By photojournalist Dan Fernandez
On Wednesday, August 19, music lovers gathered at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre in Tampa, Florida, for a night featuring the icon of mesmerizing surf jams Jack Johnson. Part of his Surfilmusic tour, a 43-stop journey that serves as a companion to his newly released documentary of the same name Johnson has been traveling the country recently showing us that he’s still got it!
Kicking off the evening was the indie-pop band Lake Street Dive, hailing from Boston MA. Their vibrant performance heated up the venue while they set the stage for what was to come. Having not seen Jack Johnson in about 15 years, I was eager to hear what Jack was dishing out these days… He did not disappoint. Johnson’s voice has remained just as effortlessly tuned as it was when I first stumbled on his music during my high school years. It was not just the voice that impressed me but the depth of his catalogue as he belted out a remarkable 26-song setlist that included fan favorites like “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing,” “Constellations,” “Wasting Time,” “I got You,” “Inaudible Memories,” and “Banana Pancakes.”
Highlighting the communal atmosphere of the evening was Lake Street Dive joining Johnson on stage to cover Tom Petty’s classic “You Don’t Know How It Feels,” followed by a special rendition of “Upside Down.” Johnson and company wrapped up his set with a series of fan favorite tracks, including “Do You Remember,” “Good People,” and “Better Together,” leaving the crowd on a high note, feeling wholly fulfilled.
As the night came to an end, it was abundantly clear to me that Jack Johnsons timeless relevance and enduring appeal has not slowed down in the slightest. This concert was more than a simple nostalgic journey; it also served as a rediscovery of roots. A reminder to pull out the old playlist from time to time and let the sounds encompass you fully as I sang along on the drive home to songs that I had not heard in years, and yet somehow knew every word to. Thanks for the memories Jack, both old and new.
