Tricia Boot Woolfenden, Author at Local Spins - Page 2 of 2

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Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos

Wild weather capsizes B-52s nostalgic musical cruise before it ‘sets sail’ at Meijer Gardens

September 12, 2019

Wednesday’s strong, late-summer storm forced the venue to cancel season’s penultimate show before the headliners could take the stage for their 40th anniversary tour appearance. Berlin and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark did manage to play short sets before the rain hit. Recap and photos at Local Spins. And get details about Meijer Gardens’ refund policy for this show.

Concert reviews · Photos

Avett Brothers, crowd get ‘Closer Than Together’ in dynamic Van Andel performance

September 7, 2019

With a politically conscious new record releasing in four weeks, the North Carolina folk/rock band was ready to connect with a modest-but-enthused audience. Check out the review of Friday night’s show at Local Spins. along with a photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Michael Franti & Spearhead implore sold-out Meijer Gardens audience to ‘Stay Human’

August 24, 2019

The rock-reggae musician and peace activist infused his trademark optimism and compassion into extra-long set Friday at the outdoor amphitheater. Concert review and photos at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

CAKE once again goes ‘The Distance’ in lively fashion for West Michigan fans

August 8, 2019

The sardonic California alt-rock band charmed a capacity Meijer Gardens crowd on Wednesday with quirky instrumentation, trademark dry wit and a mix of old and somewhat-new songs. Check out the review and photos, exclusively at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Andrew Bird takes musical flight in Grand Rapids with his ‘Finest Work Yet’

July 19, 2019

Touring behind his latest album, the whistling, winsome singer and violinist brought his genre-spanning music to Meijer Gardens on a sultry but breezy night. The Local Spins review and photos from Thursday night’s concert.

Concert reviews · Photos

Big Easy favorite Trombone Shorty and musical krewe invigorate sold-out Meijer Gardens

June 28, 2019

The talented multi-instrumentalist packed the amphitheater for the third year in a row, inspiring the big crowd to move to an energetic mix of jazz, funk and rock. Get the review and peruse the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

Old Crow Medicine Show celebrates summer solstice with acrobatic bluegrass display

June 22, 2019

The country/bluegrass Nashville-based, Virginia-bred band enthralled a sold-out Meijer Gardens audience on Friday in its triumphant return to the Grand Rapids venue. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Lake Street Dive induces Meijer Gardens to ‘Free (Itself) Up’ with soul-infused charm

August 31, 2018

The five-piece jazz/pop/rock band, led by vocal powerhouse and birthday girl Rachael Price, returned to the amphitheater on Thursday to the delight of an engaged and entertained sold-out crowd. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Trombone Shorty and friends uncork titanic torrent of brass, dancing, musicianship, fun

August 23, 2018

The lengthy New Orleans jazz and funk showcase at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday boasted an impressive roster of Big Easy faves: Trombone Shorty, Galactic, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, New Breed Brass Band and special guests. Check out the review of what was described as the most fun night ever at Meijer Gardens, plus a robust photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Global citizen Michael Franti brings interactive sunshine, uplifting zest to familiar venue

July 9, 2018

Reggae/rock/fusion singer Michael Franti and his band Spearhead delivered a scorching 110-minute set for a sold-out Meijer Gardens crowd Sunday amid high temps and even higher spirits. Relive the upbeat show, browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Blondie plays it cool in spite of stifling heat, humidity at Meijer Gardens

June 30, 2018

Pop culture icon Debbie Harry and band shared new songs and relied on the classics in a lively performance that focused on the fun, but also subtly delved into the subversive. Relive the evening — minus the heat — via the Local Spins review and photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Brandi Carlile and band offer up catharsis, catchy tunes in Grand Rapids tour stop

June 14, 2018

Perfect temperatures and a receptive, sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens set the stage for an evening of emotional but uplifting folk rock. Check out the Local Spins review by Tricia Woolfenden and photo gallery from Kendra Kamp.

Concert reviews · Photos

The Decemberists charm sold-out sea of roustabouts and rakes in Grand Rapids

June 5, 2018

The Portland folk-rock heroes enthusiastically powered through an engaging set of old hits and new at Meijer Gardens on Monday, in spite of frontman’s recent vocal strain. Read the review and ogle the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Pink pulls no punches with dazzling acrobatics, choreography, pyrotechnics at Van Andel Arena

March 19, 2018

Chock full of eye candy and pop hooks, Pink brought her “Beautiful Trauma” to Grand Rapids for a capacity, over-the-top spectacle that was also about empowerment. Local Spins reviewer Tricia Woolfenden went in with few expectations and was blown away. Check out her review, with photos by Anthony Norkus.

Concert reviews · Photos

Janet Jackson packs 30-plus years of history, provocation into hit-filled Van Andel Arena tour stop

November 2, 2017

Janet Jackson’s return to Grand Rapids on Wednesday showcased her trademark dance moves, gracious charm and badass power poses, proving the singer is still in command. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Grateful audience meets gracious artist as Michael Franti returns to Meijer Gardens

August 17, 2017

Michael Franti & Spearhead once again inspired a sold-out Meijer Gardens crowd to dance and sing for the duration of a steamy two-hour set of reggae/rock/rap infusion on Wednesday. Check out the review and photos at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Lake Street Dive delivers rousing set with killer tunes for ‘confusingly sedate’ crowd

August 12, 2017

The four-piece band’s return to Meijer Gardens with a guest keyboardist boasted a mix of captivating indie-pop, jazz and soul for another sold-out show. Read the Local Spins review of Friday night’s concert by Tricia Woolfenden and browse the photo gallery by Tony Norkus.

Concert reviews · Photos

The Shins and fans ride ‘High Horse’ during sold-out Grand Rapids tour stop

July 28, 2017

The longtime indie-rock idols heated up Meijer Gardens on Thursday with a bouncy mix of old and new material in a show that included an opening set by Grand Rapids’ own MERTLE. The review — via a “texting” conversation between the reviewers — and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Trombone Shorty flouts rain to uncork blistering, crowd-shaking musical party at Meijer Gardens

June 30, 2017

Trombone Shorty and his crew brought their summery version of Mardi Gras to Grand Rapids on Thursday and raindrops couldn’t slow them — or concertgoers — down. Read the review, browse the photo gallery from the sold-out show.

Concert reviews · Photos

Tears for Fears defies Mother Nature to romp through dance-friendly, nostalgia-laden Grand Rapids concert

September 27, 2016

The rescheduled show — and final Meijer Gardens volley of 2016 — started just as raindrops fell, but the capacity crowd stayed “Head Over Heels” and on its feet for the entire concert. Read Tricia Woolfenden’s review of this long-awaited concert and browse the photos by Anthony Norkus.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

Lake Street Dive gets bold, bewitching and ‘Bohemian’ in spirited Grand Rapids tour stop

August 25, 2016

The crush-worthy Boston band’s return to Meijer Gardens was nothing short of an energetic, crowd-pleasing spectacle — amid perfect weather after the threat of storms in a packed amphitheater. Read the review, peruse the photo gallery from another sold-out show.

Concert reviews · Photos

ABBA the Concert delivers ABBA the Big Hits in fashionable ’80s fashion at Meijer Gardens

August 18, 2016

The first tribute show to ever play the outdoor amphitheater eventually got plenty of “Dancing Queens” on their feet and ready to “Take a Chance” on cheering this impersonation of the Swedish superstar band. Read the recap and browse the photo gallery from Wednesday’s show.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

Ben Harper exudes venue-melting energy, love, social justice and more in Grand Rapids show

July 14, 2016

The engaging singer-guitarist brought his band The Innocent Criminals with him in his return to the Meijer Gardens amphitheater. The sold-out audience embraced them and opener Molly and Scott from Grand Rapids’ Vox Vidorra. Get the scoop in this Local Spins review and photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

The Decemberists get sweaty, weird and create ‘beautiful world’ of folk-rock at Meijer Gardens

July 12, 2016

The Portland band’s first appearance at the Grand Rapids amphitheater came amid 90-degree weather that didn’t slow the Colin Meloy-led bunch down as they churned out sometimes nostalgic, audience-pleasing songs spanning the group’s career. Peruse the review and photo gallery from Monday’s night red-hot concert.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

Michael Franti & Spearhead spread reggae love in upbeat, familiar and crowd-interactive Meijer Gardens show

June 22, 2016

The engaging singer and guitarist’s return to Grand Rapids with his band had him climbing into the crowd and bringing fans on stage for a memorable evening at the outdoor amphitheater. Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.

Playlists · Videos

Local Spins Spring Playlist No. 3: Tricia Woolfenden cruises to the beach with dreamy, dance-y, nostalgic soundtrack

May 11, 2016

Longtime Local Spins contributor, reviewer and WYCE ‘New Standards’ co-host Tricia Woolfenden offers up Joy Formidable, INXS, Santigold, Youth Lagoon, Tunde Olaniran and more to heat up the spring. Check out this eclectic roster and videos, along with a Spotify version of the playlist.

Concert reviews · Photos

The Mountain Goats climb tale-telling heights, Leo Kottke impresses with humor, guitar prowess in separate Grand Rapids concerts

April 15, 2016

Folk music of different stripes in different places ruled Grand Rapids Thursday, with The Mountain Goats unfurling musical tales at Calvin College and Kottke regaling a sold-out St. Cecilia Music Center. Read the Local Spins reviews by Tricia Woolfenden and Charley Honey.

Concert reviews · Photos

Blue Man Group: Weird, loud, messy, immersive, celebratory, creative and bizarre show invades Grand Rapids

February 3, 2016

The avant garde rock spectacle on Tuesday played the first of two nights at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids with ardent fans ‘moving, laughing and reacting’ to the Blue Man Group’s colorful hijinks. Read the review, check out the photos.

Features · Upcoming shows

From Blue Man Group to ‘Phantom’ and ‘Mormon’: Broadway Grand Rapids gives music theatrical twist in 2016

January 31, 2016

The second half of Broadway Grand Rapids’ 2015-16 season kicks off with the ever-rousing Blue Man Group, with more big shows to come. Check out the season preview by Local Spins writer Tricia Woolfenden.

Concert reviews · Photos

Wilco roars with ‘Star Wars,’ band favorites in Kalamazoo; Lord Huron enchants capacity Grand Rapids crowd with cinematic indie-folk

September 17, 2015

Two much-admired, inventive rock bands brought their respective, polished spectacles to West Michigan on Wednesday night. And Local Spins was there to document the impressive performances for packed houses. Read the reviews and scan the photo galleries from these mid-week concert gems.

Concert reviews · Photos

Brandi Carlile returns to Meijer Gardens for fan-rousing, euphoric set of the new and classic

July 31, 2015

Playing for a sold-out amphitheater, the singer-songwriter and opener Anderson East charmed fans with their own compelling original material and some delectable covers. Read the review and view the photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Del McCoury Band, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn get plucky, rootsy, folky and plain happy in Grand Rapids show

June 30, 2015

Banjos-and-bluegrass night at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on Monday had some legendary, veteran players sharing the bill for a night of jamming and story-telling. Read the Local Spins review and check out the photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Michael Franti captivates fans in parking lot, on stage, in crowd at Meijer Gardens

June 19, 2015

Franti and his band, Spearhead, brought their love-infused reggae fusion to an adoring sold-out crowd Thursday night at the outdoor
amphitheater, even serenading fans in the parking lot before the show. Read the review and check out the photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Hall & Oates deliver safe, yacht rock nostalgia for sea of approving Grand Rapids fans

May 10, 2015

The duo brought a boatload of catchy ’70s and ’80s pop hits to stoke the embers of a Saturday night dance party for an audience of about 7,500 at Van Andel Arena. Read Local Spins review by Tricia Woolfenden and view the photo gallery by Anthony Norkus.

Album reviews · Audio

Michigan Album Reviews: Vox Vidorra, Frontier Ruckus, Full Catastrophe, Hey Marco!

May 9, 2015

May’s batch of Local Spins album reviews covers the gamut from soul to folk, a round-up that also includes new releases from Plain Jane Glory, Watching for Foxes and Complicated Animals. Check out the reviews, with links to audio samples and upcoming gig schedules for the featured bands.

Concert reviews · Photos

Sufjan Stevens’ oddly liberating songs of death create inspiring, powerful performance

April 29, 2015

The celebrated Michigan singer-songwriter’s return to Calvin College in Grand Rapids on Tuesday focused on his latest album and spotlighted his incisive writing. Read the review by Local Spins writer Tricia Woolfenden and check out the photo gallery by Anna Sink.

Concert reviews · Photos

Sheryl Crow closes Meijer Gardens summer series with smiles, hits and plenty of fun (Review, photos)

September 8, 2014

Crow’s return to the outdoor amphitheater for the second year in a row impresses a sold-out crowd and proves she’s now a darling of the popular, record-setting series.

Concert reviews · Photos

Lake Street Dive uncorks all that is fresh, joyful, eclectic and magnetic at Meijer Gardens

August 29, 2014

After a spirited opening set by Lowdown Brass Band, Lake Street Dive delivered one of the true musical highlights of the summer. (Review, photo gallery)

Concert reviews

G. Love and Keb’ Mo’ make ‘Odd Couple’ pairing an engaging, bluesy party (Review, photo gallery)

August 21, 2014

The first night of the unusual co-headlining tour starring G. Love & Special Sauce and Keb’ Mo’ at a sold-out Meijer Gardens amphitheater boasted separate sets by the pals and invigorating collaborations.

Concert reviews · Photos

Conor Oberst, Dawes flaunt indie-folk/rock charisma, charm for Grand Rapids fans

August 1, 2014

Whilst short of a sellout, Thursday night’s Meijer Gardens concert boasted an enthusiastic young crowd, passionate performances and double-duty for Dawes as opening act and backing band.

Commentary · Guest Column

Concert Etiquette 101: Have fun, don’t be a jerk (Local Spins commentary)

July 29, 2014

The much-ballyhooed Ray LaMontagne tantrum at Meijer Gardens has sparked a mega-debate over the do’s and don’ts of concertgoers and performers. Local Spins columnist Tricia Woolfenden offers her take. What’s yours?

Concert reviews · Photos

Temper, temper: Ray LaMontagne storms off stage during Meijer Gardens show to cap odd night

July 24, 2014

Weirdest night ever at Meijer Gardens? Acclaimed singer-songwriter playing sold-out amphitheater takes exception to loud fan chatter and departs amid f-bomb laden tirade, then returns to finish concert. Oh, and Jenny Lewis performed, too.

Concert reviews · Photos

Nickel Creek hits the right notes in summer tour kickoff at Meijer Gardens (Review, photo gallery)

July 10, 2014

Affable and engaging, the reunited progressive bluegrass trio rekindled its familiar musical fire with old favorites and new gems for a sold-out amphitheater on a picturesque night.

Concert reviews

Charles Bradley’s soulful flame burns bright at The Pyramid Scheme (Review, photo gallery)

December 9, 2013

The Brooklyn-based R&B singer delivered a heartfelt performance on Sunday with The Extraordinaires, igniting a sold-out Grand Rapids crowd.

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