Attending AJ Rafael's concert in Phoenix was like stepping into a time machine, taking me all the way back to 2008. As a teenager, I spent countless hours on the bus listening to AJ's music on my portable CD player—tracks like “I Just Want You,” “Starlit Nights,” and “My Soldier” were on repeat alongside artists like All American Rejects and Ne-Yo. Back then, the only way to discover new music was through the radio or MTV, so when I first stumbled upon AJ, I knew I had to dive deeper into his music—and even pick up a ukulele. Fast forward to 2024, and I’m standing in front of one of the artists whose songs carried me through middle school, high school, and beyond. Seeing him live felt surreal.
AJ kicked off the night with fan favorites like “When We Say (Juicebox)” and “Starlit Nights,” and the entire crowd sang along with him. The energy in the room was palpable, a mix of nostalgia and excitement. At one point, he paused to reflect on how we’ve all grown up together—some of us starting families, others finishing college—and how this tour was a way of reconnecting with those memories. It hit home for everyone.
One thing that stood out was how AJ generously shared the spotlight with other artists throughout the show. Local talent AJ Odneal, Andrew Rhim, Nieman, and even AJ’s wife, Alyssa Rafael, all had their moments on stage. The concert felt intimate, like reconnecting with an old friend, and AJ made it a point to lift up everyone who performed with him.
There were plenty of lighthearted moments, too. AJ joked that he’s still a “Kuya” (older brother) to his fans, not a “Tito” (uncle)—a playful moment that came back later when someone in the crowd shouted “Tito” and AJ jokingly called for security to remove them. It’s this kind of humor and warmth that made the night feel special.
A highlight for me was when AJ brought Alyssa on stage to perform a song they sang at their wedding. The love between them was evident, and they ended the duet with a Disney medley that had the whole crowd singing along. It was the kind of moment that made you feel like you were part of something special.
The night was full of nostalgia as AJ performed tracks from his Red Roses album (which I proudly own a physical copy of). He even signed and gave away a ukulele to a lucky fan. At one point, he came over to our side of the stage, checked out our photos, and signed them. I even had my phone used by AJ to record a video of the crowd, and later, Alyssa grabbed my phone to capture more moments with the fans. It was unreal.
As the concert neared its end, AJ called a fan on stage to perform one of his most beloved songs, “She Was Mine.” The fan, named JP, had recently done a cover of the song, and the whole moment was hilarious and heartwarming, with AJ and the crowd sharing a laugh over JP’s very Filipino name—John Paul. The entire night felt like a blur of emotions, and AJ’s interaction with the crowd made it all the more memorable.
This concert was something my younger self could have only dreamed of attending, but now that it’s a reality, I’ll never forget it. Although I wish I had reached out earlier to photograph the night, I’m still incredibly grateful for the experience. Thank you, AJ, Alyssa, Andrew, Nieman, local AJ, and everyone who made this unforgettable night happen. The Take Me Back tour in Phoenix was truly a night to remember.
