Fitz and the Tantrums: Fun times at Star 101.5 Star Stage

Last week, one of my favorite bands Fitz and the Tantrums visited the Pacific Northwest for a series of shows.  I had the good fortune of not only attending their scheduled concert at the Showbox SoDo, but also scored a ticket to a live radio show.  When it comes to radio station contests, most of the time you have to listen in during live broadcasts and call or text in at designated times.  That counts me out because I'm usually at work during the day and I'm not allowed such frivolous activities.  Plus, my flip phone makes texting rather a chore, not that I text anyway...that's right, I don't have a smartphone.  But, occasionally, radio stations allow members of their listener clubs to just submit their email address to enter contests.  That was the case with the Fitz and the Tantrums show, and I was ecstatic when I became one of the lucky winners.

The show was sponsored by Star 101.5 FM radio station in Seattle.  This was my first time attending such an event, not counting the 101.9 KINK FM Bing Lounge show I went to in Portland, OR back in 2010.  Yeah, I also scored a ticket for that radio show, but it was just attending a live performance...nothing more.  The Star Stage show was a little more involved. Attendees were treated to a box lunch before the show, which was was nice.

I chatted with a lady who was there with her daughter.  Like myself, she was also quite familiar with Fitz and the Tantrums.  I found it especially interesting that she had actually seen Five For Fighting perform on Star Stage several years ago.  I would have loved to see THAT show, but alas, I was not so lucky back then.  After lunch, myself along with about 50 other people made our way next door to the Star Stage.  I got a front row seat, but really, every seat had a great view of the stage. 

For the day's show, only three members of the band would be performing.  Star 101.5's morning disc jockeys Kent Phillips and Alan Budwill introduced vocalists Michael "Fitz" Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs and guitarist Joe Karnes.  I've known Joe since 2010 when he toured with Five For Fighting.  As Fitz and the others took the stage, Joe spotted me in the front row and gave me a little wave.  Normally, Joe plays bass, but in this particular setting, he brought his acoustic guitar.

 

Fitz, Noelle and Joe played three songs...The Walker, Out Of My League and their new single, Fools Gold.  The songs are all off their recent album release, More Than Just A Dream.  It was great watching them perform in such an intimate setting.

After the show, there was a quick meet and greet.  Everyone got a brief moment and a photo with the band.  I got a hug from Joe AND Fitz, who said he remembered me from the last time they were in Seattle for a concert.  

In addition to the photo op, everyone got an autographed Fitz and the Tantrums picture provided by the radio station.  In all, it was a wonderful experience, and a fitting preview of the upcoming full band concert.  Thanks Star 101.5!