Summer Concert Series
Buena Vista Social Orchestra plays Meijer Gardens
by (John Kissane)
Submitted 09-16-2024 under OPINION
In 1932, the BuenaVista Social Club was formed in Havana, Cuba. At the time, Cuba was segregated; the club was one of many sociedades de negros, or black societies, with roots in 19th century fraternities founded by African slaves. You couldn't...
Pat Metheny, Bruce Hornsby hypnotize Meijer Gardens crowd
by (yuengerr)
Submitted 08-01-2014 under OPINION
The crowd has fallen silent, captivated by the smooth jazz lullabye. The birds and insects of Meijer Gardens can be heard calling out to each other as if they know the tune flowing from the guitar of Pat Metheny. Not a single member of the...
Railroad Earth breathes inspired life into Meijer Gardens
by (yuengerr)
Submitted 07-09-2014 under OPINION
A crisp gust of wind shakes the Meijer Gardens trees with applause as the Americana inspired Railroad Earth, affectionately known as “Railroad” among fans, takes the stage; the first act in a co-headlining performance with Yonder...
Tedeschi Trucks Band sends local man on spiritual journey
by (yuengerr)
Submitted 06-23-2014 under OPINION
Tedeschi Trucks Band (TTB) is more of a jam orchestra than a band. And for Charlie Jones, a local engineer, listening to them perform at Meijer Gardens on Saturday was nothing short of a spiritual experience. Led by husband-wife duo Susan Tedeschi...
John Butler Trio fans jump onstage during memorable concert
by (yuengerr)
Submitted 08-05-2013 under OPINION
From busking on the streets of Fremantle, Australia to performing a sold out shows with John Butler Trio, John Butler’s diverse and intricate guitar playing has captivated crowds all over the world, including his most recent stop at Frederik...
David Byrne and St. Vincent burn down the house at Meijer Gardens
by (yuengerr)
Submitted 07-10-2013 under OPINION
David Byrne has always been an eclectic musician. During his days as the frontman of Talking Heads, hoards of people were turned on to his quirky, uplifting-yet-serious songs including hits like “Life During Wartime” and “Psycho...
Umphrey's McGee celebrates America with musical fireworks
by (yuengerr)
Submitted 07-05-2013 under OPINION
“Yes Michigan, it is great to be back” were the words that greeted fans of Umphrey’s McGee on a refreshingly cloudy day at Frederik Meijer Gardens. Umphrey’s first played Grand Rapids in 1999 to a very small crowd at...
Gov't Mule treats Meijer Gardens to powerful night of southern rock
by (yuengerr)
Submitted 06-19-2013 under OPINION
Hiding from the sun under a tree at Meijer Gardens, I watched both dread-headed Deadheads to polo-shirted business casuals nod along to Frank Zappa songs as they waited for Gov’t Mule to begin their performance as part of the annual Frederick...
Ralston and friends bringing summer to a close at Frederick Meijer Gardens this Tuesday night
by (jtstoner)
Submitted 08-27-2012 under OPINION
Local folk musician Ralston Bowles has been a leading figure in the Tuesday Evening Music Club, a summer concert series at the Frederick Meijer Gardens' 1900-seat outdoor amphitheater, since its inception. The event showcases locally grown...