Mark Ronson @ The Highline Ballroom

Last night I went to the Highline Ballroom (a place that is quickly becoming one of my favorite concert venues) to see Mark Ronson perform. The concert was also doubling as the record release party for his new album, Versions. The original plan was to go with Kerel, but last minute, Vero asked if I could get her a ticket. Unfortunately the concert had sold out, but the venue was going to release a few extra tickets at the door.

Since I get out of work really early in relation to everyone I know, I went down to the Highline early to wait in line to get Vero a ticket. Right before I headed downtown, it started to pour, like torrential downpour. Having some time to kill, I decided to go running at the Reservoir. This might not have been the brightest idea, but I love running in the rain. Once I got to the Reservoir, I started doubting my decision. There were a handful of people running still, but most had better sense to seek shelter. As I ran beside the Reservoir, lightning cracked across the sky at a very consistent rate. The winds were thrashing the water in the Reservoir and painfully pelting me with rain. Even with all that, it was still a fun time. Nothing feels better than feeling like you are fighting against Mother Nature...and winning.

Anyway, after I dried off, I went to the Highline and waited in line for an hour to get Vero a ticket. To kill some time before Kerel and Vero met up with me, I went to Pizza Bar for a drink. I had never been to Pizza Bar before and may never go back.

Although Kerel, Vero, and I arrived late to the Highline, our timing was actually perfect; the show was just about to start. I had never seen Mark Ronson DJ before or play live for that matter (this was actually his first time ever playing with his live band in the US).

Mark Ronson thoroughly impressed me. I think he sometime can be brushed off as a trust fund baby DJ, but the guy is talented and respected. I think that was supported by some of the celebrities I spotted in the crowd which included: Jay-Z, Eve, Q-Tip, Jimmy Fallon, and Danny Masterson.

Ronson performed the bulk of his Versions and brought on many of the guests that appear on the album including: Daniel Merriweather, Santo Gold, Wale, Alex Greenwald (Phantom Planet), Kenna, Tawiah, and Tiggers. Sadly Robbie Williams, Lily Allen, and Amy Winehouse were nowhere to be found, but Ronson made up for it by bringing Saigon onstage. I'm a huge fan of Saigon and would not have expected him to show up, but it turns out that Saigon and Ronson are good friends. Saigon even joked that he goes over to Ronson's mother's house on Christmas morning for tea!

Another surprising performance came from Alex Greenwald of Phantom Planet. He was really energetic (and possibly drunk), stage diving and just really getting into the performance. He ended his set on stage with the crowd favorite, "California" (i.e. "The OC's" theme song).

Check out some reviews of the show:

NY Times

Variety

For more pictures of the show:

Caaaait's Flickr Page