REVIEW: ZZ Ward at Ann Arbor's Sonic Lunch

Madeline fetchiet | founder/writer

ANN ARBOR--ZZ Ward swooned the crowded downtown streets with a free concert today as part of Sonic Lunch.

If anything stands out about Ann Arbor it’s the diversity of people and cultures, but Ward came prepared. The gritty blonde commanded the audience, perking up ears of even the smallest listeners in strollers, to the oldest fans with hearing aids--she straight up killed it.

Her voice--a gravelly blend of Joss Stone and Adele--convinced me of her authenticity as a blues-rock artist. It became quickly obvious Ward doesn’t discriminate--not through her song topics, her target audience, or her musical ability. Less than half way through the show, Ward had already played guitar, piano, and harmonica, all while singing songs with a voice like molasses. Not only did she convince me of her ingenuity and identity as a blues-rock artist, but also as a keen and diverse musician and live performer.

It’s a special feat to capture the hodge-podge audience that Ann Arbor venues often have, but Ward’s setlist had something for most fans of the blues-rock-pop genre. My favorite (other than her current radio hit, Last Love Song) was an extra-soulful rendition of 365 Days, featuring a piano solo from Ward. She would later feature a harmonica, and perform self-written blues tunes. With their hands (and iPhones) in the air, the Ann Arbor people felt her.

Overall, expect quality from shows sponsored by Sonic Lunch, Bank of Ann Arbor and Ann Arbor’s 107.1. Sonic Lunch, which started as a free summer concert series with local artists in Liberty Plaza grew to attract hundreds every Thursday at noon. Now with a spacious viewing area, a large stage and plenty of the city’s finest patios to wine, dine and listen to the sounds of Tree Town, I’ve frequented the Plaza since the gig began.

My only complaint? That the show wasn’t longer! Ward gave Ann Arbor a rockin’ lunch hour, but with an artist who sounds just as good, if not better live than on her album, you can’t help but want an encore.

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