Grammer during a 2011 show
Concert Review
Andy Grammer
Avalon Ballroom
Inside Fallsview Casino
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Friday April 1, 2016
Review: Joseph Suto
Life is good for Andy Grammer these days. The artist has come a long way since his debut release in 2011. Since then he has released a top 25 album as well as a top ten single in “Honey I’m Good”. Grammer got his start by performing on the streets of Los Angeles. Friday evening here he was headlining the posh Avalon Ballroom inside the Fallsview Casino for the first show of a two night engagement. Grammer did not disappoint as he was able to show his fans how far he has come in just a few years.
Grammer started off the show gradually as he noted early on. He wanted to slowly captivate the crowd and that was exactly what he did. Grammer wears his influences on his sleeve as he demonstrated throughout his 75-minute performance. He had a thorough mix of songs he played on the guitar and keyboard as he alternated between the two all night. He also played the trumpet on the “Holding On/Trumpets” mash-up for added measure.
As the show went on the songs became bigger. Highlights included “Miss Me” as well as a great cover version of Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars”, a song Grammer noted is one he doesn’t even consider a cover as he has really made it his own. The show closed with his two biggest songs the optimistic “Keep Your Head Up” and “Honey I’m Good” which cracked the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Grammer came out for a quick encore of his most recent single “Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah)” to close out the night.
Grammer recently appeared on Dancing With Stars which has given him more exposure to his music. Those seeing Grammer for the first time in concert on Friday were likely impressed with his songs and the honesty he puts into his songwriting. If all goes well by year’s end we’ll see the next album from Grammer with any luck.
Set List
Back Home
Fine By Me
Kiss You Slow
Forever
Lunatic
Ladies
Biggest Man In Los Angeles
All I Need
Co-Pilot
Blame It On The Stars
Holding Out/Trumpets
Miss Me
The Pocket
Chasing Cars
Keep Your Head Up
Honey I’m Good
Encore
Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)
Special thanks to Jennifer Murphy for the credentials
