The Icelandic blues rockers captured a packed amphitheater’s attention and affections with an energetic, bass-heavy set. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Kaleo: Performing in Grand Rapids on Wednesday as part of a major U.S. tour. (Photo/Patrick O’Dowd)
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It’s kinda fitting that Icelandic blues rockers Kaleo — originating, as they do, from the famed land of fire and ice — would hit West Michigan during a July that’s seen everything from the toxic, wildfire-smoke-filled skies and oppressive heat we experienced last week to the crystal clear, nearly-chilly evenings enjoyed this week.
But the climes (and the vibes) were in perfect harmony for Kaleo’s debut performance Wednesday evening for the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s summer concert series.
A packed amphitheater of rapt fans was treated to 90 minutes of indie/alt/folk/blues-inspired rock from the band, which has enjoyed robust commercial success in recent years with numerous TV and movie soundtrack appearances and considerable TikTok virality.
The band, fronted by vocalist/guitarist JJ Julius Son, has been (aptly) likened to Hozier and acts of his ilk, and seemed comfortable in their groove, stretching out and exploring each song in a steady, but non-rushed pace. The 15-ish song set was highlighted by fan favorites including “No Good” and encore “Way Down We Go.”
California indie/folk/rock band Dawes returned to Meijer Gardens to open up the evening with an hour-long set that packed in nine songs spanning the band’s 17-plus-year career, including crowd-pleaser “All Your Favorite Bands.”
Kaleo and Dawes continue their tour with a stop at The Fillmore Detroit at 6:30 p.m. today (July 23). Tickets available here.
Wednesday’s concert lineup across Michigan also featured L.A. Guns at Warner Vineyards in Paw Paw and Babe Rainbow at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids. View photo galleries from those shows online here. (The Black Crowes performing at Acrisure Amphitheater on Wednesday refused to provide media credentials for Local Spins photography at their concert. The same is true for Lil’ Wayne on Saturday.)
UP NEXT AT MEIJER GARDENS’ SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit perform at 7:30 p.m. tonight (July 23). Tickets start at $117, available here.
PHOTO GALLERY: Kaleo, Dawes at Meijer Gardens
Photos by Patrick O’Dowd
