The anticipation has been building for weeks. After hearing
constant radio promotion and a new album, Oklahoma fans had the
opportunity to see John Mayer in concert Friday evening at the Cox
Convention Center.

The show wasn’t sold out, and the simple setup belied the
artist’s multi-platinum status. However, with a combination
of songs from 2001’s “Room for Squares” and this
year’s “Heavier Things,” Mayer captivated
Friday’s audience, leaving them literally begging for an
encore.

Not only did he provide that, but as always in his concerts, he
gave audiences doses of his quirky humor, an abundance of those
contorting, trademark facial expressions and an overall good show
that was well worth the $35.50 ticket price.

Rock solo artist Cody Chesnutt opened the show as the crowd
began to find their seats. Perhaps he was too close to the
microphone, or maybe it was a technical problem, but his lyrics
were hard to hear behind his exceptional band. This was OK, because
after a few songs, an excellent solo drum display and a few words
of wisdom, Chesnutt prepped the crowd for Mayer’s
entrance.

“It’s all about being a musician these days,”
he said. “It’s all about playing an
instrument.”

To the delight of everyone in attendance, Mayer finally appeared
with a guitar in hand. Dressed in a plain button-up shirt, khaki
pants and a black jacket, Mayer was definitely not overdressed for
the occasion. Neither were his six bandmates, most of whom where
dressed like college students. This was fitting, as most of the
audience was a college-aged crowd, and Mayer, at 26, is not much
older than his fan base.

And perhaps that’s what makes Mayer so captivating.
He’s young, yet, after millions of records sold, he appears
to remain on solid ground and allows himself to be accessible to
his audience—an audience that appears to be his greatest
pleasure.

“I’m feeling a little funny ‘cause I shaved.
I’m hurting, but you’re soothing, so thank you,”
he said.

During a break in songs, Mayer justified his quirky humor.

“I’m in a goofy mood tonight,” he said.

If goofy is what it takes for Mayer to play like he did Friday
night, then he should stick with goofy for all his shows. All his
performances were exceptional, although he appeared to struggle
hitting the high notes on his current hit, “Bigger Than My
Body.”

The audience constantly cheered the plain-looking fellow, but
they blew the roof off the convention center when the light guitar
strums from “Your Body Is a Wonderland” began. Their
pleasure was so vocal that he had no choice but to give an encore
performance that included “St. Patrick’s
Day.”

The only major disappointment was that he chose not to play his
hit “Comfortable.” However, Mayer is forgiven. He made
his audience feel right at home.
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