Bruno Mars and Pharrell Rock MSG

Earlier this week, I headed to Madison Square Garden for an evening with two of pop’s biggest superstars–Bruno Mars and Pharrell. The concert marked the first-ever performances for both at MSG, and they each brought their A-game.

Pharrell—sporting one of his trademark hats, of course—breezed through a lively opening set. Backed by hip hop dancers, he charmed with his playful onstage banter and signature hits.

A huge LED screen lit up behind him as he did “Blurred Lines” and “Get Lucky.” Not surprisingly, he wrapped things up with “Happy.” Even after hearing it so much everywhere, I have to say this song is infectious live.

The excitement continued when Bruno Mars took the stage. From the minute he came out, singing “Moonshine” set against a dazzling light show, you knew this was going to be a night of high energy fun.

Mars said as much himself, inviting the crowd to stay on its feet—an easy task as he powered through his hour and forty-five minute set. He brought the soulful funk and smooth sounds that have made him a Top 40 mainstay over the last couple of years. He wowed with an irresistible mix of ballads and dance hits like “It Will Rain,” “When I Was Your Man,” “Marry You” and “Treasure.” Two of the evening’s highlights—a slowed down version of “Nothin’ On You” and a showstopping rendition of “Grenade.”

Joining Mars on stage were a talented group of backup singers/musicians who ably kept up with him and the huge spectacle behind them (pyrotechnics, colorful lighting).

After a keyboard solo, Mars launched into “Just The Way You Are” before an action-packed encore. He returned to the stage for a drum solo and “Locked Out Of Heaven,” surprising the crowd then with a special guest: Lenny Kravitz.

The two covered Kravitz’s “Are You Gonna Go My Way?” before Mars closed out the epic night with “Gorilla.” Truly a concert to remember–and not to be missed if you get the chance.

Bruno Mars’ Moonshine Jungle tour continues through September 6th.