Interlochen is a performance venue for all kinds of artists. Kresge Auditorium is the main theatre, outdoor and covered and seating 5,000 people. Each summer, Interlochen hosts a summer series of artists who perform in Kresge. We've never been ones to buy tickets. Until this year.
Two performances caught my eye immediately: Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, and Gavin DeGraw with Andy Grammer. I got online and bought the tickets.
Steve Martin's show was sold out within two days. I was glad to get the three tickets that I did, but you better believe we weren't sitting next to each other. Steve Martin began playing the banjo when he was 17, and he is now considered one of the best banjo players in the US, winning a grammy for a CD released in 2010. Who knew??? The Steep Canyon Rangers are his "back-up" band, although they are a performing group in their own right, only joining with Steve Martin on occasion. The evening was filled with bluegrass music, banjo playing, singing (including a hilarious song about atheists and their lack of music) and comedy. We were there almost two hours, but I could have listened another four. I loved it, and if I ever have a chance to hear the group again, I'll be there.
Then, last night, the entire family headed to hear Andy Grammer and Gavin DeGraw. We know their songs from the radio, and we were excited to hear them live. Wow. What a great performance. Andy Grammer actually spent a lot of time in the audience, including running through our aisle and high-fiving Markie-Boy! It's amazing to see these artists (Steve Martin among them) who are multi-dimensional. Andy was also a great dancer AND a kind person. He came out after the performance to take pictures with anyone and everyone, and talk to everybody who stayed around.
Here's the video for his latest song, "Fine By Me": Fine By Me
Gavin did a great job too. It was obvious that most of the audience was there for him, and yet he remained humble and friendly. He also met the audience members afterwards although he had to remain on stage so that he wouldn't get swarmed by teenage girls. John actually went up to him and told him how much we liked him which earned a quick conversation with the star along with a fist bump and finally a hand shake. Too, John got a t-shirt signed by Gavin...for me.
Steve Martin's show was sold out within two days. I was glad to get the three tickets that I did, but you better believe we weren't sitting next to each other. Steve Martin began playing the banjo when he was 17, and he is now considered one of the best banjo players in the US, winning a grammy for a CD released in 2010. Who knew??? The Steep Canyon Rangers are his "back-up" band, although they are a performing group in their own right, only joining with Steve Martin on occasion. The evening was filled with bluegrass music, banjo playing, singing (including a hilarious song about atheists and their lack of music) and comedy. We were there almost two hours, but I could have listened another four. I loved it, and if I ever have a chance to hear the group again, I'll be there.
Then, last night, the entire family headed to hear Andy Grammer and Gavin DeGraw. We know their songs from the radio, and we were excited to hear them live. Wow. What a great performance. Andy Grammer actually spent a lot of time in the audience, including running through our aisle and high-fiving Markie-Boy! It's amazing to see these artists (Steve Martin among them) who are multi-dimensional. Andy was also a great dancer AND a kind person. He came out after the performance to take pictures with anyone and everyone, and talk to everybody who stayed around.Here's the video for his latest song, "Fine By Me": Fine By Me
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| After the show. Andy Grammer posted this on his website!! |
Gavin did a great job too. It was obvious that most of the audience was there for him, and yet he remained humble and friendly. He also met the audience members afterwards although he had to remain on stage so that he wouldn't get swarmed by teenage girls. John actually went up to him and told him how much we liked him which earned a quick conversation with the star along with a fist bump and finally a hand shake. Too, John got a t-shirt signed by Gavin...for me.
For buying tickets for the first time in four years here, and for attending two performances in back-to-back nights, it was a great experience. Let's do it again!
How fun and I had no idea Steve Martin could play the banjo! I love reading all about your time at Interlochen.
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