The multi-instrumentalist and Meijer Gardens mainstay delivered familiar favorites and a few surprises Monday to an appreciative amphitheater of fans. The review and photos.
Another New Orleans-Fueled Night to Remember: Trombone Shorty on stage. (Photo/Sarah Eyk)
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Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews is a familiar — and favored — fixture at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s popular summer concert series. The multi-hyphenate’s return to the amphitheater Monday evening was replete with the steady energy, focused musicianship and joie de vivre expected of the New Orleans jazz icon.
And I feel somewhat qualified to say this, with this show being my ninth time watching this artist perform in this venue.
As a long-time Trombone Shorty fan, and frequent flyer, here’s my four favorite things about his most recent outing at Meijer Gardens:
• 4. Opening act Tank & The Bangas were fresh and fun, as always, performing for nearly an hour with passion and precision while hyping up the crowd for the headliner and paying respects to their shared Big Easy backgrounds.
• 3. The evening had an easy, breezy vibe, thanks in no small part to the absolutely perfect weather — genuinely the most comfortable climate I think I’ve ever experienced for an outdoor concert — but also owing to the plethora of elbow and dancing room. The show, while well attended, wasn’t sold out, allowing fans to comfortably spend the evening on their feet with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. From the delightfully enthusiastic little kid twirling in the oversized Trombone Shorty tank top and temporary neck tattoo, to the helpful venue staff, volunteers and merch crew, everyone seemed in a great mood, which only enhanced the already solid experience.
• 2. The return of the always-incredible Orleans Avenue band was marked with familiar and new faces in the band, including the Meijer Gardens’ debut of Andrews’ own nephew on saxophone; musical talent, and stage presence/swagger certainly run in the family.
• 1. As always, the band was on point and efficient, with live show mainstays such as “Where It At?”, “Here Come the Girls,” and bring-down-the-house closer “Hurricane Season.”
UP NEXT AT MEIJER GARDENS’ SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: An evening with Trey Anastasio featuring Jeff Tankski at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 17. Tickets start at $101, available online here.
PHOTO GALLERY: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at Meijer Gardens
Photos by Sarah Eyk/Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
