Grand Rapids’ Par-Llo Connection and Avalon Cutts-Jones kicked off the 2024 edition of the Tuesday Evening Music Club series. The recap and photos at Local Spins.
The Par-Llo Connection: On stage Tuesday at Meijer Gardens. (Photo/Holly Holtzclaw)
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The amphitheater at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park may not have been packed wall-to-wall on Tuesday quite like it is for much of the summer concert season, but folks who attended the opening night of the 2024 Tuesday Evening Music Club series weren’t lacking in enthusiasm.
A few songs into each set, groups of fans migrated to the front of the venue and danced along to upbeat covers and originals from each group as the series showcasing local and regional acts got under way.
The Par-Llo Connection (with Par-Llo standing for ‘peace all races-live love others’) opened the night with a set of funk and R&B hits that ranged from the 1980s to present day.
Sporting color-coordinated outfits on stage, the group delivered infectious energy with their constant movement around the stage and interactive moments with the audience. A cover of Earth Wind and Fire’s “September” captured everyone’s attention from the first note.
Grand Rapids singer Avalon Cutts-Jones, meanwhile, showcased both her vocal range and the range of genres her music spans. Cutts-Jones wowed the crowd with gospel, jazz, neo-soul, R&B and even an opera piece that earned a standing ovation.
Amid impressive vocal runs and smooth harmonies, all of the songs that were selected for the set had an empowering and uplifting undertone. A medley of “girl power”-themed covers elicited a particularly enthusiastic response from the dance floor.
Meijer Gardens members Sam Piccirilli and Claire Page have turned the Tuesday Evening Music Club shows into a fun date night opportunity.
“So good,” Paige said of Tuesday’s acts. “It’s super fun to people-watch everyone up front dancing, too.”
(The main Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts series begins at 6:30 p.m. tonight – June 5 – with a sold-out show featuring Orville Peck. Next week’s Tuesday Evening Music Club series will feature Lady Ace Boogie & Friends and Sixman. Admission to Tuesday shows is the regular entry fee for Meijer Gardens. Get more information online here.)
PHOTO GALLERY: Tuesday Evening Music Club at Meijer Gardens
Photos by Holly Holtzclaw
