While Schneider has never really left the safety of his stomping grounds in Austin, Mraz has hit the road and brought his music to anyone willing to come out and see it.

Known mostly for small, intimate shows that left fans blown away, Mraz has now expanded his show to large theaters with a little space between himself and the audience. Despite the space, Mraz never allowed his audience to feel separated as they showered him with gifts (including a rubber chicken) and were constantly being asked questions by Mraz.

As the show rolled on, audience members danced, sang along and yelled back to Mraz, who told plenty of stories during his 110 minute set. The length of the set was something pretty impressive in itself for someone with only one album under his belt. A reworking of Sleep All Day showed Mraz’s ability to let his songs breathe and come to life in the live setting.

In a period when performers like Dave Matthews and Jack Johnson are getting radio airplay and winning the hearts of young music fans everywhere, as well as their parents, Mraz has a good chance of riding his success for a long time and seeing it grow.

Opening the show was indie-rock icon Liz Phair.

Phair has always been one of those performers whose name was more associated with indie ideals than with their music. Though she had a breakthough hit with Supernova in the mid-90s, Phair never saw the popularity associated with mainstream artists, though her record sales were always admirable.

With her latest album though, Phair appears to be done with indie ethics and more into finding the household popularity that has eluded her for all these years. Step one was releasing her new self-titled album which featured poppier, kid-friendly songs (though the lyrics never left the realm of romance novel based softcore) and a song written by the same songwriting team who made Avril Lavinge (and her album).

Step two is now in full swing as Phair sets out on the road with Mraz, which is an attempt to connect with youthful music fans and find a chance to sell a few records.

Phair packed her set full of songs from her new album, which had some great hooks, but saw the entire band basically stand still and just play the songs live. There was nothing to bring the songs to life, no real connection between Phair and the audience, and no one even remotely blown away by her set.

While it’s completely understandable for someone who has been in the music scene for so long to desire a payday and a bit of stardom, subpar performances like these and the abandonment of her indie cred may leave Phair with no audience.