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Taken from MLive (June 23, 2016)
Michael Franti’s infectious energy sparks Meijer Gardens crowd
by Nate Reens | nreens@mlive.com, The Grand Rapids Press
Evelyn Weiss, 8, of Rockford, sings along with Michael Franti, during a Michael Franti and Spearhead concert at Meijer Gardens on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Tom Brenner | MLive.com) |
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Michael Franti can be hard to pin down with his sun-infused, reggae-rock sound that somehow easily mixes social and political justice lyrics into a let's-all-get-along vibe.
It took all of two songs for the bare-footed, dreadlocked singer-songwriter to win over a sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens Wednesday night.
Franti and his backing Spearhead band made quick work of getting fans on their feet, jumping, dancing and swaying to the beat as they waved their arms in the air, with an energy that has captivated Gardens crowds in recent years.
And inviting Evelyn Weiss, an 8-year-old Rockford girl, on stage to sing along on "Sounds of Sunshine" charmed even the most cynical in the crowd.
Weiss, a bit shy at the onset, warmed to the spotlight, following Franti around and leaning into guitarist J Bowman between chorus line duets with the 50-year-old lead singer.
Weiss' one-song performance nearly kept her on stage longer than the show's top act as Franti walked, danced and jammed among the crowd.
The California native, whose adoptive father grew up in a small Upper Peninsula town, wandered around the amphitheater as he drew liberally from his album catalog, including 2016's Soulrocker and 2008's All Rebel Rockers.
What he lacks in vocal range, Franti more than makes up for with his showmanship, feel-good persona and clear message of acceptance and harmony. He paid tribute to the victims of Orlando's Pulse nightclub shooting and musicians who have recently died, including Prince, the Eagles' Glenn Frey and David Bowie.
Opening act Chali 2na & The Funk Hunters, a Canadian electric and rap act, started the show with a 40-minute set.
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