Despite a delay caused by a fan’s medical emergency, the Austin-bred duo, plus backing band, heated up Meijer Gardens on Sunday with their signature blend of psychedelic soul and rock,
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It was a roller coaster of emotions and events to kick off Sunday evening’s sold-out Black Pumas appearance as part of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s summer concert series.
After just one song of opener Abraham Alexander’s set, an audience member suffered a medical emergency near the stage, prompting Alexander to immediately shift from “performance mode” to “helper mode,” directing medical staff to the area of need.
Likewise, the crowd promptly quieted to a respectful murmur, making space for venue staff, security, volunteers and first responders to tend to the ailing patron. (Meijer Gardens leadership quickly reassured the audience that the fan was “fine and on his way to the hospital.”)
Less than 15 minutes after the first signs of distress rippled throughout the venue, it was back to smooth sailing. Alexander returned to the stage, graciously thanking the audience and expressing gratitude for both the patron’s apparent stable status and the venue’s capable response.
The singer-songwriter’s soulful voice, warm demeanor — plus a set-closing cover of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” — were just the ticket to restore a relaxed atmosphere and pave the way for the Pumas.
It was particularly good fortune that Michigan’s heat wave broke overnight Saturday into Sunday, as the Black Pumas — singer-songwriter Eric Burton and guitarist-producer Adrian Quesada, plus a full, backing band and vocalists — brought the heat for their much-anticipated Meijer Gardens debut.
Touring in support of 2023’s “Chronicles of a Diamond,” the band delivered an intense, 90-ish-minute set stacked with many of the key tracks from “Diamonds” as well as 2019’s self-titled studio debut — among them, the crowd-pleasing “Colors,” “Ice Cream (Pay Phone),” “Know You Better,” “OCT 33” and “Black Moon Rising.”
The encore brought a one-two punch: First, with Burton soloing on acoustic guitar and a tear-jerking cover of Tracy Chapman’s 1988 classic “Fast Car,” and finally, the fitting closer, “Rock and Roll,” a frenetic cacophony of music, lights and dance, pushing just up to the venue’s strict noise curfew.
In addition to filling the space with his powerful vocals, Burton — a particularly charismatic frontman — covered plenty of physical ground throughout the night, working the crowd while strolling up and down aisles, dancing with fans and doling out high fives.
While they stayed grounded to the stage, Quesada and the backing band more than held up their end of the bargain, unleashing a near-torrent of energy and talent, making it damn near impossible for the crowd to sit still.
The audience responded in kind, on its feet for the duration, with hearty participation in sing-alongs, “dance parties” and just generally being attentive and engaged with the performers.
If audience reception and behavior are any indications, the Black Pumas — as well as Orville Peck, who sold out the venue’s opening show on June 5 — are sure signs that Meijer Gardens should continue to push for fresher, new-to-the-venue acts to add to its popular summer series.
Up Next at Meijer Gardens: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue performs at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Tickets are $75 to $80, with a few tickets available here.
PHOTO GALLERY: Black Pumas, Abraham Alexander at Meijer Gardens
Photos by Derek Ketchum