Musicians For Disaster Relief

I had been anticipating the Jacob’s Loc set at the Musicians 4 Disaster Relief (M4DR) show since I heard it had been rescheduled. I was already in Orlando for another commitment and the timing could not have been more perfect. I bought my ticket in advance and made it to Universal Studios right before 5:00 pm. I met up with an old O-Town friend who lives in Orlando and we were about 10 rows back from the stage. The crowd was much older than what I am accustomed to but it was nice to be able stand in a pit area and not be mauled. Everyone was there to have a good time and not to fight to get to the front.

The concert was important to me because all proceeds went to the victims of the 2004 Florida hurricane season and victims of the tsunami disaster in Asia. The organizers made it a point to say that all artists performed without any compensation and were donating their time and talent.

The first act up was Dominick. He is originally from New Jersey and played some of his own songs and one cover song. One of the members played a mean fiddle. The second act up was Torque. Some of TorQue’s bandmembers formerly performed with The John Entwistle Band. I didn’t care too much for the vocals but the music was great. These guys had a lot of experience playing and it was obvious to the ear.

Jacob’s Loc was the next band up. It had been almost two years since I had seen any of the O-Town members and I was so happy to be there to support Jacob. I had heard so much about Jacob’s Loc and their music and I was finally able to hear it. The band seemed a little nervous at first with the exception of Jacob. It was a very large older crowd. Jacob seemed at ease being the true professional he is. Since I am unfamiliar with their songs I did not write down their set list but they performed for about 45 minutes.

I had a lady in front of me that looked 70 and was jamming out to Jacob's vocals. During the concert a man behind me asked who the lead singer was. I said his name was Jacob. The lady next to him said he looked familiar. I told her he was formerly with O-Town and she lit up when she realized who he was. She said her daughter was a big fan and would be disappointed that she missed it. Jacob was full of energy and pouring his heart out. I would have to say my favorite song was one that he mentioned was new. Ryan and Jacob start off the song singing a cappela before they start to jam. I wish I could remember the name of the song. It was my favorite of the night (we believe this song was Ready and Waiting, a new song they performed at the Roxy in January - Inside Jacob's Loc).

It was over before I knew it and Jacob mentioned he would be signing t-shirts over by the M4DR table. My friend and I went over to the table and Jacob showed up not long after. There were a few O-Town fans there that I had recognized from previous concerts. I was happy to see that Jacob recognized me. I had never given him my name but he knew my face from all the O-Town concerts I had attended in the past. He pulled out a CD, signed it, asked Aaron to sign it and give it to me. I was so happy for many reasons. He recognized me and I could now listen to Jacob’s Loc whenever I wanted to.