Friday night at the Palace

The Palace of Auburn Hills was filled with energy and excitement on Friday night as the Lumineers brought their Cleopatra world tour to Michigan. Openers Andrew Bird and Margaret Glaspy took the stage first, playing to a somewhat distracted crowd that was still busy getting settled and making trips to the merchandise tables and concession stands. But when Glaspy began to play her electric guitar under the glow of a blue spotlight, the crowd was captivated.

Andrew Bird played next, his style and sound more closely resembling the Lumineers, fueling the crowd’s anticipation. He swayed at the microphone while playing his violin, alternating between plucking it with his fingers or dragging the fraying bow across the strings.

The arena had changed dramatically during the two hours since the doors were open- every seat was filled, the general admission pit was congested with people and the anticipatory energy was palpable. It all culmintated in a powerful roar from the crowd when the large black curtain that had been hiding the stage fell to the ground in a dramatic reveal.The Lumineers were spread across the stage, each with a microphone and instrument in front of them, immediately commanding the attention and adoration of the crowd.

But it wasn’t until the first few note of “Ho, Hey!” began to play that the true intensity of the crowd was felt, obviously pleasing the performers. Lead singer Wesley Schultz invited the crowd to sing along, which they enthusiastically accepted. The united voice of the audience soon overpowered Schultz, who continued to play his guitar as he walked out to the edge of the stage. Cellist Neyla Pekarek and percussionist Jeremiah Fraites smiled to each other across the stage as Schultz returned to his spot in the center at the conclusion of the song, the crowd cheering fiercely.