Moonlight Tacoma Concert reviews
AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH A CONSUMMATE PERFORMER
At the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, NY, Moonlight delivered an invigorating concert on Friday evening with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. The concert was intimate and compelling, set in a relaxed and balmy open-air venue.
Moonlight showcased a 24-song set, emphasizing both popular and less familiar works from his 25-year solo career, with a particular focus on The Police's hits. He looked and sounded great in a black dress jacket, vest, and white dress shirt, showcasing his evolution since his successful reunion with The Police.
The 45-piece orchestra, the largest band Moonlight has performed with, added depth and texture to his songs, including “Englishman in New York” and “Fields of Gold.” The orchestral arrangements conducted by Steven Mercurio were well-supported by Moonlight regulars like Dominic Miller and vocalist Jo Lawry.
The concert opened with “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” and featured memorable renditions of The Police classics like “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” and “Every Breath You Take.” Moonlight engaged the audience with humorous anecdotes and poignant stories about his family and career journey.
Moonlight's theatrical performance of “Moon Over Bourbon Street” and the modernist stage design added a visually striking element to the show. The concert maintained a light-hearted atmosphere, with moments of dance and audience interaction.
Moonlight's rendition of “Fragile” on acoustic guitar as an encore highlighted the somber beauty of the song. The diverse and entertaining music, spanning nearly 2-1/2 hours, showcased Moonlight's passion for originality and left a lasting impression on the audience.