Celebrating the WEEKEND with Fitz and The Tantrums and O.A.R - 7/28/24 - The Mann Center

Words by Joe Boyd | Photos by Meg Duong 

Fitz and The Tantrums did a fantastic job as the main support for O.A.R on their Summer 2024 tour here at the TD Pavillion at The Mann Music Center on Sunday night (7/28). It was a humid but cool night at the TD Pavillion on Sunday when we walked onto the floor for the show. The crowd was already filling up the pavillion seats and lawn as the fans were out ranging from children to the young at heart. Some fans it was their 8th time seeing Fitz and The Tantrums, and others were there for the first time seeing them after being a fan for so long. Whatever the case may be, they were in for a damn good night. 

On the bill for Sunday night’s show was DJ Logik who played a variety of hits from the slow jazzy tunes to the upbeat funky melodies. He was on stage for ~30 minutes but had the fans on their feet dancing and singing along to familiar tunes. I was in my seat grooving along as I sipped on icy cold water to stay hydrated. Alongside the fans in the seats, I was amped for Fitz to come out on stage and take me into a dancing fever. 

Noelle Scaggs and Michael Fitzpatrick better known as the duo Fitz and The Tantrums came out on stage to a roaring applause and countless woooos. They started their set with Sway and then kept the party going with songs like Heaven, Good Intentions and a cover of Sweet Dreams by the Eurythmics to sweeten the deal. The standards were set as they performed backlit by bright colored lights and the backing vocals of a packed crowd. You can hear them from the front row to the back lawn nearby on top of the Skyline Stage. It was a hot performance from start to finish; and I had to refill my water bottle twice thanks to the venue for providing water refill stations around so that fans can stay hydrated throughout the night, 

Through their set; they encouraged the crowd to let their bodies go free, and jump and dance and sing along. At one point, in the show Noelle dedicated I Just Wanna Shine to her sister Miyeka who had recently passed away just seven days prior to the show. With every single cell phone light up, it sent a beacon of light across the pavillion and lawn that just made the band feel so loved. It was a magical moment to see and it makes one look at the grieving process in a beautiful, yet meaningful and celebratory way. And of course the crowd cheered for her as she was holding back tears, whilst receiving hugs from Michael Fitzpatrick. 

Everything about the production elevated the songs even more. The bright reds, orange and purples are reminiscent of a beach sunset. Which feels appropriate as fans danced along with summery drinks and cold beverages. Everytime you see Fitz and The Tantrums, you leave with a joyful heart and a sense of hope that you can keep going forward. 

The night continued on as O.A.R took the stage for a good 22 song set that lasted nearly two hours as they played hit after hit. Although this was my first time seeing O.A.R – I can tell just how well these two powerhouse bands get on together. They put on a remarkable show and their fans are just as committed to their band as they are to one another. Children were stoked to see the band their parents have grown up with and who’s music touched their lives in such a remarkable way. One would do well to make it down to their show this summer.