Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Jane’s Addiction, Tyler Farr, Flaming Lips, Kalamazoo Blues Fest, Tonic, Vox Vidorra: Weekend Photo Gallery

• July 12, 2015

From Kalamazoo to Lansing to Grand Rapids, live music took center stage this week with the Tuesday Evening Music Club kickoff, Billy Strings & Don Julin, Nobody’s Darlin’, the season’s first GRAM on the Green show and much more in the mix. Check out the resplendent photo gallery with links to images from concerts by Mat Kearney, Patty Griffin, Mavis Staples and Joshua Davis.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

Mavis Staples, Patty Griffin deliver uplifting, ‘sweet harmony soul’ at Meijer Gardens

• July 10, 2015

Although the Grammy-winning singers never took the stage together, their inspiring sets on a gorgeous Thursday night in Grand Rapids oozed “positive vibration.” Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Mat Kearney keeps Meijer Gardens crowd on its feet with engaging pop-rock, backyard cookout vibe

• July 7, 2015

The singer-songwriter and opening act Judah & The Lion connected with the sold-out crowd all night to kick off the week amid gorgeous weather, leaving folks “Dancing in the Dark.” Check out the Local Spins review and photo gallery.

Features · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows

‘Welcoming the World’: Tuesday Evening Music Club launches 2015 series at Meijer Gardens with kinetic world music

• July 6, 2015

Tuesday’s “Family Night” kickoff will feature interactive performances of music and dance by An Dro, Michigan Hiryu Daiko, Leah Ivory & the Rhym Life Collective, Igor Houwat and more. See the full series schedule for 2015.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Doobie Brothers, Pink Martini, The Legal Immigrants, Nathan Kalish & The Lastcallers: Weekend Photo Gallery (June 30-July 5)

• July 6, 2015

The weather cooperated beautifully during the holiday week for shows large and small, including sets by Mid-Life Crisis, Rusty Wright Band and bands at the Fourth of July celebration downtown. Check out the full photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Del McCoury Band, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn get plucky, rootsy, folky and plain happy in Grand Rapids show

• June 30, 2015

Banjos-and-bluegrass night at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on Monday had some legendary, veteran players sharing the bill for a night of jamming and story-telling. Read the Local Spins review and check out the photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts

Gary Clark Jr. turns up volume with inspiring take on the blues at Meijer Gardens

• June 25, 2015

The gracious Austin-based guitarist and his band reflected a “beautiful, amazing” vibe at the outdoor amphitheater on Wednesday, uncorking a show to remember. Read the review and check out the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Grand Funk Railroad fires up classic rock nostalgia in Grand Rapids for Meijer Gardens season opener

• June 4, 2015

Grand weather and happy fans greeted the Mark Farner-less but familiar Michigan bunch, paced by Don Brewer and Mel Schacher. Read the review and check out the photo gallery at Local Spins.

Commentary · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows

Meijer Gardens series survives and thrives through growing pains, sells out 15 concerts before opening Grand Funk Railroad show

• June 1, 2015

Despite some detractors, the intimate outdoor amphitheater unleashes its 13th season with a Michigan classic rock band and follows that with an eclectic mix of acts, old and young. Read the Local Spins commentary, and see which 15 concerts already have sold out.

Breaking music news · Summer Concerts

Meijer Gardens sells out nine summer concerts to members in first two hours of sales

• April 25, 2015

Saturday’s pre-sale to Meijer Gardens members drew long lines and saw quick sellouts for Harry Connick, O.A.R., Steve Miller Band, The Beach Boys & Temptations, Colbie Caillat, Diana Krall, Styx, Tony Bennett and more. And by Monday, show No. 12 had sold out. Read the story at Local Spins.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements

Meijer Gardens Tuesday Evening Music Club series to feature Vox Vidorra, Billy Strings & Don Julin, Bennett

• April 10, 2015

The popular regional music series kicks off for 2015 with world music on July 7 and wraps up with Ralston & Friends, with a host of impressive local acts in between. Check out the full season schedule and some highlights from last year.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements

Diana Krall, Beach Boys, Temptations, Trombone Shorty to play Meijer Gardens summer concert series

• February 11, 2015

The teaser announcement of three 2015 concerts for the outdoor amphitheater boasts big names, with the full schedule revealed in mid-April. Tickets go on sale to Meijer Gardens members on April 25.

Commentary · Concert reviews · Summer Concerts

West Michigan Summer Concerts 2014: The best, the worst, the highs, the lows and the weird

• September 22, 2014

On summer’s final day, Local Spins looks back at the rollercoaster ride of perhaps the busiest concert season West Michigan has ever seen, with exhilarating ups and stomach-churning downs.

Concert reviews · Photos

Sheryl Crow closes Meijer Gardens summer series with smiles, hits and plenty of fun (Review, photos)

• September 8, 2014

Crow’s return to the outdoor amphitheater for the second year in a row impresses a sold-out crowd and proves she’s now a darling of the popular, record-setting series.

Concert reviews

The Beach Boys ‘Do It Again’ by keeping vocals up front at Meijer Gardens (Review, photo gallery)

• September 5, 2014

Led by Mike Love, the iconic band kept the years at bay and fired up a sold-out crowd. West Michigan musician Ben Zito provides the Local Spins guest review.

Concert reviews · Photos

Lake Street Dive uncorks all that is fresh, joyful, eclectic and magnetic at Meijer Gardens

• August 29, 2014

After a spirited opening set by Lowdown Brass Band, Lake Street Dive delivered one of the true musical highlights of the summer. (Review, photo gallery)

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Craig Morgan, Ralston Bowles, T-Pain: A Tuesday night to remember (Story, photos, video)

• August 27, 2014

Separated by nine miles, Tuesday’s two outdoor concerts in the Grand Rapids area boasted different vibes but the same enthusiastic crowd support. And T-Pain’s hip hop lit up The Intersection. (Photo gallery)

Concert reviews

G. Love and Keb’ Mo’ make ‘Odd Couple’ pairing an engaging, bluesy party (Review, photo gallery)

• August 21, 2014

The first night of the unusual co-headlining tour starring G. Love & Special Sauce and Keb’ Mo’ at a sold-out Meijer Gardens amphitheater boasted separate sets by the pals and invigorating collaborations.

Concert reviews · Photos

Rodrigo Y Gabriela’s brilliant ‘anti-formula’ sparks one of summer’s most impressive concerts

• August 14, 2014

The acoustic guitar duo’s debut at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park was nothing short of masterful, electrifying new and old fans with rhythmic, Latin-hued and rock fervor.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

The Soil and The Sun, Gary Allan, Big & Rich, Jesse Ray & The Catfish, Five for Fighting, Brian Vander Ark, Sparta Celtic Fest: The Weekend Photo Gallery

• August 10, 2014

The musical weekend started early with shows at Meijer Gardens and The Intersection, and featured a mix of national acts and stellar local bands hosting CD-release shows. (Aug. 7-10)

Concert reviews · Photos

Lyle Lovett maintains perfect record; charms sellout Meijer Gardens crowd (Photo gallery)

• August 7, 2014

For the ninth summer in a row, the engaging Texas singer-songwriter sold out his appearance at the outdoor Grand Rapids amphitheater.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

A.B!, March Forth, Devin & The Dead Frets, POST530, John Butler Trio, Matt Giraud: Weekend Photo Gallery

• August 3, 2014

John Butler Trio’s sizzling set at Meijer Gardens launched a weekend of rock and hip hop, from Grand Rapids to the lakeshore where the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival ramped up to a climactic finish.

Concert reviews · Photos

John Butler Trio powers up rousing jams, makes family connection with adoring Grand Rapids crowd

• August 2, 2014

Friday’s sold-out show at Meijer Gardens unfolded as a triumphant, eye-popping return for the rock trio which first played the amphitheater in 2013. (Review, photo gallery)

Concert reviews · Photos

Conor Oberst, Dawes flaunt indie-folk/rock charisma, charm for Grand Rapids fans

• August 1, 2014

Whilst short of a sellout, Thursday night’s Meijer Gardens concert boasted an enthusiastic young crowd, passionate performances and double-duty for Dawes as opening act and backing band.

Concert reviews · Photos

One night, two guitarists, two venues: Pat Metheny, Bill Kirchen light up West Michigan with distinctive guitar mastery

• July 31, 2014

While jazz fusion’s Pat Metheny Unity Group entertained a sold-out Meijer Gardens crowd (with many leaving early), rockabilly legend Bill Kirchen had folks dancing and grinning at an Ada restaurant. (Review, photo gallery)

Commentary · Guest Column

Concert Etiquette 101: Have fun, don’t be a jerk (Local Spins commentary)

• July 29, 2014

The much-ballyhooed Ray LaMontagne tantrum at Meijer Gardens has sparked a mega-debate over the do’s and don’ts of concertgoers and performers. Local Spins columnist Tricia Woolfenden offers her take. What’s yours?

Concert reviews · Photos

Barenaked Ladies frolic like they had a million dollars at Meijer Gardens

• July 28, 2014

The fun-loving Canadian goofballs inspired sing-alongs, bra-tossing and an upbeat attitude in Sunday’s sold-out show, their first appearance at the outdoor amphitheater. (Review, photos)

Weekend Photo Gallery

KC & The Sunshine Band, The Crane Wives, Lydia Loveless, Michael Buble, Kris Hitchcock: Weekend Photo Gallery (July 27)

• July 27, 2014

In the wake of the “Meijer Gardens Meltdown” courtesy of Ray LaMontagne, there were compelling, less-controversial concerts and tour stops to behold this weekend, captured in images at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Temper, temper: Ray LaMontagne storms off stage during Meijer Gardens show to cap odd night

• July 24, 2014

Weirdest night ever at Meijer Gardens? Acclaimed singer-songwriter playing sold-out amphitheater takes exception to loud fan chatter and departs amid f-bomb laden tirade, then returns to finish concert. Oh, and Jenny Lewis performed, too.

Concert reviews · Photos

Counting Crows hatch plenty of hits to heat up appreciative Grand Rapids audience

• July 22, 2014

With fellow alt-rock/pop outfit Toad the Wet Sprocket opening the show, the California band played a host of its hits, some of them with an endearing twist.

Weekend Photo Gallery

Jennifer Nettles, Here Come the Mummies, Murder by Death, Beck, Slim Gypsy Baggage: The Weekend Photo Gallery

• July 21, 2014

National tours made mid-summer stops in Grand Rapids, from the country of Jennifer Nettles to the thoughtful indie-rock of Beck, plus plenty more local and regional acts captured in images at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Gavin DeGraw, Matt Nathanson get playful, interactive, soulful in Meijer Gardens concert

• July 15, 2014

Monday night’s tour stop by the spirited, entertaining pair was at times an immersive experience for the audience. (Review, photo gallery)

Concert reviews · Photos

Jackson Browne flies solo to embrace the power of classic songs, stories at Meijer Gardens

• July 14, 2014

Some may have preferred a full-band show, but Browne charmed a sold-out crowd of concertgoers with his strong voice and down-to-earth demeanor. (Review, photo gallery)

Concert reviews · Photos

Nickel Creek hits the right notes in summer tour kickoff at Meijer Gardens (Review, photo gallery)

• July 10, 2014

Affable and engaging, the reunited progressive bluegrass trio rekindled its familiar musical fire with old favorites and new gems for a sold-out amphitheater on a picturesque night.

Concert reviews · Photos

Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth stoke jam-band, festival-friendly vibe at Meijer Gardens

• July 7, 2014

Psychedelic at times and instrumentally bracing, Sunday’s double bill unleashed “extraordinary things” for 1,500-plus fans. (Review, photo gallery)

Concert reviews · Photos

Afro Zuma and young musicians drum up stellar opener for Tuesday Evening Music Club (Photo gallery)

• July 2, 2014

The Tuesday night series spotlighting local and regional acts kicked off with a packed Meijer Gardens amphitheater for “Family Appreciation Night.”

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Electric Forest, Tegan & Sara, Frankie Ballard, Freedom Cruise: The Weekend Photo Gallery (June 29)

• June 29, 2014

Electric Forest electrified fans with psychedelic fun and fireworks while country star Frankie Ballard reveled in a Grand Rapids homecoming show and Tegan & Sara made their Meijer Gardens debut.

Concert reviews · Photos

Ben Harper, Charlie Musselwhite explore the roots of American blues in soaring fashion

• June 27, 2014

The duo retraces Grammy-winning “Get Up!” in bracing show Thursday at a sold-out Meijer Gardens. The guest Local Spins review by The Crane Wives’ Ben Zito.

Concert reviews · Photos

O.A.R., Phillip Phillips at Meijer Gardens: The Local Spins Photo Gallery

• June 24, 2014

Despite gray skies and brief showers, Meijer Gardens’ seventh concert of the season entertained a sellout crowd with pop-hued folk-rock and alt-rock by two popular live touring bands.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Needtobreathe, May Erlewine, Kanisha K, Founders Fest: The Weekend Photo Gallery (June 22)

• June 22, 2014

Founders Fest jammed downtown streets in Grand Rapids, but compelling shows were also on tap with Needtobreathe at Meijer Gardens, May Erlewine at Wealthy Theatre and more — featured in the Local Spins photo gallery.

Concert reviews · Photos

Tedeschi Trucks Band returns to Meijer Gardens with soulful, bluesy rock stew (Review, photo gallery)

• June 20, 2014

Playing to a sold-out amphitheater on a sun-splashed night, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks led their jam-driven band through a guitar-fueled evening.

Concert reviews · Photos

John Legend, Alejandro Escovedo, Kelly Richey shine through mid-week tempest with radically different shows

• June 19, 2014

Musical lightning strikes thrice: Unusual confluence of stellar acts playing Grand Rapids on single night impresses crowds despite stormy weather.

Concert reviews · Photos

CAKE bakes up sweet experience at sold-out Meijer Gardens show with trademark deadpan delivery intact

• June 13, 2014

Popular alt-rock band delivered a solid two-set show of 15 songs on Thursday, plus a three-song encore that boasted a cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” (Review, photos)

Concert reviews · Photos

Jason Isbell, James McMurtry deliver heartfelt Americana grit, muscle in damp Meijer Gardens show

• June 12, 2014

Ignoring a few sprinkles, the singer-songwriters and their talented bands combined for three hours of top-notch, rootsy alt-country.

Concert reviews · Photos

Santana delivers blistering hot season opener at Meijer Gardens: ‘Nobody does it better’

• June 2, 2014

The sold-out crowd of 1,900 arrived early, jostled for prime seats and boogied to “Oye Como Va” and “Smooth” as the guitarist and his top-notch 10-piece band launched the summer series.

Features · Upcoming shows

Santana set to fire up Meijer Gardens summer series with new album, spirit of ‘universal acceptance’

• May 30, 2014

Touring behind “Corazon,” the legendary guitarist’s sold-out, season-opening show promises to bring ageless passion to the outdoor amphitheater.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements

Nine Meijer Gardens concerts sell out on first morning of ticket sales; several more sellouts follow

• April 26, 2014

The June 1 Santana concert led the way in sales on a crazy first day as several hundred concertgoers lined up early to ensure they’d land spots for popular acts. Sixteen shows have now sold out.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

Meijer Gardens’ Tuesday Evening Music Club to spotlight regional diversity with Afro Zuma, Organissimo, Mid-Life Crisis, Cabildo, AG Silver, The Mickeys, Black Jake

• April 14, 2014

The two-month celebration of Michigan music starts with Afro Zuma and a kid-interactive “Family Appreciation Night” and wraps up in August with Ralston & Friends.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements

Meijer Gardens launches 2014 summer series with Santana; 30-concert lineup stars John Legend, Barenaked Ladies, Ben Harper, Ziggy Marley, Jackson Browne, Pat Metheny

• April 10, 2014

Returning will be CAKE, Lyle Lovett, The Beach Boys, O.A.R., Five for Fighting and Sheryl Crow, but most acts are new to Meijer Gardens. See the full schedule; ticket presale for members begins April 26.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements

The Counting Crows, Needtobreathe, KC & the Sunshine Band, Ray LaMontagne to play Meijer Gardens series; Lowell sets lineup for its summer concerts

• February 13, 2014

After announcing three acts for its summer series, Meijer Gardens has since added Ray LaMontagne and Tegan & Sara to the lineup, with surprises expected in final roster to be revealed in April; Grand Rapids and Lowell also make summer show announcements.