A Weekend at Interlochen

July 24, 2015

What could be better than a great summer weekend and a concert at Interlochen? A great summer weekend and three concerts at Interlochen!

THE BEACH BOYS

July 30

Continuing the tradition of what was perhaps the only band to truly capture the audio soul of a California summer is this classic act, now led by original member Mike Love and mid-1960s addition Bruce Johnston (an Interlochen camp alumnus!). You won't see nor hear from the band's groundbreaking songwriter Brian Wilson (he’s on tour elsewhere this summer with his new solo album, the wrylynamed No Pier Pressure), but you'll still get to relive many of the Beach Boys’ classic hits — from “Surfin’ Safari” and “Don’t Worry Baby” to “Fun Fun Fun” — at this energetic and fun live show. You might even hear a few tracks from the band’s 2012 50th anniversary album, That’s Why God Made the Radio. Longtime fans might find it a little weird to see only two of the “real” band members on stage, but the Beach Boys’ ’60s-era roster of songs is so incredibly strong that this is still an impressive show, especially with the help of their backing band rallying to offer those always glorious Beach Boys vocal harmonies.

HARRY CONNICK JR.

July 31

This three-time Grammy Award winner is another class act, or perhaps vintage is a better way to put it, since much of Connick’s repertoire draws on jazz standards to which he adds his top-drawer piano work and distinctive, expressive vocals. You may have seen him on screens big and small, as well as on stage, via his roles in such films as “Independence Day” and TV series “Law and Order.” If you’re a reality show buff, you’ll recognize him as one of the judges on singing competition show “American Idol”. But, at Interlochen, it’s going to be all about the music, as Connick’s live show promises swoony, piano-based jazz numbers inflected with plenty of pop, swing and New Orleans sounds, well-ingrained in the performer from his Louisiana hometown. If you’ve ever seen him live before, you’ll know that Connick has a pretty good sense of humor, too.

DIANA KRALL

Aug. 1

Canadian jazz pianist/singer Krall — who also happens to be married to another previous Interlochen performer, legendary singer-songwriter Elvis Costello — is known for her unique contralto vocal stylings and has a solid lock on adult contemporary radio. Fans familiar with her 15 studio/live albums will find she’s pulling from well back in her archives for many of the songs she’s been performing so far on this tour, which most often showcases her on the keys of her favorite Steinway piano. She’s also been known to add a few selections from her latest album, 2015’s Wallflower, on which she interprets versions of some of her favorite tunes from days past, such as Elton John’s “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word.” For a true Interlochen weekend twist, here’s hoping she’ll include her take on The Beach Boys’ own “California Dreamin’”, which she begins a cappella and then shifts into a jazzy, bossa-nova inspired tune.

All three shows begin at 8pm at Interlochen’s Kresge Auditorium. For tickets and more information, visit tickets.interlochen.org.