Colbie Caillat & Andy Grammer

So if Jason Mraz and John Mayer had a musical love child, it would indeed be Mr. Andy Grammer.

When the Los Angeles-bred musician hit the stage, I wasn't expecting much. Maybe it was the overwhelming amount of people smushed into a tiny area in front of an outdoor stage.....maybe it was the pain my feet were feeling from standing for three hours before he came on....or maybe it was the tall guy in front of me who was like a brick wall. You know, the kind you can't see through.

This was one of the few times I was happy to be wrong.

Andy isn't your typical performer. With a fresh-faced optimism in his face, songs, and moves, you can't help but smile. This isn't your momma's inspirational junk. This is a city boy with big dreams and apparently an even bigger voice.

Andy Grammer at Tin Roof Backstage Concert Series

And he comes Taylor Swift-approved too. After darting off the stage from an A+ performance, he dueted with the princess of pop country at Bridgestone Area. Check out the video here:

Who can follow up an opening act that rocks that hard? Colbie Caillat, of course.

She has such a cool energy and aura on stage, radiating a peace that even Bob Marley would have been jealous of. Stunning, tall as a giant, and with vocals that soothe the soul, she actually brought me to misty eyes during a couple of her heart-wrenching slow songs.

I'm pretty convinced she's the link we've been missing when pursuing world peace. How can anyone feel anything but bubbly after hearing her sing "Bubbly?"

Colbie Caillat at Tin Roof Backstage Concert Series

Studio produced, she is not. The real deal can be found here. Perfect concert pairing. Amazing evening with two very talented and bright stars.

"Keep Your Head Up" for Andy Grammer. He's going to be the next big thing.

The Fray in Nashville

The Fray at Whiskey Jam

What's there to do in Nashville on a Monday night? See the Fray at Winner's Bar on Division Street, that's what. The Fray dropped into local's favorite Monday night activity, Whiskey Jam, to play four of their songs.

And man....they blew me away.

For a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum huge artist like this to step onto a small bar's stage and sing their hearts out for a crowd that was eating up every moment was so humbling. This is a group that's in it for the music. 

They weren't getting paid. There was zero publicity behind it. There was a microphone, a guitar, and a packed bar of music lovers that relished the entire set. Watch a clip here:

Yet the Fray played as though they were playing for one of their sold-out crowds of thousands. Lead singer Isaac Slade's energy radiated through the place as he delivered some of the best vocals I've ever heard live. He actually sounded better than the album.

Ben Wysocki of the Fray and Me

I already had tickets to see the boys at the Ryman the next night....and it was also spectacular. They really are something to see live. Musically, they are so tight. Lyrically, they are a dream. And vocally, it's mesmerizing.

Isaac of the Fray at the Ryman Auditorium

In conclusion, go see these guys if you ever get the chance. They perform like legends and act like humble sweethearts. A+ in every category.