was a fair amount of audience interaction.

John Ondrasik was amazing as usual. The blue Chip venue was casual and comfortable. Loved the show.

Loved the concert! Wow what incredible talent! We could not believe how awesome he was! Very talented and entertaining! Would absolutely see him again!

John Ondrasik was awesome. What a shame he had to entertain is such a woeful venue.

Five for Fighting's music was as great! I really enjoyed the stories behind the music and the lead singer's engagement with the audience. I wouldl definitely like to see them again. The venue was not great---seating was flat so you were at the mercy of the people in the rows ahead of you. I would love to see them in a different theatre. In the end the music made it worth the poor theatre.

Absolutely the greatest performance i have ever seen. This was my Third time seeing John, but first time with the whole band. They were amazing and it was worth every penny spent. I will continue to see them every time in the future i possibly can. Highly reccomend Five for Fighting.

Bought tickets to celebrate my husband's birthday and it was a wonderful evening. Thanks, "Five for Fighting," for a most entertaining show.

This is the 3rd time I've seen Five for Fighting in concert. John is always awesome. How he pulled this off in the heat is amazing. I had no idea that any venue would not be air conditioned but the Fitzgerald Theater was not. I loved the concert anyway and had a wonderful time!

The band was awesome but the venue sucked! There was no air conditioning on one of the hottest night of the summer. Those of us up in the balcony were miserable. The ushers ended up handing out brochures to fan ourselves with. Nevertheless, the music was great! I had never seen Five for Fighting in concert and I was impressed. But, please don't choose this location again!

Not only was the theater a great small venue (little warm), but Five for Fighting exceeded our expectations! We will never miss them again when within travelling distance. We go to a LOT of concerts and think this one rated at the Top! Would love to see them come to Duluth/Superior area (with opening act too)!

Absolutely loved the concert! So happy it was in a small venue, seats gave us a great view of the stage. 100% worth the wait to finally find them in concert near me! Hoping to go again when they re back in Pittsburg or Cleveland

The string Quartet was amazing. John was great! Our seats were great just a very relaxed environment

Incredibly warm and personable, talented musician, honest and real lyricist, great storyteller, humble and with a deep love of music, family and life. Loved hearing old favs with the new and beautiful twist of the strings as well as lesser known old tunes and the brand new. Great venue, great show.

Five for Fighting delivered. Stunning performance. As good as it gets!!!

Great show with Five For Fighting and Matt Wertz. The best 28 bucks you could spend. I have spent much more for a less quality concert. This was one of the best in recent memory.

Portland's Crystal Ballroom, built in 1914, is an amazing place to see anyone play, and Five for Fighting was no exception! The opening band, Nashville's native son, Matt Wertz did a great job of warming up the crowd. These guys played some great tunes really well and had as much fun as the audience. An excellent front man, Matt provided superb vocals to sing his stories. I'd never heard of them before, but I'm glad to have had the opportunity to do so and purchase and couple of their CD's. Five for Fighting exceeded my expectations, playing their hits, old and new, and many songs I'd never heard. John's a fantastic singer, with a great stage presence that really brings his audience into the show (quite literally, for one young lady who got to sit with him at the piano for "Superman (It's Not Easy)"!). Being a small venue, there was an intimacy you don't get at large arena-style shows and the separate areas for alcohol and non-alcohol made it a nice way for the several families with children (mine, included) to enjoy the show. Afterward, the band was available for autographs and photos, another feature you don't get at arenas! The CD's and shirts were reasonably-priced for both bands, and, as is their custom for some time now, Five for Fighting offered a free CD (Comedy, this time) for anyone with a military ID, in show of their continued support for our Troops. If these guys make it around to your town, and you enjoy good music, throw down some money to see them - you won't be disappointed! Also, check out Matt Werts' band, they've got a great sound and I hope to start seeing and hearing more from and of these young musicians!

My wife and I took two grandsons for the third FFF concert within the last year. We started with last summer driving to Chicago for the Zoo appearance. The next at KC's Midland and last night. Our grandsons had a evening they won't soon forget. The warm-up group gave Nciky a tamboine, then FFF came on and John spoke to my grandson's. We were right up front. He invited Nicky to go up on stage and then gave him a guitar pic. We ended the evening with a chat, autograph and a picture. Thank you for your music. The boys know many of your songs lyrics.

What an awesome, awesome concert! It was so intimate, fun, and memorable. Probably the best concert I've been to in ten years. Great story telling to go along with music. Brought back some great memories, and realistic stories too. They are very sincere, like-able people. The best part? They met with fans after the show. Who does that?!?! It was awesome, and I drove from Detroit to see them. I'd do it again in a hearbeat!

This has to be one of the best concerts I have been to. I actually think they sound better live than on their CD. They have a wonderful opening band to warm you up for the main show. I would recommend to anybody that likes their music to pay the money and go, it will be worth it!

John Ondrasik was very engaged with the audiance. If you are a true fan and know every word to every song, do not miss this show.

We have been big fans of Five for Fighting for some time now, but this was our first time seeing them live. John Ondrasik has an incredible and unique voice and he really delivers live. The venue (Center Stage Theater) was a very cool intimate setting for the show, although the stage seemed a bit crowded with the 12' grand piano. Audio was very good, lighting was simple yet very well programmed and executed. Bar tenders were very personable and quick.

Five for Fighting was a perfect artist for this intimate venue. The sound and light show really enhanced the amazing talent of John Ondrasik and his group. It was a fun, energetic show, filled with beautiful music.

I saw John A.K.A. Five For Fighting for a third time. As always, it was a smaller venue and John performed to his fans on a personable level. This time around he played a request by the audience acoustic style. It was his Augie Nieto song. I had yelled out and asked for him to explain the song and so he did. At the end of the show, he had told everyone to get up off their seats and feel free to crowd around the stage. He then told us he would sign autographs and take pictures after the show. This was so exciting for me and a moment I would never forget as I got my ticket signed by the whole band and got to thank John for writing a song about a person who had died from ALS, which is very meaningful to me. The show is definitely worth seeing!

Greetings, John had lyringitis and was on steriods. He did well for being sick. Great singer/songwriter/storyteller.

Despite having to cancel his show the night before due to laryngitis John put on a show we will never forget! if he didn't announce his health problems i don't think people would have known. Every song was a favorite - even the ones i hadn't heard yet.

The Five for Fighting concert was the best performance I've ever attended! It was casual and intimate and felt like they were playing just for me and a small group of friends! John Ondrasik told stories and gave background to songs that made his music even more meaningful. AND he played all of his hits plus a few other songs:). (No hate mail here John:).

I had such a great time at this show. Five For Fighting, a piano, and a string quartet, that's all! He played all the favorites, talked about himself, gave history of his songs and insight. Beautiful and intimate setting.

Another outstanding concert with five for fighting, John continues to impress his audience with lyrics based on his life and life experiences. He s not afraid to experiment which is displayed with the string Quartet at the Boston Wilbur Theatre. Great concert. Hope to see you again real soon

Came out with The Riddle, had a string quartet, was great listening to his stories about songs n life , nice cover of Bohemian Rhapshody , string quartet was also great, just a great show.

I figured it'd be a good show -- I like all the Five for Fighting songs I know and think John Ondrasik has a great voice. But, I was genuinely blown away! Marie Miller was a perfect opening act; I'm now a big fan of hers. The concert was more like a stage performance -- personal, professional, flawless. I loved the quartet and the stories behind the songs. I will definitely go to another show.

This was an amazing show. The music the acoustics and the show itself were all excellent. John's brief stories in between each song really added to the night as well. You should not miss this show next time it comes around I know I won't.

The string quartet made the songs very unique, John was an entertainer, loved hearing the background to how he wrote the songs, his inspiration for writing the songs. Marie Miller was also excellent and a great support. My only critical point was the cost of the drinks, my and my wife had 3 cokes and paid $18 dollars, why so expensive??

Great show and venue! There was not a bad seat in the house. John and the quartet put on an excellent show. His storytelling is almost as great as the songs and closing with Bohemian Rhapsody took it to a whole new level!

The music, the performances, the accompanying stories...this was a truly great show for those who love good music or really anyone looking to be entertained for an evening. Really felt connected to the songs and performers. So much talent on that stage!

While the venue rating is high, it is because someone like this will come to Huntington, not because of Huntington itself. The main event and the opening performance were both very entertaining and made for a pleasant evening. Well worth the money.

What an enjoyable night of entertainment... perfect seats for a reasonable price, crisp, clear music that made the hair stand up on the back of your neck, and many interesting stories that gave the concert a personal feel. Often you spend $250 to take the family to a concert, make the long drive and although it was a good experience you're not sure you'd do it again. We would go see John and the amazing string quartet again without hesitation. Thank you for the memory...

Thoroughly enjoyed the show. Great performance by Five for Fighting and Marie Miller.

An amazing concert in an intimate setting. The musicianship was off the charts.

Five for Fighting was great. Venue was perfect for the show and really showed the talent of the musicians and the passion of Jon. Highly recommended!

Intimate venue. Great music. One of the best concerts I ve been to. Five for Fighting and the string quartet were fantastic. Husband and 12 year old son loved it too! Highly Recommend!

I loved the concert! The opening act was wonderful - great guitar action and voices. B-band, I think. And I believe they were local. Five For Fighting was fabulous. Great songs, music and stories. What was uncomfortable was the theater. Very, very hot and hard to relax because of that. I felt really awful for the performers.

It was a great show! I would def recommend seeing them.

Seeing Five for Fighting live has been on my bucket list for awhile, so I was so excited to actually be going to a show. Saw them at the small and intimate, and OH SO HOT that night, Fitzgerald Theatre in St. Paul. Turned out to be the perfect place for the show. John is so personable, it's fun just to listen to his stories. But his real talent is his songwriting. I absolutely love his lyrics, and he sings them so soulfully and with so much heart. A great, great performance, and, oh yeah, the guy can play the piano like crazy!! He closed the show with an impromptu "getting funky on the dance floor". Loved it! Had the whole place dancing. Highly recommend catching their show!!

This was definitely well worth the price. Very interactive, great songs and stories to go with the songs. The worst was the temperature in the theater but considering it was about 100 outside - understandable.

The concert was amazing. Opening duo were fabulous as well. B-Team I think their name was. My only complaint was the venue. OMG was it hot! They passed out Fitzgerald brochures to be used as a fan.. it helped, but not enough! This is probably the fifth time I have seen F4F in the last five years... this was every bit as good as the first time I saw him! What talent!

John was "hot" and so was the theatre! I just wish he had a little more stamina. 1:20, give me a break. A new record and a little more time when he comes to town would be appreciated.

Five for Fighting was absolutely fantastic! Despited the heat, it was the best concert I have seen!

3rd time to see them...always great performance - this performance great. Can't get enough of FFF!! My son is 19 and has gone with me all three times...this is a concert for a large age group - his music is for all!

not not play california justice but played all his top songs well done

Excellent. He was great. All songs were well done and professionally performed.

Not only was the musical performance outstanding, but his storytelling between songs was equally engaging. Thought we would miss a full band, but we never did.

Great show..... intimate and entertaining. John has a voice that takes it to all levels, both low and high. We made it a family affair and took both our daughters (12 & 13 years old) to the show. They enjoyed it just as much! The stories told and how the music is interwoven with John's life and experiences really added to the production. We had a great time and will be there the next time Five for Fighting comes our way!

This was a Great concert. It was all acoustic. He gave great background on all the songs and is very audience friendly.

If you are lucky enough to get the opportunity to see Five For Fighting, DO IT ! John Ondrasik gives one of the most powerful acoustic performances I've ever experienced. Vocals are flawless. His words... profound. One of the most gifted artists around.

I had not heard of "Five for Fighting" prior to this performance. My girlfriend thought I would enjoy. I was very impressed with John's versatility. I appreciated his memory for the veterans. I was surprised that I liked his voice. The last a-cappella song "Hope" was wonderful.

John Ondrasik really makes it look easy. Chatting with the audience as he jammed on the piano, he shared many stories of the origins of his catchy, heartfelt pop songs. The Coach House is a great venue for an intimate, solo show. Ondrasik effortlessly switched from piano to guitar and back, played all of his hits and brought the audience to its feet several times. Would have been five stars, except that his performance was a bit short at ~1 hr 10 min and he didn't play any of his great B-sides for the real fans. Opener Matt Hires was excellent--a great young vocalist to watch for in the future.

The show was excellent and I was amazed how great he sounds. Almost better live than on cd. What an amazing voice. He does a great mix of singing and talking. It was fun to hear how certain songs came to be and the ideas behind them. Great show. I was just surprised how little publicity there was for this. I only heard about it a couple of days before, in the Blade.

John played solo which actually made the show more personal and, I think, enjoyable. I loved hearing his stories as well as his songs. Great job John; hope to see you again some day.

I enjoyed his piano playing. This theatre was excellent.

Took my husband for a 45th b-day present and we were blown away. John's voice was so pure and amazing. Wasn't sure how the solo performance would be, but John was such an entertaining storyteller that we could have listened to him forever. We've been to some big name band concerts that weren't very good because they sounded terrible live, but this was totally the opposite. We went away in awe of his incredible talent of writing and performing. Also, we were pleasantly surprised that he was willing to sign autographs and take pictures afterwards. He seemed very down to earth and humble which is a rarity today! Thanks John! You rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!