Reviews: Eric Clapton, Don Henley and Jewel, Chris Stapleton, Vince Staples, Tennis

For this week’s selected concert reviews we have compiled write-ups about Eric Clapton in New York; Don Henley and Jewel in New Zealand; Chris Stapleton in Ottawa; Vince Staples in Columbus; and Tennis in Washington, D.C.
Eric Clapton
Luiz C. Ribeiro / Invision / AP – Eric Clapton
“70th Birthday Celebration,” Madison Square Garden Arena, New York City
Eric Clapton @ Madison Square Garden Arena in New York, N.Y., March 19  – “[H]is guitar playing remains a marvel – fast and fluid, seemingly effortless even at its most intricate. The giant video screens frequently showed his hands, close up, and it was absolutely mesmerizing.” – Jay Lustig / NorthJersey.com
Don Henley and Jewel @ Horncastle Arena in Christchurch, N.Z., March 21  – “Delivering the more than two-hour show he promised at the outset, Henley gave intriguing and informative backstories and contexts to most of the songs he performed. … [I]t was [Jewel’s] singing that left them stunned, bookended by an acapella version of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and yodeling that would make even the Topp Twins green with envy.” – James Croot / Stuff
Chris Stapleton @ Canadian Tire Centre in Ottowa, Canada, March 19 – “Although casual fans may have felt there was an awful lot of slow songs on the menu, Stapleton had no problem maintaining attention through the sheer emotional impact of his songwriting. Not to undermine the passion of the band’s playing, but the warmest reaction of the night came for a solo, acoustic tune. All Stapleton had to do, as the old saying goes, was stay out of the way and let the song work its magic.” – Lynn Saxberg / Ottawa Citizen
Vince Staples @ Newport Music Hall in Columbus, Ohio, March 22 – “In the end, the concert was far better than I thought it was going to be.  And for that, I’m sorry that I ever doubted Vince Staples, because he sure put on one hell of a show.” – Ebo Amissah-Aggrey / The Lantern
Tennis @ 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., March 19 – “At times a 1970s after-prom and at others a midnight beach bonfire, Tennis transcended the dimly-lit club in which they performed. It was lovely to say the least, and overall a charming and enthralling concert for the audience. With a fresh opening act and an authentic, ethereal performance by Tennis, it was truly an unforgettable night.” – Claire Goldberg / The Georgetown Voice
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