Last night, Kali & I ventured to Bimbo’s 365 for the She & Him show. We met up with Caio at Osha for some dinner, which was a great place. We got a late start to the night since traffic was backed up everywhere in the city. We still don’t know why, but it took us 20 minutes to go 1 block.

We just missed the opening act, Lavendar Diamond, which was a bummer but also less time I had to stand :) Bimbo’s was so pretty inside. It was like a trip back to the movie Casablanca or something. We ordered champagne to embrace the atmosphere. I mentioned to Kali that all that was missing was Cary Grant at my side ;)

She & Him sold out 2 nights of shows, so the place was packed. Since no photography was allowed, we stuck a little to the back, which worked out. Okay, enough boring details.

The show was incredible. Zooey was so adorable. She and the other female band members (back-up vocals & drums) were sporting cute and sparkly dresses. I’ve never seen a happier band in my life. How often do you hear the front woman ask if the audience has ever seen a nicer-looking band? Her vocals were so much richer live. I almost felt bad, though, because she was so good but the audience would only squeal when ever Matt Ward leaned in to the mic.

They played one new song which seemed to lean further away from the happy pop, but it was still nice. I knew Matt Ward was an incredible guitarist, but hearing him without his band, made it so much more obvious. I’m rarely left in awe by guitar solos, but he managed to do it several times.

Highlights were “Take it Back” and “You Really Gotta Hold on Me,” which are two of my favorites. The band left the stage for both tracks, and really, that’s when the on-stage magic happened throughout the night. Though, there was one moment when Matt & Zooey shared the piano bench (another beautiful moment when I cursed the venue for banning photography).

“Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?” was definitely the most fun. They were dancing and bobbing their heads on stage. Again, most fun I’ve seen a band have. Kali was talking about it, though…how much fun it would be to sing such happy/fun songs. It totally cheered me up! They played most of the album and also a Joni Mitchell cover, “Turn Me On (I’m a Radio).”

After playing just over an hour, the crowd stomped and clapped, demanding an encore. Matt & Zooey returned, doing covers of “I Put a Spell on You” and “Bring it On Home to Me”, the former of which was one of the night’s highlights. I didn’t realize just how amazing her voice was until that track. It was incredible. The show wrapped up with a quick rendition of “Magic Trick.” We didn’t stay to see if there was a 2nd encore.

Sadly, my photo of the marquee was too over-blown to see “She & Him” on the board (thanks iPhone), but it was a beautiful night and you’ll just have to trust me. We went to the International Sports Club across the street for a drink afterward. We were sitting outside and the bartender (an old man with a thick white mustache, who seemed excited that we ordered champagne) stopped by and asked how we liked the show. He agreed with our “amazing” review.

As parting words, since I really should get ready for work, I just have to say if She & Him are headed nearby, buy your tickets early and prepare to be sky-rocketed in to a great mood with fun and beautiful music. Three years after I discovered Zooey’s voice, I’m still just as in love with it and so excited that she finally made an album.

Tonight we’re having an internal show of recent work at the office. I’m pretty excited to see what has been going on outside my Nike bubble :)

PS Don’t forget to vote!