Lyle Lovett Making Friends in GR

 

There is a certain joy to hearing outdoor concerts in Michigan during the summer. The birds and wildlife seem to enjoy the music as much as we do, and the lack of walls and ceilings seem to allow the melodies to reach out to the entire world, unobstructed.

The state is dotted with several beautiful amphitheaters, all designed for performances under the stars. Some are small stages built in the city or county parks for small ensembles. Others are professional facilities with sophisticated lighting and sound systems that seat thousands of patrons.

I recently visited one the most popular outdoor concert venues, the amphitheater at the Frederik Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. The 1900 seat theater is so popular that most events are sold out far in advance. The park and the amphitheater first opened in 1995 and it has become a major tourist attraction in Michigan. The beauty of the lush gardens and sculptures enhance the listening experience.

I attended the Lyle Lovett and his Large Band concert in mid-June, which has performed at Meijer Gardens since the park opened. John VanderHaagen, Director of Communications for the park says, “It’s like Lyle Lovett is our house band.  What a house band!”

It was my first visit to the concert venue and I must admit that I wasn’t ready for the strict entrance rules for the audience. Lawn chairs must be the low-to-the-ground beach chair type, your belongings are inspected, and no opened liquid bottles are permitted. Full size lawn chairs can be rented and the seating is on each side of the main seating. Because it is general admission, people usually arrive when the doors are first opened, about an hour before showtime.  

Clearly Lyle Lovett is a Grand Rapids favorite. The audience welcomed him to the stage like an old friend. Lovett is a unique performer. He nurtures a close relationship between himself and his fans. He speaks to the audience about kids, families, marriages and he even takes cell phone pictures of the crowd. Lovett introduces fans who are having birthdays or new babies.

This summer, Lovett has a huge tour schedule – over 50 dates.  He travels with a robust 14-piece band – steel guitar, 2 saxes, trumpet, trombone, fiddle, rhythm section and guitars.  The large instrumentation enables Lovett to sing a wide variety of songs and styles – Motown, funk, bluegrass, country, cowboy, and even Celtic.  

The musical talent on stage is impressive. Most of the musicians are seasoned performers who have played with some of the greatest touring artists in the US. But not all. The fiddler, for instance, is a man in his early 20s who has known Lovett since he was in high school.

 As part of his stage patter Lovett not only introduces the band, but he interviews them. The delighted audience has a chance to hear entertaining stories of their touring and musical experiences.

In addition to his instrumentalists, Lovett also includes a hot trio of R&B-type backup singers. They add an extra spice to the stage.

Lovett’s songs are quirky, funny, and musically interesting. They appeal to people of every musical taste, which is one of the reasons that Lovett has been filling up his tours dates for over 20 years.

With the stories, humor and outstanding music, the audience was totally engaged. At times it reminded me of a Garrison Keillor (Prairie Home Companion) show; lots of fun, variety and great talent.

The concert took place in mid June and Lovett looked out into the lovely beautiful warm evening and joyful audience and said, “It’s wonderful to be here in the early summer.  Michiganders seem to really celebrate the summer.”

Indeed we do, and outdoor concerts help in the festivities. Great music and surroundings help to make el fresco music a wonderous evening in Michigan.