When you arrive at the Liacouras Center, it looks like nothing special. It's just an arena located on Temple University's main campus right on the constantly busy Broad Street. I got to the 730pm concert at 3pm. Through my 15 year old sister's fan club membership, we received a chance to watch Maroon 5's sound check, along with about 30 others. We were escorted into the arena and proceeded to the center section on the floor. The band was dressed way down and just messing around with songs. They jammed, while trying to work out sound kinks. To our amusement they played "Sweater Song" by Weezer, "We Are The Champions" by Queen, and "Message in a Bottle" by The Police along with the music to some of their own songs. It was an awesome experience. After about an hour of this we were escorted backstage where we all got a picture with the band and a signed photo. It was quick, but nice to see a band that genuinely cares about their fans.

At last it was time for the sold out concert. The Donnas took the stage around 7:30pm. Unfortunately, being an opening band is a tough job. The arena was pretty empty, but the girls still rocked out. Singer Brett Anderson was entertaining to watch. She danced, shimmied and covered the entire stage. The four girls did take a minute to say hello to relatives of drummer Tory Castellano. Most of the audience perked up when they performed the song "Take It Off." The Donnas definitely held their own and gave it their all despite the number of people who made it in time to watch the set.

Once they were done, it was time for setting up Maroon 5's stage. There was a long black curtain blocking where the band would appear. As it got closer to show time, the lights dimmed. Flashlights and shadows of the group could be seen, evoking screams from the girls in the crowd. Finally, the curtain dropped and Maroon 5 hit the stage. Now very dressed up, the group started right into "Shiver." After a few songs Adam removed his jacket much to the delight of the thousands of fans. There was constant screaming as flashes from cameras filled the arena.

Adam Levine, James Valentine, Mickey Madden, and Jesse Carmichael rocked out and looked to be having a great time. Matt Flynn continued his role as substitue for regular drummer Ryan Dusick. The background of the stage was a massive board covered with hypnotizing lights. Throughout the show it would change every so often. First it was a crazy strobe light effect, then there were purple swirls, and the most amazing was a giant 'M,' white on the sides and red in the middle. Maroon 5 managed to play their entire album "Songs About Jane" along with two new tracks that were just fantastic. They covered "Message in a Bottle," with Adam sounding very much like a young Sting. Also played was a little of Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in The Wall." The extended versions of some of the band's own songs just heightened the crowd's excitement. The band was impeccable and never once faltered.

"This Love" brought about the common practice of having the audience sing most of the song. Everyone appeared to be giving it their all when Adam stopped the band. Apparently it wasn't up to his standards and told the shocked fans that there was going to be a do over! The encore brought the much anticipated single "She Will Be Loved." The crowd sang at the top of their lungs and was disappointed that it was time for the show to end. Seeing Maroon 5 for the first time was an amazing experience. It's wonderful to see a band that isn't quite cookie-cutter in performance and sound. Everything they played was solid. I look forward to new material from them, and of course another tour.