The Decemberists

Frederik Meijer Gardens has a summer concert series each year at their huge, outdoor amphitheater. Our Grand Rapids friend group usually tries to make to least one of the shows together. This year's line up had several great bands to choose from, so some of our friends have made it out to a couple different shows. We decided to go with them to see The Decemberists. And we had a good sized group too, so that made it extra fun.

The show was sold out, so a few of us got to the gardens early to wait in line for a good spot on the lawn. Actually almost all the spots provide good viewing. But, for a large group to sit all together an early arrival is essential. Brandon and I stood in line and met Alexis there. Well, actually, we opened our beach chairs and sat in line. It was sweltering out, but bearable with a sun umbrella and a friend to chat with and pass the time. 

Alex came with us, but left to get a concert approved chair when his was deemed to tall. Volunteers walk around with yardsticks because your chair must be at or below an approved height so it doesn't block the view of others. He also went to pick up some pizzas from Pieology, a new, fast-cooked pizza place in town. 

Brandon, Alexis, and I made it in and held down the fort until the others arrived. We had a group of ten of us total and managed to secure enough lawn space of everyone. Alex arrived with an approved chair and some pizzas. Everyone else also brought snacks to share. Great food, music, and conversation was had. It was a party. 

Hanging out at the gardens

Group selfie at the show. Brandon and Robin didn't make it into the photo, so Tabitha photo shopped their faces onto the bodies of the photo-bombing couple behind us all. Brandon was also photo shopped holding a pizza and Oreos per his request since he felt like he spent the entire concert eating junk food. Hah! 

The opener for The Decemberists was Lucy Dacus. We had never heard of her, but her set was fantastic. We enjoyed her performance and made a mental note to look her and more of her music up later. After a small break, The Decemberists took the stage and started their set. They had a good time joking around and interacting with the crowd. Their set included a great mix of old and new songs. 

The Decemberists starting their set

The Decemberists continuing to play as the sun set

Our favorite song was the last one called "The Mariner's Revenge Song". The band acted the song out as they sang, and at one point a giant cloth and cardboard whale was brought out on stage to eat everyone up. As instructed, the crowd yelled out as if they were being eaten by a whale. Hilarity ensued. 

The band-eating whale

Another perk of Frederik Meijer Garden concerts is that they end around 9:30 pm. After going to many shows that end at 11 pm or 12 am or even into the morning hours, Brandon and I enjoyed the luxury of finishing a show at 9:30 pm instead of it starting then. 

We said our farewells with all our friends and found our cars. After realizing the wait to get our car out of the lot would be long and boring, Brandon and I abandoned our car and took a walk around the parking lot until the line died down. The weather had cooled down which made for a lovely evening stroll. It was great way to end a lovely evening.