The legendary R&B singer brought a cavalcade of hits to the outdoor amphitheater on Wednesday, with Grand Rapids native Sarena Rae getting the evening started. Review, photos.
A Night to Remember: Classic songs from Chaka Khan and band. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
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To say that legendary R&B singer Chaka Khan delivered “something good” on Wednesday at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park would be a monumental understatement.
Audiences were treated to a stellar night of music and memorable classics that had many on their feet dancing for most of the night.
The singer’s set began when a video wall adorning the back of the stage unfurled a highlight reel showcasing Chaka Khan’s journey through her five-decade-long career, with testimonials from icons adding to the palpable anticipation from the audience waiting for her to take the stage.
From the moment Chaka Khan and her backup singers greeted the crowd and began to sing, there wasn’t a single lull in the show from that moment onward.
The ensemble performed hit after hit, seamlessly transitioning between songs while indulging in award-winning moments from her catalog.
Back Home: Sarena Rae opened the evening. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
Favorites such as “Ain’t Nobody,” “Tell Me Something Good,” “Through the Fire” and “I’m Every Woman” intermingled with an arrangement of “My Funny Valentine” and her band’s performance of “A Night In Tunisia” that featured each player while she took a brief break.
The singer, 72, effortlessly demonstrated her honed skills as a singer and bandleader, often giving the spotlight to members of her band throughout the night.
Guitarist Jon Dretto, handpicked from thousands of submissions for lead guitar on the tour, was a highlight from the band, as he had multiple solos that even had him out in the crowd shredding.
Longtime collaborator and music director Melvin Lee Davis captivated listeners with his own featured solo, donning his seven-string bass and coloring the sound with pedals to create an almost violin-like synth sound to expertly improvise during a mesmerizing snapshot of the concert.
After a full night of music that cleared the rainy clouds for a rainbow colored sky, Chaka Khan ended the show in style while waving to the crowd as she exited the stage — a magnanimous hostess to a memorable night of music and a reminder to multiple generations why she continues to reign as the world’s Queen of Funk.
The night kicked off with Grand Rapids’ own Sarena Rae, who returned to an enthusiastic hometown audience with guitarist Matthew Ciejka in a set that honored black, female artists who inspired her from a young age to pursue music as a passion and career.
It was reminiscent of Shelea McDonald’s set during Stevie Wonder’s visit to Van Andel Arena in 2024 — a tribute to those who paved the way while highlighting her own songs toward the end amid an uplifting, spirited set of music.
PHOTO GALLERY: Chaka Khan, Sarena Rae at Meijer Gardens
Photos by Derek Ketchum
