The award-winning, iconic Canadian singer brought heartfelt stories of life’s lessons Thursday to Meijer Gardens on a picturesque summer night. The Local Spins review and photos.
The Voice of an ‘Angel’: Sarah McLachlan on stage at Meijer Gardens on Thursday. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
Taking a capacity crowd along on a journey through her life’s trials and tribulations, singer Sarah McLachlan unfurled a beautiful, orchestrally enhanced performance Thursday at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
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Launching the evening with “Possession,” a song from her 1993 album, “Fumbling Towards Ecstasy,” Mclachlan stepped out onto the stage amid an orchestra that included members of the Grand Rapids Symphony,
The acclaimed Canadian native with a show-stopping voice — dressed in a flowing and beautiful floor-length gown — clearly reveled in the stellar summer setting.
“This is delicious, just singing in the sunshine,” exclaimed McLachlan, who said she was grateful to be back in Grand Rapids.
Orchestral Support: Local musicians and members of the Grand Rapids Symphony filled the stage. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
For every song she sang, a story came before it. McLachlan shared tales of falling in love with her best friend’s ex, losing her dad to cancer, the meaning of forgiveness, and raising kids. This was not just a concert: It was a personal, intimate look at life and the meaning behind her greatest and most heartbreaking moments.
“A couple relatives said they were coming to the concert, so I looked her up and realized I knew most of the songs,” said concertgoer Kayla Smith, 25, of Grand Rapids. “I’m so glad I came. Her voice is gorgeous.”
The evening included a short intermission, after which McLachlan came out from behind the piano bench and took center stage for her 1997 hit, “Building a Mystery.” A powerful performance of “Sweet Surrender” brought the crowd of 1,900 to its feet for a standing ovation.
The multi-award-winning songstress returned to the stage for an encore, closing the evening with her most recognizable and beloved ballad, “Angel.”
The audience stood, hugged and sang.
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarah McLachlan at Meijer Gardens
Photos by Derek Ketchum
