by Lorie Lewis Ham

When I was a kid I fell in love Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire thanks to the old movies they played on Channel 26. From there I discovered a local radio station that played their music, and that of many others like Nat King Cole, Rosemary Clooney and Tony Bennett. Old big band, swing and jazz music has been close to my heart ever since and takes my heart places no other music can.

Since that time I’ve enjoyed Harry Connick Jr., Jamie Cullum, and more recently Michael Bublé, so when I heard that Michael Bublé was coming to Fresno I knew I had to be there! Having seen Tony Bennett in concert in May I really didn’t think any concert could ever top that—well I’d have to say that Michael was right up there with Tony!

It excites me that Michael’s music seems to span the ages and has made the music I love popular again even among the youth of today—my daughter and several of our teen staff members included. The Savemart Center was packed with fans just as enthusiastic and excited as those of any big rock or pop singer.

Michael started off the evening with flashing lights, fireworks and a stage that would rival any Vegas show, but it would have been just as great if it had been a simple stage with just the man in his nice black suit and his orchestra. From his first song “Cry Me A River” to the third song of his encore, it was absolute perfection! Throughout the evening he told funny stories, interacted with the crowd, told us how he wanted to be Michael Jackson when he was a kid and then preceded to do his impression of him, and just shared pieces of himself. The music he sang for us ranged from the classic big band songs to those that he wrote with his pianist and musical director. He dedicated “Haven’t Met You Yet” to those who were still single to give them hope, and spoke of how much he appreciated his fans spending their hard earned money in these hard times to come see him.

When he walked out into the audience for a song my teenage daughter was among many who swooned as he walked inches from us. This man didn’t just sing, he put on a real show from beginning to end—a show that would have made Sinatra proud to know his style of music was living on in such a grand way.

Just a note on the opening act—Naturally 7—if you get the chance to check these guys out do it! They were a group of seven young men who made the sound of instruments with their voices and sang in the most beautiful harmony!

The evening was ended perfectly as Michael did the same thing Tony did when I saw him—something that amazed me both times—he sang without a microphone and managed to fill up the building with that big, wonderful voice! These men are REAL singers—not the auto-tuned imposters that have flooded the world of music over the past several years. I dare some of them to sing without being auto-tuned, let alone without a microphone.

I have to admit before the concert I’d enjoyed Michael’s music but wasn’t a huge fan—after seeing him in concert that has all changed! I not only love him, but respect and admire him as well. He left the ego at the door that he so easily could have, and gave everything he had to share his music with the fans that came out to see him.

If you ever get the chance to attend one of Michael Bublé’s concerts, don’t miss it. One of the best concerts I’ve ever seen in my life. Check out his website for more info on his CD’s and his touring schedule.

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and an enthusiastic contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.