Fighting through some technical glitches on a sweltering night, War powered up ’70s hits, while the Los Lonely Boys trio delivered “Texican blues” for a smaller-than-usual Meijer Gardens crowd.
Lighting up the Dance Floor: Fans got into the mood Wednesday at Meijer Gardens. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
With a playful motion and bright smile, a lively fan held a shaker at her fingertips as she danced down the aisle. Waving her arm around all directions with a back-and-forth motion, she leaned towards an idle security guard.
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Leading the Charge: Lonnie Jordan of War on stage at Meijer Gardens. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
“This is MY job tonight,” she said, nodding to the stage chock full of Latin percussion instruments of all shapes and sizes, including bongos, congas, chimes, cowbell and a guiros.
Los Lonely Boys and War threw a fiesta of Latin rock fusion for 1,300 fans at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on Wednesday. Old favorites and familiar grooves were brought back to life as both bands laid out an extensive repertoire.
Opening with “Don’t Walk Away,” the three-piece Los Lonely Boys (comprised of brothers Henry Garza, Jojo Garza and Ringo Garza) made the most of their return to Meijer Gardens, instantly displaying their rock ‘n’ roll abilities with a perfect blend of grooving bass, heavy drums and screaming electric guitar.
After a handful of songs, guitarist Henry Garza let loose in “Texican blues” fashion. A slow-burning electric blues guitar solo moved into “Cotton Fields and Crossroads,” which entailed an overture of blues progressions, expressive vocals and much more soloing. At one point, Henry Garza could be seen lifting his hand completely over his head in-between each guitar strum, slamming it down on the strings perfectly in time with the next chord.
GETTING HAPPY AFTER A KEYBOARD GLITCH
“We like to say that we’re blessed from the good man upstairs to do what we’re doing,” he said towards the end of the set, before launching in to 2004’s “Heaven,” the band’s most popular track, a pop-rock infused groove with distinct hooks and choruses that had fans singing along.
Filling the stage with significantly more members, the musicians in War took to their posts to prepare for glorious battle, aka, an extensive set list spanning the band’s 47-year career.
Sibling Rock: Los Lonely Boys made the most of their return to Meijer Gardens. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
However, technical difficulties with one of the band’s keyboards forced a 10-minute-long instrumental, while frontman Lonnie Jordan and a sound tech attempted to troubleshoot the issue. The full-band setup of bass, guitar, drums, flute, saxophone and harmonica continued on, when all of a sudden, a startling keyboard sound blasted out of the house speakers. After a few adjustments, Jordan took his usual spot behind the keys.
“Now I’m happy. I got my keyboard working,” he sang into the mic after the issue was resolved. Happy, indeed: Despite being 68 years old, Jordan proceeded to dance endlessly throughout the night.
The band’s 1972 hit, “Cisco Kid,” leaned on a shuffle-beat and a plethora of Latin percussion, while “Spill the Wine” commenced with a familiar keys hook, accompanied by harmonizing flute and harmonica. Meanwhile, the upbeat reggae jam, “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” inspired contagious dancing around the amphitheater.
Then, the distinct ting of a cowbell and what might be the grooviest bass line of all time gave way to an extended jam of 1975’s “Low Rider” along with rotating solos.
To conclude the evening, Stanley Behrens eased into a bluesy harmonica rendition of The National Anthem, playing it perfectly and in its entirety.
PHOTO GALLERY: War and Los Lonely Boys at Meijer Gardens
Photos by Anthony Norkus
