Train rolls energetically through heartfelt hits, classic covers at Meijer Gardens
Sunday’s appearance by Train and Edwin McCain took place on a stellar evening for an enthused sold-out crowd. The review and photos.
Tagged: Meijer Gardens
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The Accidentals eye release of new album, Michigan tour stops amid star-packed schedule
The Michigan alt-folk heroes who play upcoming shows in their home state talk about their studio work and touring with Local Spins, which also spotlights new music by American Rust, Mei Semones, The War and Treaty, The Wire Monkeys, Al Wesley and more. Find out more about The Accidentals and their new album, and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Dinosaur Jr., Snail Mail rip through high volume, multi-generational rock in GR
The influential alternative trio, Dinosaur Jr., pushed the boundaries of volume possibilities to the delight of an all-ages crowd to lead a three-band charge at Meijer Gardens on Sunday. The review, photos.
Guster flaunts breezy, infectious gems with GR Symphony at steamy Meijer Gardens
The alt-rock/pop band returned to the outdoor amphitheater to captivate a sold-out crowd with a big assist from the Grand Rapids Symphony on Wednesday. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The joyful return of GR Symphony Picnic Pops (at a new spot) and O.A.R (at a familiar one)
Wednesday night saw two crowd-pleasing concerts 12 miles apart: Grand Rapids Symphony’s Picnic Pops at Millennium Park and O.A.R.’s sold-out affair at Meijer Gardens. The Local Spins reviews, photos and a Picnic Pops video.
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Leftover Salmon stays fresh, entrancing, spellbinding as tour rolls into Grand Rapids
The Colorado bluegrass band joins The Infamous Stringdusters and Kitchen Dwellers at Meijer Gardens on Friday. The Local Spins interview, with a chance to win tickets to the show.
Trombone Shorty & krewe usher ‘Something Beautiful’ with New Orleans flavor, funk in GR
The multi-instrumentalist and his Orleans Avenue band brought a jazzy Mardi Gras atmosphere to a packed Meijer Gardens venue for a high-energy Sunday of favorites. The Local Spins review and photos.
The Verve Pipe pairs with Grand Rapids Symphony for electric evening of alt-rock
The multi-platinum-selling West Michigan alt-rock band returned to Meijer Gardens on Monday this time with a symphonic twist. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Psychedelic Furs ride (new) wave of nostalgia into sweltering, party-like atmosphere
Unthwarted by a relentless heat wave, the British post-punk headliners captivated a sold-out Meijer Gardens audience for their Sunday tour stop, with a boost from openers The Chameleons. The review and photos.
Wynonna Judd digs into her Grammy-winning country roots in ‘greatest hits’ Michigan run
The Country Music Hall of Famer captivated a Meijer Gardens audience for a buoyant evening of solo hits plus familiar favorites from her days as one half of the legendary duo, The Judds. The Local Spins review and photo gallery from Wednesday’s show.
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit roar through career retrospective in Grand Rapids tour stop
The much-acclaimed, multi-Grammy Award-winning Americana singer/songwriter/guitarist delivered a nearly two-hour set at Meijer Gardens exploring his 30-year, genre-bending career on Monday. The Jason Isbell review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Gary Clark Jr. sizzles with boost from Lamont Landers amid steamy Michigan weather
The Grammy Award-winning blues/rock/soul/R&B guitarist headlined an evening of scorching temps and searing solos at Meijer Gardens after an Interlochen tour stop. The Local Spins review and photos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Revivalists romp, narrowly avoid getting washed out for sold-out Meijer Gardens show
Undeterred by multiple weather-related delays, the New Orleans-based band rewarded a dedicated audience with an effusive, exuberant performance of familiar favorites. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Tuneful Tuesday: TEMC’s soulful kickoff at Meijer Gardens + Jake Kershaw, Watchhouse
Sunny, sultry weather greeted fans of vibrant music on Tuesday: The Music That Raised Us at Meijer Gardens, Jake Kershaw in Rockford and Watchhouse in Kalamazoo. Revisit the musical action in images at Local Spins.
Singer-pianist Diana Krall embraces sultry, mysterious vibe at Meijer Gardens
The jazz singer and pianist unfurled a beautifully ‘brooding’ set in her Monday tour stop, with Michigan’s Abigail Stauffer opening. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Rick Springfield delivers ‘Human Touch’ of nostalgia with help from ’80s pals
The Sunday night “I Want My ’80s” tour stop at Meijer Gardens also featured fan-friendly faves from Wang Chung, John Waite and Paul Young. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Chris Stapleton rocks GR with Mike Campbell; Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal get bluesy at the Gardens
Thursday was filled with stars: Chris Stapleton fired up a capacity crowd on the first of two nights at Van Andel Arena while Keb’ Mo’ and Taj Mahal returned to Meijer Gardens. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Rick Springfield, Wang Chung set to relive ’80s glory in upcoming Michigan shows
It’s time to ‘wang chung.’ The artists — joined by John Waite and Paul Young — bring their “I Want My ’80s Tour” to Meijer Gardens and Interlochen. The Local Spins preview and interview with Wang Chung and Paul Young. Plus, relive their classic music videos.
I’m With Her super-group powers through rain for stunning, harmony-hued show
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.
Chaka Khan creates ‘Something Good’ and more in retrospective Meijer Gardens show
The legendary R&B singer brought a cavalcade of hits to the outdoor amphitheater on Wednesday, with Grand Rapids native Sarena Rae getting the evening started. The Local Spins review and photos.
The Head and The Heart provides ‘perfect soundtrack’ to Meijer Gardens opening night
The sold-out kickoff to the Meijer Gardens summer concert series even impressed the ban, which called it “a surreal place to play music.” The review, photos and set list from Friday’s show.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Tuesday Evening Music Club boasts unique musical twists via 2025 performer lineup
The Tuesday concert series showcasing Michigan acts returns to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park amphitheater starting in mid-June with “The Music That Raised Us’ tribute to female icons and features the return of The Accidentals. View the full schedule at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Meijer Gardens 2025: Dinosaur Jr., Cheap Trick, Psychedelic Furs, Chaka Khan, Vance Joy
Today’s announcement of the 34-concert summer series also features the likes of The String Cheese Incident and The Head & The Heart as well as returning favorites O.A.R., Umphrey’s McGee, Trombone Shorty, Jason Isbell, CAKE and Rick Springfield. View the full schedule.
Concert reviews · Summer Concerts · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top Local Spins Stories of 2024 (No. 2): The summer concert series at Meijer Gardens
The popular amphitheater’s expanded summer series this past year boasted new faces – My Morning Jacket, Black Pumas, Il Divo, Tower of Power –- along with a bevy of returning favorites who sold out most of their shows.
Local Spins Rewind · Summer Concerts · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Ticket glitches aside, Meijer Gardens sells out 18 shows in an hour: Top ’24 Stories (No. 13)
Despite some ticketing system snafus in April, Meijer Gardens sold out 18 of its summer concerts in little more than an hour. Revisit Local Spins’ coverage as part of our year-end countdown.
Concert reviews · Photos · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Top 2024 Stories Countdown: Little Feat and Los Lobos ignite Meijer Gardens (No. 17)
The two jam-happy rock bands with more than a half-century of music to unleash had folks dancing in the sunshine at Meijer Gardens in June. Revisit one of Local Spins’ top reviews of the year.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Buena Vista Social Orchestra closes Meijer Gardens season + weekend photo galleries
Meijer Gardens wrapped up its final summer concert on Sunday with an esteemed Cuban ensemble, closing out a weekend that also featured Lettuce, the Kalamashoegazer Festival, a One Well block party and the Fallasburg Arts Festival. Check out the recaps and photos at Local Spins..
Michael Franti brings season-ending joy, ‘Sound of Sunshine’ to Meijer Gardens
One of the amphitheater’s most popular returning stars delivered his intoxicating blend of reggae, funk, soul, folk, rock and more to an enthused audience on Sunday in Meijer Gardens’ next-to-last concert of the summer. The review and photos at Local Spins, plus photo galleries from the Eastown Streetfair, Avery Anna at Elevation and Sophistafunk with Desmond Jones at Warner Vineyards.
Sierra Ferrell creates ‘Garden’ dreams, The Crane Wives go well ‘Beyond’ the usual
Friday’s Grand Rapids lineup boasted two sold-out shows: Indie-folk/bluegrass/jazz artist Sierra Ferrell made her Meijer Gardens debut while Michigan’s Crave Wives lit up The Intersection. The recaps and photos exclusively at Local Spins.
Commentary · Photos · Summer Concerts
Summer 2024’s Best Concerts: Local Spins staff, readers pick the top shows — Billy to Blissfest
From Billy Strings’ surprise Grand Rapids appearances with Phish and Greensky Bluegrass to memorable festival sets, the summer of 2024 was one for the record books. Check out the staff and reader picks, and revisit the live show highlights.
Fitz & The Tantrums fuel funky fun while May Erlewine oozes heartfelt healing power
The Los Angeles indie-pop band returned to a sold-out Meijer Gardens on Thursday, the same night that Michigan’s songbird embraced a big crowd at downtown’s Studio Park, Get the recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Grace Potter delivers ‘the medicine that everybody wants’ in rollicking GR concert
‘Can’t Stop the Beat’: The singer and multi-instrumentalist closed out the weekend with an engaging, energetic return to Meijer Gardens, a show boosted by opener May Erlewine. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Blues Traveler unleashes jam-heavy hits, covers with boost from Big Head Todd
The blues-infused rock double-header at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday boasted plenty of instrumental romps and familiar tunes. The Local Spins review and photos.
Kansas keeps ’70s alive with enduring songs unfurled for sold-out Grand Rapids crowd
Although only one original band member was on the Meijer Gardens stage Thursday night, the prog-rock-hued favorite made the most its return to the amphitheater. The concert review and photos at Local Spins.
Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket embrace their ’90s heyday in Grand Rapids tour stop
Vertical Horizon opened Monday’s sold-out show at Meijer Gardens, with fans reveling in the melodic, hook-driven nostalgia of two long-running bands. The review and photo gallery.
Grand Rapids welcomes Boyz II Men’s perfect harmonies for ‘One Sweet Day’
The award-winning ’90s vocal group mixed hits with popular covers during their Meijer Gardens debut on Sunday night. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins, along with images from another vocal group sensation at Meijer Gardens: Il Divo.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Black Violin: Feeling ‘like a kid again’ as the duo girds for Grand Rapids tour stop
The celebrated duo that melds hip hop, classical music, jazz and funk will join the Grand Rapids Symphony next week. The Local Spins interview with violist Wilner Baptiste.
Gov’s Mule’s Warren Haynes gets symphonic but rocks the house anyway in GR performance
The Gov’t Mule frontman brought his “Dreams & Songs Symphonic Experience” tour to Meijer Gardens on Monday, reinterpreting classics from the likes of the Allman Brothers and Grateful Dead. The fan review and photos at Local Spins.
‘Dive Bar Wasteland Misfits’: The Wallflowers rock GR amphitheater in gritty fashion
The band led by Jakob Dylan made a tour stop at Meijer Gardens on Thursday amid brilliant sunshine in front of a full house. The Local Spins review by Nicholas James Thomasma.
Singer Jason Mraz cultivates joy, sunny milieu during ‘magical’ Meijer Gardens ride
Touring behind his latest studio album, the pop-hued artist returned to Grand Rapids on Wednesday for an upbeat, sold-out concert. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Inspiring ‘bizarro world’: Gov’t Mule’s Warren Haynes thrilled to uncork symphonic set in GR
Playing only seven such shows this summer, the celebrated guitarist will perform a wide range of rock classics with the Grand Rapids Symphony. The Local Spins interview with the Grammy Award-winning guitarist who brings his band to Grand Rapids for this unique show on Monday.
Bruce Hornsby, Sarah Jarosz, Victor Wooten, Accidentals, Wyatt Flores say ‘Yes to Michigan’
All five acts took to stages across the state this week, from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Sparta and beyond. Browse the photo galleries from these shows and more, only at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Old Crow Medicine Show, Molly Tuttle chase rain away with jubilant bluegrass bluster
A day of rain kept some ticketholders away, but Tuttle’s band and Old Crow Medicine Show brought bluegrass-, gospel- and country-hued sunshine to Meijer Gardens on Wednesday. Review, photos, video.[…]
Ever-engaging Amos Lee explores ‘weird time’ again in GR’s ‘home away from home’
After buying beer for fans at a St. Cecilia concert earlier this year, a fan returned the favor by supplying the singer-songwriter a drink Wednesday at Meijer Gardens. Just part of an inviting Grand Rapids show. The review and photos at Local Spins.
My Morning Jacket amps up capacity Meijer Gardens crowd in raucous amphitheater debut
It was an eardrum-shattering, face-melting evening of psychedelic/Southern/alt rock from the Kentucky-born quintet, led by charismatic frontman and vocal powerhouse Jim James. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Tunesmith Mat Kearney makes ‘summer perfect’ night in GR a ‘Good Thing Going On’
The amiable singer-songwriter returned to Meijer Gardens on Sunday night for an engaging and eclectic performance. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Welcome Return to GR: The heartrending, uplifting musical mastery of Bonnie Raitt
The renowned, award-winning guitarist and singer transfixed a sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday night. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Trombone Shorty blows into town yet again with fiery New Orleans swagger
With Orleans Avenue in tow, the popular singer and trombonist brought funk and fun to Meijer Gardens on Monday. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Black Pumas roar into West Michigan to electrify a capacity crowd
Despite a delay caused by a fan’s medical emergency, the Austin-bred duo, plus backing band, heated up Meijer Gardens on Sunday with their signature blend of psychedelic soul and rock, The concert review and photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit captivate Kalamazoo, plus O.A.R., Keb Mo, Electric Forest
Isbell and his band delivered a fan-rousing set at State Theatre on Saturday, part of an active week of live shows from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Electric Forest. The photos and more at Local Spins.
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