Legendary Southern gospel act enjoys warm Sunday welcome, perfect weather at popular outdoor amphitheater, while show opener Marc Cohn charms crowd with rich vocals, effusive humor. Review, photos.
‘Spirit in the Sky’ and Harmonies on Stage: Blind Boys of Alabama. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
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In September 2021, when the Blind Boys of Alabama last performed at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s summer concert series, the legendary act’s set was cut short when a late-season squall washed out the crowded amphitheater and sent artists and concertgoers alike rushing for cover.
Thankfully, Sunday evening’s weather was picture-perfect, with cerulean skies and a light breeze setting the stage for what is planned to be a fully packed season for the popular Grand Rapids venue, which saw an abbreviated 2021 schedule due to lingering pandemic concerns.
COVID-19 and adjacent societal angsts seemed less than top of mind Sunday evening, as the below-capacity crowd of about 1,000 took advantage of the extra elbow room and space to spread out while soaking up about 70 minutes of lively, bluesy Southern gospel delivered by one of the industry’s most renowned acts.
Jovial and polished, the Blind Boys shared their unique spin on traditional gospel favorites (“Do Lord Remember Me,” “Amazing Grace”) as well as their own material, with a show closing rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” acting as the ideal bookend to an uplifting evening.
Singer-songwriter Marc Cohn, perhaps best known for his 1991 hit “Walking in Memphis,” warmed up the crowd with 70 minutes of bluesy, folksy rock and amiable banter, heaping praise on a receptive crowd.
Next Up at Meijer Gardens: Tuesday Evening Music Club concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday with Seth Bernard and Kaitlin Rose & The Band of Thorns. The next Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts show is a sold-out concert with Amos Lee and Neal Francis at 7 p.m. Friday.
PHOTO GALLERY: Blind Boys of Alabama, Marc Cohn at Meijer Gardens
Photos by Anthony Norkus
