Playing for a sold-out amphitheater, the singer-songwriter and opener Anderson East charmed Grand Rapids fans with their own compelling original material and some delectable covers. (Review, photos)
Commanding Stage Presence: Brandi Carlile’s fourth appearance at Meijer Gardens proved her mettle as a star yet again. (Photo/Anna Sink)
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park likes to market itself with the notion that concerts in the idyllic amphitheater are THE quintessential component to summer in West Michigan.
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Rock/folk/country/cool goddess Brandi Carlile would seem to agree.
“It’s just not summer if we don’t come to Meijer Gardens,” the petite (but mighty) singer said to Thursday night’s sold-out Gardens’ crowd. “I feel like we’ve known each other a really long time, Meijer Gardens.” Thursday’s headlining show was her fourth appearance at the venue since 2010.
Rapt Fans: Carlile even brought a six-year-old devotee on stage to sing. (Photo/Anna Sink)
It would be a foolhardy move to not invite the multi-talented singer-songwriter and band back for a lucky fifth edition, what with her commanding stage presence and rapt legion of dedicated (mostly young, mostly female) fans.
Packing 20 songs into a euphoric 100-minute set, Carlile and co. hit on a wide swath of the artist’s catalog, including mega hits like “The Story” (the title track from her 2007 breakthrough album and a popular tune that’s popped up in car commercials and TV soundtracks) and more recent successes like “Wherever is Your Heart” (from 2014’s elegant and arresting “The Firewatcher’s Daughter”).
Though a wonderfully talented songwriter in her own right, Carlile pulled generously from others’ archives, exploring passionate covers from a diverse lineage, ranging from Led Zeppelin (“Going to California”) to the Avett Brothers (show closer, “Murder in the City”).
Anderson East (Photo/Anna Sink)
And oh, did my first-grade self’s heart melt to hear modern-day role model Carlile and band perform a loving rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s timeless female empowerment anthem, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”
Special moments abounded, from Carlile bringing a six-year-old super-fan on-stage to select and sing along to the next tune (“Keep Your Heart Young”) in the set, to the performer’s raw acknowledgment of — and gratitude for — the fact that her marriage to her wife is now finally (finally!) legally recognized throughout the United States.
Show opener Anderson East — who joined Carlile and her band for a cover of Sam Cooke’s ever-sexy “Bring it on Home to Me” — and his band were a fitting start to the show. The young R&B, soul singer has a charming, crowd-pleasing persona (and musical chops) that are more than capable of warming up an eager crowd who’s just champing at the bit for the main star.
BRANDI CARLILE, ANDERSON EAST: The Local Spins Photo Gallery by Anna Sink
That six year old super fan was my daughter. She had an amazing experience and one she will never forget.