Thousands turn out for free summer concert as Nicole Henry kicks off the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival with powerhouse vocals and crowd connection.
Community spirit, soulful tributes open 102nd Redlands Bowl season
Thousands turn out for free summer concert as Nicole Henry kicks off the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival with powerhouse vocals and crowd connection.
REDLANDS, Calif. — Redlanders were looking for a reason to enjoy the cool evening weather, catch up with neighbors, and take in some great music — and the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival delivered.
Nicole Henry, returning to the Bowl for the third time, opened the 102nd season with a dynamic tribute to musical divas. Her set featured songs by Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin and more, as she welcomed attendees from near and far to the first act of the beloved summer tradition.
Organizers estimated a crowd of about 6,000, with visitors traveling from Adelanto, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga and beyond.
Nicole Henry, returning to the Bowl for the third time, opened the 102nd season with a dynamic tribute to musical divas. (Photo: Dave Card)
As festival-goers continued to stream in, organizers greeted the crowd and began the evening with the national anthem. But when no one stepped forward to sing it, something unexpected happened: the audience filled the silence. Starting softly, then growing in strength, the community did what it does best — came together and made it happen.
Henry was accompanied by the Festival Orchestra, conducted by longtime RBSMF collaborator Nolan Livesay. At one point, the two shared a playful moment as Henry began to sing a few lines, then stopped abruptly, prompting the orchestra to carry on without her, to the crowd’s delight. Livesay, a veteran conductor, has directed musical ensembles of all sizes across the Inland Empire.
Nicole Henry was accompanied by the Festival Orchestra, conducted by longtime RBSMF collaborator Nolan Livesay. (Photo: Dave Card)
SaraBeth Mollner, a longtime attendee, recently returned to Redlands and was thrilled to be back at the Bowl.
“This is world class,” she said. “I’m so glad Redlands has this.”
Others agreed.
“I thought it was a great show, and she was so connected with the audience,” said Pam Voll, who has attended many performances over the years.
Jay and Jennifer Nichols came with friends rather than their children on Friday night. Jennifer recalled The Spinners as her favorite past performance, while Jay said he enjoyed last year’s Mary Poppins musical.
The Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival, the nation’s longest-running music festival offering free admission, continues through Aug. 15 with most performances scheduled for Tuesday and Friday nights.
