The Irish singer-songwriter with a new album dropping next month played a rescheduled affair Sunday at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. Review and photos, plus galleries from other weekend W. Michigan concerts.
‘Better Days’ and More: Dermot Kennedy on stage Sunday night. (Photo/Chelsea Whitaker)
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dermot Kennedy’s GLC Live at 20 Monroe concert on Sunday night wrapped up a weekend of live music, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, including the Vibe on Vine benefit concert for Planned Parenthood led by Fake Baseball and shows at Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe and Old Dog Tavern. Plus view full reviews of The Crane Wives in Grand Rapids and Walk the Beat in Grand Haven here. Scroll down for photo galleries.
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With a new album on the way, Dermot Kennedy brought a sense of community to his headlining show at GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Sunday night, delivering heartfelt lyrics and plenty of moments that allowed for audience participation.
Before Kennedy took the stage, singer-songwriter and Chicago native Kwaician shared his unique style of songwriting with only a guitar and a loop pedal to accompany his vocals.
Kennedy began his set with a powerful full-band rendition of his 2019 track, “Lost,” followed by the popular radio hit, “Power Over Me.”
Fans made their adoration of the Irish singer-songwriter apparent immediately during the show that had been postponed from the original mid-July date in Grand Rapids. Even pauses between verses were filled with supportive cheers and “I love you” from those who had been eagerly awaiting the rescheduled show.
Sharing Stories: Kennedy told fans there’s more to come. (Photo/Chelsea Whitaker)
Throughout the night, as Kennedy shared the stories behind his songs, he passed along positive messages to the crowd about living life to the fullest and holding the people you love close.
During the emotional acoustic track, “For Island Fires and Family,” the echo of the crowd singing along could be heard amid the sound of Kennedy’s voice as people hugged their loved ones.
The singer effortlessly transitioned from slow ballads into more upbeat songs that had the crowd jumping and dancing.
Songs such as “Better Days” might sound like just another catchy pop song on the surface, but behind each song lies a story or meaning that listeners can relate to their own lives, enhanced by Kennedy’s talent for pouring his heart and soul into his music.
Before closing the show with a high-energy sing-along of his latest single, “Something to Someone,” Kennedy addressed the crowd: “Thank you for supporting the new music. There’s a lot more coming,” referring to the upcoming album, “Sonder,” which officially gets released Sept. 23.
PHOTO GALLERY: Dermot Kennedy, Kwaician at GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Photos by Chelsea Whitaker
PHOTO GALLERY: ‘Vibe on Vine’ in Kalamazoo (Sunday)
Fake Baseball, Celeste Allison, Basic Comfort, KAR, TriMagi, Vishaps
Photos by Derek Ketchum
PHOTO GALLERY: Incantations, Marisa at Old Dog Tavern (Saturday)
Photos by Derek Ketchum
