Palm-tree patterned curtains hid the stage while the enormous crowd in Philips Arena waited for Bruno Mars to appear. For those of you who missed it, Mars’ sold out concert was phenomenal. The concert was Thursday evening, Aug. 22.

The curtains fell away and Bruno Mars was center stage surrounded by his band. Mars gave an electrifying performance that was great entertainment mixed with excellent music from his album, Unorthodox Jukebox. The concert kicked off with the song, “Moonshine,” instantly grabbing everyone’s attention. The background visuals showed beautiful tropical parrots flying in slow motion. “If I Knew” definitely brought in the old school sounds Mars grew up with. It was soulful and sweet: “Baby, I, I wish we were 17 / So I could give you all the innocence / That you give to me.”

Mars played an encore with his famous song, “Locked Out of Heaven.” The song is so catchy and upbeat, the whole crowd was up and dancing.

Mars also played music from his previous album, Doo-Wops and Hooligans. “Grenade” was a favorite and Mars managed to get even sweeter with songs like, “Marry You,” and “When I Was Your Man.”

Bruno Mars is by far better live than he is in the recordings. When Mars performs he brings an entirely new element to the music. If you get the opportunity to see him, you need to buy tickets and go. Mars is an entertainer through and through. You won’t be disappointed.