Sheryl Crow and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra Enchant a Packed Crowd

Sandra Miska

On Friday night legendary singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow brought down the house at her first of two shows at the Hollywood Bowl.  Crow was accompanied by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, led by conductor Thomas Wilkins.

It was Wilkins who introduced Crow, whom he recognized as a great humanitarian and cancer survivor, among other things.  It’s hard to believe, since she appeared so ageless onstage in her leather pants and chic tank, but has been 22 years since the release of her debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club, something Crow reminded the audience before she broke into her first ever single, “Run Baby Run,” a song she recalled writing the night President Clinton was elected in 1992.

At 53, Crow is showing no signs of slowing down.  Before launching into her newer song “Best of Times,” she declared the best days for her and her band were still ahead.

Crow, who has dated actor Owen Wilson and was once engaged to cyclist Lance Armstrong, has never been married, something she seems more than fine with, stating that the state of matrimony isn’t worth the hassle.

“This is a love song to my future extra husband,” she joked before playing the heartfelt “Give It To Me.”

Crow hasn’t let her single status stop her from experiencing motherhood.  She is the proud mother to two sons, Wyatt, 8, and Levi, 5.  Crow got a laugh from the crowd when joked about the time Wyatt asked her why God made things like mosquitoes and snot.

“When you get to Heaven, you’ll have to ask her!”

Other highlights of the show include the beautiful ballad “Strong Enough,” that was extra special with the orchestra accompaniment.  The crowd sang along to “All I Wanna Do,” a song Crow first performed at the Formosa Cafe.  Originally from Missouri, Crow has called Los Angeles home for the past 27 years.  She fondly recalled her first apartment, which was only half a mile from the Bowl.

After the orchestra retired for the night, Crow treated the crowd to a rousing encore, which included the perfect summer hit “Soak Up the Sun” and the catchy “Every day is a Winding Road.”

Sheryl Crow performed at the Hollywood Bowl August 7 & 8.