The weekly Meijer Gardens series showcasing regional music kicked off on a beautiful summer night with a resplendent “Tracing the Roots” theme. The series continues on Tuesdays through August.
Family Fun: The opening night of Tuesday Evening Music Club was a sunny affair. (Photo/Deshia Dunn)
Most concertgoers don’t expect to have a learning experience when they gather in the amphitheater at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, but Tuesday night’s plan involved exploring the evolution of multiple music genres from their African roots.
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Jazz Power: Kathy Lamar brought plenty of that on Tuesday night. (Photo/Deshia Dunn)
The kickoff to this season’s edition of the Tuesday Evening Music Club series at Meijer Gardens boasted an evening of musical culture and history, backed by another full crowd and more sunny weather.
Various local artists took the stage to share a medley of hip hop, jazz, blues and more for the evening’s “Tracing the Roots” theme.
“We wanted to introduce inspirational music,” said Theodore Bufkin, guest services assistant manager at Meijer Gardens. “We wanted to explore more of a program versus a couple of local bands each night.”
This summer’s music series is more developed than ever, with one of the main objectives to encompass as much diversity as possible: Upcoming lineups range from African and Islamic music to Grand Rapids rock bands.
The 2016 Schedule
The first concert of the series was as diverse as it was unique.
Guest artist Tia Imani Hanna stole the show with her lead jazz violin and scat singing, accompanied by dancers leading anyone who wanted to join in, sometimes with hula hoops.
“We’re going to play a little bit of everything tonight,” promised Hanna. “From the motherland of Africa to the United States, jazz, swing, Duke Ellington and bossa nova.”
GVSU’s Capoeira club also performed traditional martial arts music from Brazil, incorporating ancient African instruments. The club got the most daring of the crowd to form a dance circle in front of the stage to sing and clap.
Other performances included the soulful Rhythm Life Collective, The Thrive Refugee Choir (a program that helps support local refugees adjust to the new community), DC Lavendar of Truth Tone and DJ dreSKEEZUS, who took over the music during intermission.
With many children and families dancing together, perfect weather and native music, the two-hour set was a promising start to the summer concert series.
Photos by Deshia Dunn
Copyright 2016, Spins on Music LLC
