Crowd waiting after AOK opener /Brittany Devon
Tegan and Sara singing 'Drove Me Wild' /Brittany Devon
On August 17, 2017, the amphitheater at Frederik Meijer Gardens filled up with fans of all ages. Everyone came together to sing along to the well known lyrics of Tegan and Sara.
The show was opened by AOK, a Grand Rapids duo that features pop electronic music. AOK did a great job of warming up the crowd.
The energy in preparation for the band was electric. As soon as the Canadian pop duo hit the stage, Sara sported a jacket that said “VULVA” four times over on the back. Sara was quick to address this, pairing it with their strong feminist views and talking about all of the “weird going on in the world.”
They quickly talked about the election, other happenings around the world, and said they find it important to use their voice for more than just singing. They did a beautiful job of acknowledging everything without speaking of anything specifically.
Sara made it clear that “everyone is safe here” and to all be kind to one another. This addressed the wide variety of people and ages that came out on Thursday night. Their mission of equality made the crowd only more pumped up. Their message was welcome.
They then talked about the last twenty years that they have been professionally recording together. This was the final show of their 2016 album “Love You to Death.” They spoke of their 2007 indie breakthrough album “The Con,” released ten years ago, as their ‘birth.’
The concert ranged songs from over all of their albums. Everyone in the crowd felt the empowerment these women shared. Transitioning from their pop to indie songs and back with ease, paired with witty sisterly banter in between, the crowd was roaring.
The concert was a great time for all. Large and colorful T & S balloons lined the stage in front of the band. They were just wrapping up the show with their hit single ‘Boyfriend’ from their latest album “LY2D” as the rain hit. Asking if it was safe to play another, they closed the show three songs early due to rain with ‘Closer’ from 2013 album “Heartthrob.”
The amphitheater fled out fast due to the hard rainfall, all with whispers of how everyone felt this was the first time they truly felt safe and could let go all year.
Inspiring many for the second time this year, Tegan and Sara brought their “Love You to Death” tour to Grand Rapids for the first time at Calvin College in October 2016.
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
We need your help.
If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
Please support The Rapidian and make a contribution today.