A sun-splashed capacity crowd of devoted West Michigan fans cheered the stars of the “Girls Night Out, Boys Can Come Too Tour” all night long. (Review, photo gallery)
‘Brighter Than the Sun’: Colbie Caillat and band performing on stage at Meijer Gardens on Sunday. (Photo/Taylor Mansen)
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A deep breath of fresh air on a hot night.
Led by California singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat, that’s the way Sunday’s sold-out show featuring three pop stars unfolded at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
Sun-Drenched Night: Christina Perri on stage. (Photo/Taylor Mansen)
Caillat offered up a captivating, career-spanning set full of original pieces, backed by a five-piece band which created mesmerizing harmonies and a rich, full sound. The entire show was filled with a perfect blend of soft pop and rock, delivered via acoustic guitar, piano and gripping electric guitar solos.
Opening for Caillat: Rachel “Fight Song” Platten from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania’s own Christina Perri, who’ve been traveling the country on the Girls Night Out, Boys Can Come Too Tour. It’s a tour that spotlights each artist’s unique voice, all showcased on stage with their supporting musicians and exceptional sound.
Reveling in a beautiful, sunny evening for live music, the capacity crowd of 1,900 at the Grand Rapids amphitheater was jumping up and down by the end of each set, cheering through and between each song.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Platten’s energetic and engaging set included new songs with no titles yet and songs from her recent “Fight Song” EP. People sang along to her rendition of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me,” and the closing piece featuring her hit single, “Fight Song,” had fans up and singing along while holding signs stating what they’re proud to fight for.
‘Fight Song’: Rachel Platten at Meijer Gardens. (Photo/Taylor Mansen)
• The chemistry between Perri and her band was obvious on stage, as well as her passion for her music. Big hits such as “Arms,” “Human,” “A Thousand Years,” and “Jar Of Hearts” were part of the set list that also included “Distance” and “I Don’t Wanna Break.”
• In the middle of her set, Perri introduced the newest member of her band, Hannah Jackson on cello, who is actually spending the Girls Night Out, Boys Can Come Too Tour on her honeymoon with Perri’s tour manager, Adam Jackson.
• Caillat’s set started promptly at 8:20 p.m. with a radiant entrance as the sun began to set. Songs like “Fallin’ For You” and “Lucky,” featuring Frederick Holland on vocals alongside Caillat, got fans up on their feet and belting out the lyrics. With true stories about her life and past, Caillat connected with the crowd on a personal level and they let her know with cheers, laughter, ear-to-ear grins and sing-alongs — especially on the closing tune, “Brighter Than the Sun.”
Standing O: The Meijer Gardens crowd on Sunday. (Photo/Taylor Mansen)
QUIPS AND QUOTES
“Tonight, you guys are all part of my dream. … I am forever grateful for you guys.” – Perri
“That’s what I love about music. It lets you know that you’re not going through these things alone.” – Caillat
“It’s only a matter of time before she blows up. Before we know it, ‘Fight Song’ is going to be playing everywhere you go.” – Fan Emily O. of Lansing commenting on Platten
“I’m mostly excited to see Colbie Caillat tonight. … It will be my fourth time seeing her. She tops her own performance every time and it’s always breathtaking.” – Fan Grace W. of Detroit
COLBIE CAILLAT, CHRISTINA PERRI, RACHEL PLATTEN: PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Taylor Mansen
Copyright 2015, Spins on Music LLC
