It rained throughout Sunday’s concert at Meijer Gardens, but those who stuck around were treated to the trio’s fetching covers and original gems. The review and photos.
Super-Trio: I’m With Her created harmonious magic despite the Sunday rain. (Photo/Jamie Geysbeek)
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One song is all it takes for one to comprehend the immense power of folk trio I’m With Her.
Even the band members themselves joked about their music having the ability to both “open the heavens and close them back up,” as Sunday night’s bout of rain began pouring over the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park amphitheater at the very start of the set — and seemed to end right on time with the band’s last song of the night.
The opening song of the night, “Ancient Light,” immediately revealed the trio’s astonishing talent for harmonizing as well as their knack for writing empowering and poetic lyrics.
Formed in 2014, the trio consists of three Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriters: Sarah Jarosz, Sara Watkins and Aoife O’Donovan. Beyond I’m With Her, each artist, of course, also propels other group and solo projects lauded within the folk and Americana genres.
It’s safe to say that I’m With Her earns the title of “supergroup” with its lineup of extraordinary performers. Each member brings something unique to the table in terms of vocal tone, musical influences and songwriting inspirations.
Fetching Originals and Covers: The trio on stage. (Photo/Jamie Geysbeek)
After a decade of playing together, it’s clear that these ladies don’t need to try too hard to accomplish pitch-perfect vocal harmonies and instrumental melodies that complement one another. Still, several times throughout the set, two of the members would find themselves facing each other and making eye contact while singing or playing, proving that they still value that extra level of connection when playing live.
By the halfway point of the show, nearly half of the venue had cleared out due to the sudden downpour. With each burst of heavy rain, more and more audience members elected to pack up their chairs and leave.
Those who stuck around to brave the rain in ponchos and raincoats, however, were treated to a powerful performance of “Sisters of the Night Watch,” a track from I’m With Her’s 2025 release, “Wild and Clear and Blue,” as well as a stunning cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Carey.”
The trio thanked the remaining audience members profusely for “sticking it out” and staying for the whole show despite the rainy weather.
Closing the main set, I’m With Her highlighted some of their biggest musical inspirations, John Prine and Nanci Griffith, and dedicated the title track “Wild and Clear and Blue” to their legacy.
With the combination of the sparse crowd and the single microphone performance, I’m With Her’s encore featuring the track “Rhododendron” felt extra special and intimate.
Earlier in the evening, opener Mason Via (formerly of Old Crow Medicine Show) brought his bluegrass-inspired roots music to the crowd as the first sprinkles of rain began to fall. Via set the mood for the evening with lighthearted jokes between songs and sing-along moments with the crowd.
UP NEXT AT MEIJER GARDENS: Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ on Thursday (June 12) with opener Abraham Alexander. Tickets, $80-$82, available online here.
PHOTO GALLERY: I’m With Her, Mason Via at Meijer Gardens
Photos by Jamie Geysbeek
Copyright 2025, Spins on Music LLC
