CELEBRATING 10 YEARS!

Buy us a beer!

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS!

Buy us a beer!

Laith Al-Saadi at Sonic Lunch 2021

by | Aug 27, 2021 | Music | 0 comments

Bluesman extraordinaire Laith Al-Saadi celebrates his lucky thirteenth performance at Sonic Lunch 2021 in Ann Arbor with guests Al Bettis and the Detroit Youth Choir.

Sonic Lunch 2021 - Laith

Laith Al-Saadi at Sonic Lunch 2021

Each show we attend in 2021 seems to be packed with emotion. Seeing Laith Al-Saadi at Sonic Lunch 2021 is no exception. When we arrived, we saw Laith near the stage shortly after soundcheck. Seeing his smiling face is a joy. Laith mentioned how good it was to see our faces. We couldn’t have agreed more as the tide of emotions rippled among us.

Not attending events like Sonic Lunch for 18 months leaves you a bit shell-shocked when you see someone again. It was incredibly hard to watch how the pandemic impacted so many people. In particular, our friends in the music and beer industries. I felt fortunate to have been able to share some virtual time over the pandemic with Laith and his fans on Fans With Bands. However, the gift of being able to see him now makes me so very thankful.

Sonic Lunch 2021 - Laith

In case you are new to Sonic Lunch, it is a wonderful outdoor music series sponsored by the Bank of Ann Arbor. Leading the cheerleading each year is Ann Arbor’s 107one and Morning Host Martin Bandyke. Since 2008, this showcase has brought a wealth of local and national talent to downtown Ann Arbor. With food, a warm summer breeze, and the air singing with music, Sonic Lunch is a highlight of the summer in the city.

Al Bettis

Opening up today’s show at Sonic Lunch 2021 is Al Bettis. The sun felt nearly as wonderful as hearing Al Bettis’s soulful voice and guitar. Our first time hearing Al Bettis is a treat. I immediately looked up his music on iTunes. Al’s music is a sumptuous mix of folk, soul, and jazz. His phrasing with his voice and guitar is impeccable. I would definitely recommend checking out Al Bettis if you get a chance.

Sonic Lunch 2021 - Al Bettis
Sonic Lunch 2021 - Al Bettis

Detroit Youth Choir

The Detroit Youth Choir provided us with another first for Sonic Lunch 2021. They are an amazing group of young artists. Their performance is both visually and sonically enthralling. Various members of the choir took on lead vocal duties as the rest provided soaring backups. Their director Anthony White mentioned that Bank of Ann Arbor donated five thousand dollars to the Detroit Youth Concert Choir and Performing Arts Company to help them continue their mission of providing opportunities in the performing arts for Detroit kids. Their set of tunes from Motown to Hamilton was magic.

Sonic Lunch 2021 - Detroit Youth Choir
Sonic Lunch 2021 - Detroit Youth Choir
Sonic Lunch 2021 - Detroit Youth Choir
Sonic Lunch 2021 - Detroit Youth Choir

Laith Al-Saadi

As we cheered seeing Laith take the stage, my mind went back to the first time I saw him. It was Goodnight Gracie’s (which is now The Last Word). I left with my jaw on the floor after hearing him. I believe the draw to attend my first Sonic Lunch can be attributed to Laith. He is a stalwart in the blues scene and my lord he was on fire at Sonic Lunch 2021.

Sonic Lunch 2021 - Laith

Laith took just a moment to thank everyone for coming out and then proceeded to make us smile. Joining Laith at Sonic Lunch 2021 is his diehard rhythm section featuring Mark Damian (drums) and David Stearns (bass). Together they jammed our favorite Laith tunes and a few key covers.

Sonic Lunch 2021 - Laith
Sonic Lunch 2021 - Laith
Sonic Lunch 2021 - Laith

Just prior to the pandemic Laith recorded a new album. There is a new Laith album just waiting for the world. We just need it to be safe enough for him to tour to support it. As a treat, we got a small taste with new songs “Like A Dead Man in the Ground” and “I Should Have Questioned Her Motivation”. Each has the trademark fiery guitar combined with soulful vocals that only Laith can deliver.

Pictures

Sonic Lunch 2021 - Laith

Sonic Lunch 2021 was a tasty treat on this summer day in Ann Arbor. Laith, the Detroit Youth Choir, and Al Bettis made the skies that much brighter. We’ve got a few more pictures in our gallery. If you were at the show, let us know and share a comment.

Become a Supporter!

Would you like your very own Life In Michigan t-shirt? Become a Patron! Patronage from people like you who enjoy our stories is what keeps Life in Michigan going strong. If you have the means, consider showing your support on our Patreon Page.

Share the News

If you enjoyed the story, then share it on your favorite social media venue or send it as a link to your friends and family. This is good for everyone!

Stay Connected

We’d really love it if you’d like our Facebook page. After you subscribe to our newsletter, Life In Michigan posts are delivered directly to your email box. You can also find us on Instagram. Cheers!

Follow LifeinMichigan

Life in Michigan Archives

Recommended Reading

Pin It on Pinterest