News Summary
Legendary R&B singer Chaka Khan captivated fans at Frederik Meijer Gardens with her iconic hits in a high-energy concert. The event featured a seamless flow of music, engaging performances by her band, and a lively atmosphere as attendees danced to classics like ‘Ain’t Nobody’ and ‘I’m Every Woman.’ Additionally, the concert announced the lineup for the 2025 summer series, promising a diverse range of shows. Sarena Rae opened the night, celebrating influential Black female artists, setting a positive tone for the evening.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Legendary R&B singer Chaka Khan delivered an electrifying performance at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on Wednesday evening, captivating a large audience with her renowned classics. The concert drew in fans, many of whom danced joyfully throughout her set.
A video wall displayed a highlight reel showcasing Chaka Khan’s five-decade career prior to her entrance, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. The performance included numerous hits, with no pauses between songs, ensuring a continuous flow of music that kept the energy high.
Among the notable songs performed were “Ain’t Nobody,” “Tell Me Something Good,” “Through the Fire,” and “I’m Every Woman,” all of which have become staples in her extensive discography. The concert also featured an arrangement of “My Funny Valentine,” as well as the band’s dynamic rendition of “A Night in Tunisia,” showcasing their versatility and talent.
Chaka Khan actively engaged with her band members throughout the show, frequently giving them opportunities to shine during the performance. Guitarist Jon Dretto, who was selected from numerous submissions, impressed the crowd with his impressive solos, even performing a portion of his set in the audience. Additionally, Melvin Lee Davis, Khan’s long-time collaborator and music director, offered captivating solos on a seven-string bass, utilizing pedals to create unique synth sounds that enhanced the overall musical experience.
The spectacular evening concluded with Chaka Khan waving to the audience as part of a grand finale, reinforcing her status as the “Queen of Funk.” The concert not only highlighted her talent but also her ability to connect with fans, leaving an indelible mark on the evening.
Sarena Rae opened the concert, delivering an uplifting set that honored influential Black female artists who shaped her musical journey. Rae’s performance set a positive and energetic tone for the night, capturing the audience’s attention and praise.
In addition to the highlights from the concert, the full lineup for the 2025 summer concert series at Meijer Gardens was announced, showcasing an impressive 34 unique shows from May 30 to September 14. This lineup is noted to be the largest in the history of the event, promising a wide range of musical experiences for attendees.
Tickets for the 2025 concert series will be available to members beginning at 9 a.m. on April 19, while the general public can purchase tickets starting April 26. The venue accommodates up to 1,900 attendees, featuring a general admission tiered lawn area for concert-goers.
Concert attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, low-rise chairs, and their own picnic food to enhance their experience during performances. Importantly, all concerts at Meijer Gardens are set to take place rain or shine, ensuring that the summer concert series will proceed regardless of weather conditions.
The 2025 summer series promises to offer a mix of returning artists and new acts, appealing to a diverse audience. The excitement surrounding the lineup and Chaka Khan’s recent performance has set a high standard for the upcoming concerts at Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
West Michigan Music Scene Thrives with Weekend Concerts
Grand Rapids Prepares for Concert Summer at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Additional Resources
- Local Spins: Chaka Khan at Meijer Gardens
- MLive: 2025 Summer Concert Lineup
- Fox17: Biggest Concert Series Ever
- Wikipedia: Chaka Khan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Concert
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
