The fast-rising Christian music and hip-hop/pop star regaled an audience of about 10,000 at Van Andel Arena on Monday, along with opener Elevation Rhythm. The review, photos and set list.
Adoring Fans: The crowd cheering Forrest Frank on Monday. (Photo/Jamie Geysbeek)
SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTO GALLERY, SET LIST
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The fresh-faced, sometimes exuberant singer-songwriter Forrest Frank showed glimmers of innocence during his two hours of stage time Monday at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.
Whether sharing about his process of songwriting or telling the personal story of embracing faith, Frank carried a humble spirit and acknowledged the privilege of his artistic platform.
“Am I talking too much?” he wondered aloud during one of his narratives. “We’re just hanging out.”
Even the uninitiated easily can fall willing victim to his infectious pop melodies, peppered with hip-hop verses and sing-along choruses.
With simple shorts, jersey/shirt and tennis shoes Frank looked the part of a youthful performer eager to share his stuff.
“No Longer Bound” and “UP!” are fine examples of his art. The bouncy “Your Way’s Better” joined the sing-along tunes, which had most of the lyrics flashed on the screens above the stage.
‘Good Day’: Frank on the Van Andel Arena stage. (Photo/Jamie Geysbeek)
The stage set-up is also worth mentioning: A hilly mound covered with grass carpet rose well above the platform, with space near the front for the artist to venture downward closer to the crowd.
There was also a small “B stage” at the arena’s opposite end where he sang “Safe and Sound” and told at least one of his personal stories.
As anticipated, Frank performed “Praises,” a song he had recorded with opening act Elevation Rhythm. Singer Brittany Diaz of the Elevation ensemble joined him on the tune.
The crowd — estimated at 10,000 — clearly adored Frank, and the feeling was mutual.
The artist invited a fan on stage to do the rap part of “God Is Good.” Frank used a phone to record the audience repeating lyrics which he said may be part of the final version of the yet-to-be-released “No L’s.”
And Frank also brought a family of eight to on-stage seats for his signature “Good Day,” which he had begun laying the tracks for back on the B stage.
A rather somber and reverent segment was led by “Lift My Hands,” with the artist bowing low before he sang a medley of worship-hymn choruses.
Quite a contrast to his encore selection of two new high-energy songs, “Drop!” and “Never Get Used To This.”
Yet again before his final exit, Frank made his way to the arena floor near the stage for exchanges with fans. If the ideal concert bridges the gap between artist and audience, this one fit the bill.
Earlier, Elevation Rhythm led the arena audience in a montage of largely worship-based choruses, offering their original serene “At the Altar” but let loose in its dance-friendly “Goodbye Yesterday.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Forrest Frank, Elevation Rhythm at Van Andel Arena
Photos by Jamie Geysbeek
SET LIST: Forrest Frank at Van Andel Arena
No Longer Bound
UP!
Praises
Your Way’s Better
Ups & Downs
God is Good
No L’s
Nothing Else
Low Key
Celebration
Safe and Sound
Good Day
Always
Hallelujah
Lift My Hands
Child of God
(worship/hymn medley)
Altar
Encore:
Drop!
Never Get Used to This
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