After performing on Broadway in 2016 and 2017, Josh Groban returned to the studio to create his eighth album, Bridges. The Grammy Award-nominated singer takes the stage at Wolf Trap this month.
How did performing on Broadway influence Bridges?
I had done this musical theater album that was many, many years in the making. It was a dream project. It wound up being very, very successful and turned into a really long tour, that then turned into an actual Broadway show that took me out of the pop music world for another year, doing Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. During all those years, I found myself pacing around dressing rooms with a piano, coming up with song ideas. Bridges is the culmination of a lot of different experiences that were very inspiring to me. Sometimes, I go toward sadder and more melancholy songs. Bridges took on this higher energy; a little bit more hopeful, a little bit more positive, vibrant feel. And it happened very naturally.
What do you love about performing at Wolf Trap?
For me, I have my most special memories when I see music at places like Wolf Trap, versus if I see something at an arena. As a vocalist, there’s a different kind of inspiration to do something a little bit different at these venues. It’s also the audience that allows for something different. The kind of audience that Wolf Trap draws is very open-minded. Artistically, it’s the kind of venue that really gives you the freedom to do that. I like to take advantage of that when I play there.
What can we expect at the Wolf Trap show?
The live show is a celebration of the new songs. It’s got all the old songs, as well, but the spirit of the whole evening is, for me at least, and hopefully for the audience, a much needed uplifting one.
To buy tickets to Josh Groban’s performance at Wolf Trap on July 7 at 8 p.m., click here. // Wolf Trap Filene Center: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna; $42
This post originally appeared in our July 2019 issue. For more summer events, subscribe to our Things to Do newsletter.
