Burnin’ Up: My Jonas Brothers Side Quest

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It’s been a couple of weeks since my last post, and honestly, life has just been a lot in both good and busy ways. Part of it has been needing a creative recharge (sometimes the best ideas come from a little quiet), and the rest has been the usual whirlwind of long workdays.

Last weekend, though, I decided to fully unplug and soak it all in.

Friday after work, my husband and I headed to Epcot to catch Hoobastank perform and ride Guardians of the Galaxy. Saturday was a slower, cozier day spent exploring an antique mall and a used bookstore, where we picked up some CDs and a book.

Then came Sunday and Monday, the real main events, when I got to see The All-American Rejects and the Jonas Brothers two nights in a row. Maybe life has been a little full lately, but these concerts were the ultimate side quest I didn’t know I needed.

How We Got Here

If you’ve been reading along for a while, you know that I love the Jonas Brothers. I’ve been a fan since their Camp Rock days back in 2008 when I was about seven years old. I actually wrote about it briefly here, but to recap, I was supposed to see them on the Camp Rock 2 tour in 2010, and my show was canceled.

Fast-forward to 2023, and I finally got to see them for the first time with my mom and sister: a total dream come true.

We had this particular night planned since the day the tour was announced. Not only were the Jonas Brothers headlining, but The All-American Rejects, one of my other all-time favorite bands, were opening! We bought our tickets the second they dropped.

A Night of Jonas Brothers Nostalgia & Noise

Night one was pure magic. While I usually love the intimacy of smaller venues, there’s something incredible about sharing an arena with thousands of fans singing along to the same songs that raised us. Spending that moment with my mom and sister again made it even more special.

Both bands played so many of my favorites and it was the perfect mix of energy and emotion. The Jonas Brothers even brought out three surprise guests, but honestly, the nostalgia alone was the real highlight. Seeing them live never gets old.

Originally, we were only supposed to see them once. But thanks to a bit of good luck, my sister won a giveaway that included a meet and greet for night two! I was so happy for her and my mom to have that experience together. Meanwhile, my brother and I ended up going again unexpectedly. This time from club-level seats.

It was such a rare and special experience getting to share that with him. Watching him vibe along to the music I grew up with felt full circle in the best way. Night two didn’t have any special guests, but they played a few songs that aren’t part of their regular setlist. They closed both nights with When You Look Me in the Eyes, which is extra meaningful since it was my husband’s and my first dance song. I’ve heard it live before, but now it holds an entirely new layer of meaning.

Oh, and it just so happened to be Kevin Jonas’s daughter’s birthday, so the whole crowd sang Happy Birthday to her after the final song. Talk about the sweetest ending.

Then & Now

It’s wild to think about how much has changed since I first fell in love with their music. I was seven years old, convinced vests were the height of fashion, and now I’m 24: still singing along, but with a lot more life behind the lyrics.

Music is such a powerful thing. It connects us to who we were and reminds us that joy can always be revisited. Sometimes, revisiting those “younger self” moments is exactly the detour we need, the side quest that fills your cup again.

Don’t skip out on what makes you happy, no matter how small or nostalgic it might feel.

Encore Energy

These two nights reminded me just how much music means to me and how it’s always been there through every phase, heartbreak, and celebration.

So, if you need a reminder to sing too loud, dance offbeat, or chase something that once made you happy, this is your sign.

Keep the Vibes Going: Read Next

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy “On Loop: Music for People Who Believe in Love” which is where I share Joe Jonas' solo album and some memories that go along with it.

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Your Side Quest

What band or artist were you absolutely obsessed with when you were younger? Share your throwback favorites in the comments, I’d love to know who your “main character soundtrack” belonged to.