As renovations to the outdoor amphitheater continue, the venue today announced three shows for its summer season, with more concerts to be announced in April.
June Booking: Blondie makes it first appearance at Meijer Gardens this summer.
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Blondie, Tedeschi Trucks Band and O.A.R. will play Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park this summer – the first three acts announced for the revamped outdoor amphitheater’s 2018 season.
Season Kickoff: Tedeschi Trucks Band, which last performed at Meijer Gardens in 2016, will launch this summer’s series. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
While O.A.R. and the Tedeschi Trucks Band have performed at the venue previously, the 1970s-era New Wave and pop rock band Blondie led by singer Debbie Harry will make its first appearance at Meijer Gardens on June 29. Blondie last year released its 11th studio album, “Pollinator.” (Watch a video below.)
The award-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band, with a special guest, country-blues artist Charlie Parr, are scheduled to kick off the series on May 30 (before the group launches its “Weels of Soul” summer tour with Drive-By Truckers and Marcus King Band). Led by the husband-and-wife duo of guitarist Derek Trucks and guitarist-singer Susan Tedeschi, the 12-piece Tedeschi Trucks Band last played Meijer Gardens in 2016.
O.A.R, which has been featured regularly at the amphitheater, will bring its “Just Like Paradise” tour to Grand Rapids on Aug. 26 with special guest, singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson.
Meijer Gardens expects to announce the rest of its 30-concert lineup in mid-April, with discounted tickets going on sale to members on April 28.
Returning to GR: O.A.R. plays Meijer Gardens in August. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 12, though many concerts in the past have sold out during the member pre-sale. For details about memberships and other information, visit meijergardens.org.
Since the 2017 series wrapped up in September, construction crews have been working to renovate the outdoor amphitheater, with new permanent, fixed seating being installed in the upper area for VIP and sponsor ticketholders.
In addition, the loading dock area and behind-stage storage and walkway will be improved, with an upgraded, permanent front-of-house spotlight platform installed.
More renovations, including a new, larger concessions building for the 1,900-capacity amphitheater, will take place after the 2018 concert season. Check out a construction update and photos here.
VIDEO: Blondie, “Long Time”
VIDEO: Tedeschi Trucks Band, “Alabama”
VIDEO: O.A.R. (Live)
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