Jonathan Butler and Kirk Whallum
by Jayson V on 8/23/23Rating: 4 out of 5Solid to good experience. The sound for the headlining artist. The other artist sets were excellent.

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JONATHAN BUTLER IN CONCERT:
Singer-songwriter Jonathan Butler became an apartheid hero in the ‘70s when his teenage debut single became the first song by a black artist to receive airplay on white radio stations in his native South Africa. Nearly 40 years later, he remains an enduring icon of positive social change through music, gracing audiences with his uplifting voice on inspiring performances of his early South African music and later classics like “Lies.” At his 2013 dates, Butler was joined on stage by his daughter, whose continued presence on tour as a backing singer ensures more spiritually satisfying shows in 2014.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Born in apartheid-era Cape Town, the precocious young Butler showed musical promise from an early age, beginning to tour at just age seven before going on to achieve success as a teen recording idol. After a stint with South African jazz-rock legends Pacific Express, Butler signed to Jive records, relocating to the UK to continue writing and recording. He achieved his biggest international success in 1987 with “Lies,” a Grammy-nominated hit that landed at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over the course of his decade-spanning career, Butler has released more than 20 albums, exploring a broad range of styles including jazz, pop, and gospel. Following the release of a Christmas album in 2013, Butler is once again the road for a string of highly anticipated North American dates.
FANS WHO BOUGHT TICKETS SAY:
“Jonathan Butler feels every note he plays and sings, this was quite an evening with great music.”
“Musician, singer, songwriter Jonathan Butler provides a solid evening of entertainment featuring songs he has written, many made famous by other stars, but superbly covered by this great artist. His musicianship is stellar and his voice always a delight.”
“If Jonathan Butler ever comes close to your location, you must go. These days his daughter, Jody Butler, is performing with him. She's an unexpected treat.”
Solid to good experience. The sound for the headlining artist. The other artist sets were excellent.
Jonathan Butler was more a gospel concert not a JAZZ Concert. He had significant technical issues
This concert was great for the mind, body and soul. The lineup was great. The talent was excellent. I would attend again.
I throughly enjoyed the concert! My only complaint was the headliner ( Jonathan Butler’s) set was too short, and the opening act stayed on too long! I left wanting to hear more music from Jonathan Butler! Although Mr. Butler’s time was limited he did an outstanding job!
The absolute best show that I ever seen and I have seen concerts all over the world
Every performance was outstanding. Love love love. Come back next year.
I finally got to see my guitar hero Lee Ritenour and his awesome sidekick Eric Marienthal. The rest of the show was a wonderful mix of high energy sax from Vincent Ingala and spirituality from Jonathan Butler. All in a wonderful venue! AMAZING!!!
I’m a guitarist and a huge fan of Lee Ritenour. It seemed obvious to me at least that the band was struggling to gel this night. There’s a million reasons for this and have been there myself so hard to be critical about that. I was disappointed that he only played half the set but maybe a good reason for it. Jonathan Butlers act was 180 degrees from his music when I was familiar with him 20 to 30 years ago. I can appreciate him embracing his heritage but the current stuff is not my cup of tea. My main disappointment was the sound crew. If you love bass and drums and not interested in the rest of the instruments, you may have enjoyed it. Otherwise it was terrible!!!! I moved all around the room to see if that helped but didn’t. Even Mr. Butler kept pointing at his guitar then pointing up in the air to the sound booth to try to get them to bump it up but no one paying attention. He finally gave up. Please spring for some professionals next time in the booth.
The musicians and the venue were outstanding! It was awesome being a part of a very entertaining evening!
Performances from Pieces of a Dream and Jonathan Butler were great. Only complaint was Butler was signalled to come off of the stage when he was about to do an encore. I was very disappointed with that.
The performance was outstanding however this turned into a gospel concert. If I had wanted to be at a gospel concert I would have paid for one. I realize you have no control over music that is sung during the midst but thought i wanted to get this off my mind. Thank You
Pieces Of A Dream and Jonathan Butler gave a great show.
The concert was awesome. I lived how he showcased his wife.
Excellent experience and will return back for more concerts.
First of all, Pieces of a Dream, who led off the show gave a fun and exciting performance. Jonathan Butler's show was more basic with slower interludes and preachy segments. Almost religious. Not quite the jazz performance I wanted.
As always, I completely enjoyed the music of Jonathan Butler. Unfortunately, as a non-smoker, I was completely overwhelmed by the cloud of marijuana and tobacco smoke. Ruined my evening and I was as sick the next morning. I love the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater. I really wish that those responsible would do something about the smoking during events. Isn’t the Aretha was a non-smoking establishment?
Had a good time and was well worth it. Enjoy Jonathan Butler every time I have seen him. Richard Elliott gave a great show also and the Roger Tribute was outstanding.
This concert was fantastic. Amazing performances! I can't wait to see them again!
Venue was hot! Unbearable Seating was nice Noise was at a minimum
We really enjoyed Richard Elliott we were somewhat okay with the vocalist completely glad that we didn’t have set through Jonathan butler set to hear good jazz!!!!