The singer and multi-instrumentalist’s return to Meijer Gardens not only showcased the pop flavors from her most recent album, but plenty of rollicking, fan-pleasing rock. (Review, photo gallery)
The last time Grace Potter held sway over a rapt audience at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the singer and multi-instrumentalist uncorked an inspiring, ever-enchanting, sexy and uber-lively display that showcased her powerful vocals amid a well-organized stew of rock, blues, funk and psychedelia.
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Her return Wednesday night to the beautiful scene of that crime back in 2013 was every bit as electrifying but with a twist – this concert also showcased Potter’s penchant for pop, based on material that dominated her 2015 solo album, “Midnight.”
“Hot to the Touch,” that album’s lead track and the show opener, brought the crowd to its feet and dancing with a mid-tempo groove, setting a mood that would carry over for the next two hours in the sold-out amphitheater of 1,900 over-heated fans.
By the time it was all said and done, the Vermont artist – who alternated between guitar and organ and twirling, barefoot dance moves – also flaunted her roots and rock foundation, with the band rolling out fan favorites from older albums with the Nocturnals.
Indeed, Potter finished the evening (which had begun with an opening set by Atlanta singer-songwriter Brynn Elliott) with real rock ‘n’ roll fervor, delivering “The Lion the Beast the Beat,” “Stars,” “Medicine,” and, of course, “Paris (Ooh La La),” which closed out the encore after the singer joked that she was tempted to violate the amphitheater’s 9:45 p.m. curfew “to save the world.”
For some ultra-devoted fans who’ve described Potter’s shows as a religious experience of sorts, that would have been just fine. That’s because Potter oozes the sort of charm that comes from an artist who loves her music, loves her fans and loves to perform on stage with an intensity that’s rarely seen.
“I’m going to keep doing this if you guys keep showing up,” she said to raucous applause near the end of the night.
Oh, there’s little doubt they’ll keep showing up, welcoming Potter back as a rock star or as a pop diva.
PHOTO GALLERY: Grace Potter, Brynn Elliott at Meijer Gardens
Photos by Anthony Norkus