While the complete lineup will not be announced until mid-April, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park revealed four dates of its Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts.
Here’s the first taste of what’s to come this summer.
The Monkees: Wednesday, June 8
Celebrating 50 years as a band, the Monkees are still on the road playing their signature tunes, like “I’m a Believer,” “Last Train to Clarksville,” “(I’m Not) Your Steppin’ Stone,” “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” and, of course, “Daydream Believer.” While the complete classic Monkees roster included Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, and the late Davy Jones, this tour features Dolenz and Tork. The Monkees have been making headlines this year as their ’60s sitcom is getting a Blu-Ray remastered box set. The guys are also working on a new studio album, Good Times! The new disc features newly penned tunes from a star-studded cast of songwriters, including: Rivers Cuomo of Weezer, Noel Gallagher of Oasis, Death Cab For Cutie’s Ben Gibbard, Carole King and Neil Diamond.
Of Monsters and Men: Monday, June 13
Of Monsters and Men hit it big in 2011 with its smash-pop hit, “Little Talks.” The Icelandic quintet's full-length debut My Head Is An Animal topped the Billboard Top 200 and has sold more than 2 million albums across the globe. The group has performed at huge festivals, like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Coachella, Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, to name only a few. For a more intimate taste, catch them June 13 at Meijer Gardens.
The Decemberists: Monday, July 11
The Decemberists formed 16 years ago in Portland, Ore. and quickly developed a signature Americana-pop sound that blends ’60s folk influences with hints of ’80s alternative rock. The band, featuring Colin Meloy (vocals/guitar), Chris Funk (guitars), Jenny Conlee (keyboards), Nate Query (bass) and John Moen (drums), plays July 11 at Meijer Gardens. To catch up on their catalog before the show, pick up the band’s seventh full-length album, 2015’s What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World on Capitol Records.
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals: Wednesday, July 13
The guitar slingin’ Ben Harper first caught some buzz back in the early ’90s for his dynamic mixture of folk-rock, worldbeat, soul and blues. Over the years, his songwriting skills helped him nab three Grammy Awards: Best Pop Instrumental Performance, Blues Album and Traditional Soul Gospel Album. The Meijer Gardens set will likely include some of his signature tunes, like “Steal My Kisses,” “Forever,” “Walk Away,” “Waiting On an Angel” and, the classic marijuana-puffin’ anthem, “Burn One Down.”
Tickets?
Members of Meijer Gardens can purchase tickets during a members-only presale, which runs April 30-May 13. During the pre-sale, members receive a $5 discount per ticket. To join or renew before April 30, visit meijergardens.org/membership.
General public sales open May 14. Further ticket information will be available following the release of the full lineup in mid-April.
