Live Review: Jack Johnson, Paula Fuga, Jon Cruz

Announcing, “It's so pretty tonight I almost didn't want to leave backstage but it's time to play some love songs,” Jack Johnson took the stage as if he were walking out into his backyard to play for friends, in what was to be an intimate yet explosive performance.
Opening the show were Paula Fuga and John Cruz from Hawaii, who also joined him periodically throughout the night, giving the entire performance a real laidback, beach vibe that had the whole crowd crooning and dreaming of bonfires on the shore.
With the concert set in one of the most breathtaking venues that Sydney has to offer, standing on the stairs of the world famous Opera House, Johnson said, “You know it's a good gig when you can take a boat to it. That's the first time ever I've taken a boat to a gig.”
He started the show solo with just his guitar, singing Do You Remember – a song he wrote for his wife – before being joined by his band. There was a definite theme throughout the night, with the majority of Johnson's songs being dedicated to or written about either his wife or children. This true romantic soul had all of the couples in the audience making out for the entirety of his set, and all of the singles in the audience wishing they had that special someone to hold on to. Early on in his set Johnson announced that he was happy to take requests; consequently, an eager girl in the audience screamed, “Marry me!” to which a blushing Johnson replied, “Haha, that wouldn't be legal.”  
As the sun was setting over the Sydney Harbour, he played three of his best known hits and the biggest crowd pleasers of the night: Taylor, Sitting, Waiting, Wishing and Good People – which inspired the entire crowd to get up on their feet and dance along. There was no real structure to the evening, with people in the non-seated areas freely being able to move down to the front and dance in the aisles, which only added to the relaxed feeling of the gig. All in all it was a perfect venue for an inspirational man who is a true artist and definitely one not to miss if you get the opportunity to see him live.