I’m a serious lover of music and admitted concert addict. I started my career in the radio business and usually have a CD or Pandora playing throughout my home. Music just makes me happy…it can bring me back to a cherished memory or foster a desired mood ─ relaxation, romance, dance party fun, etc. I was recently invited to attend a private O.A.R. concert at the wxyz bar within the new Aloft hotel in downtown Orlando (near Orlando City Hall on Orange Avenue). I’m among O.A.R.’s cult following ─ you may know their radio hit “Shattered (Turn the Car Around)” ─ and immediately RSVP’d before even checking with my husband. He’s a big fan too so no convincing was needed to firm up this exciting date night.

With more than 75 hotels open worldwide, Aloft (a Starwood brand) has rocked the hotel landscape, offering “style at a steal” from Baltimore to Beijing to Brussels – and now Orlando (I guess this means that we live in a trendy city). Aloft boosts bold designs and a buzzing social atmosphere at an affordable price point. Their happening re:mix lounge and wxyz bar helped to land select Aloft hotels on TripAdvisor’s “Top 25 Trendiest Hotels in the US.” The company’s cool initiatives in music, design, and technology have also made Aloft a brand for the “next generation of travelers.” Among its achievements: Aloft launched the industry’s first keyless check-in program; became the first hotel brand to “break” a new band with its online talent search, “Project Aloft Star”; and curates one of the industry’s largest live-music series, “Live at Aloft Hotels,” which hosts hot and emerging talent for intimate performances, like the O.A.R. show that I attended.

Following an in-flight performance on a Southwest flight (how cool is that!), three members of the five member band ─ vocalist Marc Roberge, guitarist Richard On, and saxophonist Jerry Depizzo ─ performed a mostly acoustic show, co-hosted by Orlando’s Mix 105.1, including fan favorite “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker,” new single “Peace,” and a medley of O.A.R. and cover tunes. Though I’ve seen O.A.R. perform live before, the intimate and low-production show truly highlighted their amazing talent. I was excited to briefly speak with the humble bandmates after the show. Here’s a fun fact: O.A.R. (which stands for Of A Revolution) formed in high school and released their first album before graduating! I wonder if their parents ever imagined that the loud racket coming from the garage would lead to 2 million albums and over 2 million concert tickets sold to date.

I’m definitely going to visit liveatalofthotels.com frequently to see what other acts the “Live at Aloft Hotels” program brings to this trendy hotel ─ a great date night for the hubs and I. What’s an ideal date night for you?