An operatic Josh Groban flawlessly interprets others, plus Preservation Hall Jazz Band at 60

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The wait to hear selections from 2020’s “Harmony” was finally over when Josh Groban brought his operatic vocals, classy band, local orchestra and choir, plus gorgeous production to the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park.

In keeping with the project’s covers theme, the classical crossover star demonstrated just how versatile his voice can be thanks to Frank Sinatra’s “The World We Knew (Over And Over),” Sting’s “Shape Of My Heart” and Robbie Williams’ “Angels.”

Groban is certainly a songwriter in his own regard and a stylist of others who craft with him in mind, so he made just as much of a connection to “February Song,” “Granted,” and later, “The Fullest.”

In between, Groban offered his wit and conversational style to the committed crowd, while giving glorious violinist/singer Lucia Micarelli a chance to solo and introducing Chicago’s own Eleri Ward for a duet of “Not While I’m Around” (from Broadway’s “Sweeny Todd”) after opening with a charming set of Stephen Sondheim standards in a folksy framework.

The headliner also tackled the folk, rock and pop pleasantries of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now,” Peter Gabriel’s “The Book Of Love” and Kenny Loggins’ “Celebrate Me Home,” along with mastering a variety of languages and even an unexpected drum solo.

However, it was “You Raise Me Up” that really got the cellphone lights and hands waving in the air as he flawlessly delivered what’s unquestionably the quintessential version out of countless other renditions.

Another round of textbook performances came from the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, a fellow support act who typically top the bill at the New Orleans venue that bears its name and is currently celebrating a 60th anniversary.

Thanks to its next generation of players, the troupe brilliantly bridged traditional and contemporary styles that was completely free of fluff, heavy on genuine musicianship and tapped into the uplifting essence of the lovely evening.

For additional information on Josh Groban, visit JoshGroban.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre include Santana and Earth, Wind & Fire (Jul. 2); Halsey (Jul. 3); Train, Jewel and Blues Traveler (Jul. 15); Rod Stewart and Cheap Trick (Jul. 16); The Black Keys (Jul. 17); Chicago and Brian Wilson (Jul. 24); Backstreet Boys (Jul. 29); Kidz Bop (Jul. 31); OneRepublic (Aug. 3); Chris Brown (Aug. 4); Rob Zombie and Mudvayne (Aug. 5); Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin (Aug. 7); Jason Aldean (Aug. 12); Incubus and Sublime With Rome (Aug. 14); Kid Rock and Foreigner (Aug. 19); Korn and Evanescence (Aug. 20); Alice In Chains, Breaking Benjamin and Bush (Aug. 24); Imagine Dragons (Aug. 26); Sammy Hagar & The Circle and George Thorogood & The Destroyers (Aug. 27); “Encanto”: The Sing Along Film Concert (Aug. 28); Wu-Tang Clan and Nas (Sept. 2); Luke Bryan (Sept. 10); Keith Urban (Sept. 24) and Five Finger Death Punch and Megadeth (Sept. 30). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

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An operatic Josh Groban flawlessly interprets others, plus Preservation Hall Jazz Band at 60

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