Perfect weather, a rich wall of sound plus a hillside of adoring fans equaled an ideal environment for the beloved Michigan-bred act’s homecoming Friday at Meijer Gardens. Review, photos.
Dynamic Duo: Michael and Tanya Trotter backed by Grand Rapids Symphony on Friday. (Photo/Joshua Tufts)
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It was a celebration of all things music, merriment and Michigan Friday evening when The War and Treaty headlined a superlative return to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s summer concert series.
The Grammy-nominated, Emmy-winning duo — comprised of ever-endearing married couple Michael and Tanya Trotter, who kicked off their music career in Albion, Mich. — and their band delighted a packed house with their acclaimed mix of soulful Americana tinged with rock, gospel and a touch of country.
Fellow Michigander, production manager and guitarist Max Brown led the duo’s incredible backing band, who, in turn, melded seamlessly with the Grand Rapids Symphony for a rich wall of joyful sound.
Homecoming Affair: Guitarist and Ann Arbor native Max Brown. (Photo/Joshua Tufts)
Friday’s show marked Duo Shen’s final performance as associate conductor for the Grand Rapids Symphony before he moves to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra this fall. And what a high note on which to exit.
Clocking in just shy of two hours — including a roughly 20-minute intermission that provided ample time for a glitzy costume change — the audience was treated to four songs featuring just the symphony, plus nearly 20 songs pairing The War and Treaty with the rich orchestral backing.
Among the many highlights were a handful of new songs performed sans symphony (including “Crazy” and “Hey Judith”) that the duo debuted Friday evening for the “first time on American soil” (the band recently returned from a brief European trek).
NEW SONGS AND MORE MICHIGAN SHOWS AHEAD
In introducing the fresh material Michael declared: “Because we’re home, we’re going to share that we’re entering a new era of The War and Treaty” before launching into their latest work. If the crowd’s response was any indication, the jazzy, upbeat approach should be well-received with audiences.
Other highlights included a stirring, patriotic (and pointedly inclusive) rendition of “America the Beautiful,” “Called You By Your Name,” plus “Reminisce” and “Home,” both from their fourth full-length album, “Plus One,” released earlier this year.
Glitzy Costume Change: The War and Treaty had the crowd on its feet in the show’s second half.
The duo, who were generous with their affections for Grand Rapids and Michigan throughout the evening, closed with a shout out for their families and fans, as well as the independent outlets who support and champion their work (including a sincere word of appreciation for local, independent radio station WYCE 88.1 FM plus Local Spins and editor John Sinkevics).
Not surprisingly, the ever-considerate Michael was especially complimentary of the Grand Rapids Symphony, profusely thanking the top-shelf musicians and conductor.
Missed the show? The War and Treaty has a few more Michigan summer dates on the books:
• 8:45 tonight (Saturday, Aug. 2) at the Dearborn Homecoming Festival at Ford Field Park in Dearborn. Admission is free.
• 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, at Corson Auditorium at Interlochen Center for the Arts. Tickets are $38-$56, available online here.
• And finally, the group will return home at 5 p.m. Aug. 23 to close out Walk the Beat Albion. The concert is free.
UP NEXT AT MEIJER GARDENS: Train and Edwin McCain perform 7 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 3). The show is sold out.
PHOTO GALLERY: The War and Treaty with Grand Rapids Symphony at Meijer Gardens
Photos by Joshua Tufts
