The Los Angeles indie-pop band returned to a sold-out Meijer Gardens on Thursday, the same night that Michigan’s songbird embraced a big crowd at downtown’s Studio Park, Recaps, photos.
‘Livin’ for the Weekend’: Fitz & The Tantrums at Meijer Gardens on Thursday. (Photo/Jamie Geysbeek)
EDITOR’S NOTE: Summers in Michigan don’t offer more perfect weather than concertgoers experienced on Thursday night in Grand Rapids and artists at two different venues — downtown’s Studio Park and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park — delivered performances to match that. Check out recaps of Fitz & The Tantrums and May Erlewine in words and photos below.
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From the irresistible beats of “Sway” to the syncopated claps of “Handclap,” indie-pop outfit Fitz and The Tantrums were the musical equivalent of Pop Rocks on Thursday night: sweet, crackling with verve, and so much fun.
With plenty of families attending the sold-out show at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the Los Angeles band proved to be a wholesome, winsome combination.
Founded in 2008 by co-lead vocalist Michael Fitzpatrick, the band excels at bouncy, funk-infused tunes that could propel the most downbeat concertgoer to get up and at least clap along.
Getting the Party Started: Fitz & The Tantrums (Photo/Jamie Geysbeek)
People have tried to label the band– “soul-influenced, dance floor-ready pop” is one attempt, but there are also DIY, jazz and disco elements as well as a sparkling, singular something unique to The Tantrums. Founding member James King helps shape the unique sound with his shimmering sax and flute.
Fitzpatrick makes a smooth frontman, introducing every song with the perfect little set-up. “I wake up every morning with these good, good intentions,” he said, sliding into “Good Intentions.” “Life, love, is always a little too complicated” led into “Complicated,” and “I’m a certified, bonafide mama’s boy, and she didn’t raise no fools” steered into “Fool.”
Co-lead singer Noelle Scaggs, a powerhouse vocalist, added tons of vibrancy to the show, energy this crowd nearly missed. Before breaking into one of the band’s biggest hits, “Out of My League,” Scaggs told the audience she had a back injury, but was determined to make it to the Meijer Gardens show, where she and the band have played several times.
She and her co-vocalist expected a lot from this crowd, not accepting any halfhearted attempts at singing or dancing along. Gusto was expected, and this assembly of fans enthusiastically complied.
“Silver Platter,” from the most recent Tantrums’ record, 2022’s “Let Yourself Free,” was a “love letter” to Fitzpatrick’s wife. The title track to that album uncorked new vigor in the crowd as a heron soared overhead with freedom in its wings.
From the latest tunes to the “very, very, beginning,” the band capped off its effervescent show with an early hit, “Moneygrabber,” and that favorite of all sporting events anywhere, “Handclap.” (View a set list here.)
Bronx-born DJ Logic opened the night with a relaxing yet upbeat set of modern, soulful jazz/hip-hop spins. From “Shout” by Tears for Fears to “Hot in Herre” by Nelly, and seemingly every genre in between, the skilled turntablist delighted the crowd with his savvy mixes.
MAY ERLEWINE ‘SHINES ON’ AT STUDIO PARK
Just nine miles away, another crowd-pleasing affair was unfurling for Studio Park’s “Listening Lawn” series in downtown Grand Rapids.
Northern Michigan singer-songwriter May Erlewine brought healing folk songs, gratitude for her home state, and some fun surprises to the Studio Park stage.
Uplifting: May Erlewine (Photo/Anna Sink)
“If there’s one prayer I have for all of us it’s that we never stop feeling,” Erlewine proclaimed before pouring her heart and soul into a performance of the politically charged track “That’s My Home.”
With the help of her band -— keyboardist Joe Hettinga, drummer Michael Shimmin, bassist Max Lockwood and guitarist Eric O’Daly — Erlewine delivered each song with power and conviction that felt like a call-to-action directed at everyone in attendance.
Near the end of the set, Erlewine brought out friend and fellow Michigan musician Molly for a soulful rendition of Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend.”
Closing out the main set, Erlewine taught the crowd a sing-along portion for her song, “Good Feeling,” one that perfectly sums up Erlewine’s mission to leave a little bit of love and light wherever she goes.
After insistent cheers from the audience, Erlewine and her band returned to the stage for the uplifting finale, “Shine On.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Fitz & The Tantrums, DJ Logic at Meijer Gardens
Photos by Jamie Geysbeek
PHOTO GALLERY: May Erlewine at Studio Park
Photos by Anna Sink
