Kevin Griffin and Ezra Ray Hart Bring ‘90s Magic to Van Wezel on November 29th
If you grew up in the ’90s listening to alternative rock on repeat, the name Kevin Griffin is likely etched into your playlist. As the lead singer and guitarist of Better Than Ezra, Griffin helped define an era with hits like “Good,” “A Lifetime,” and “Desperately Wanting.” Now, he’s joining forces with fellow multi-platinum frontmen Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray and Emerson Hart of Tonic to form the supergroup Ezra Ray Hart, and their first-ever tour, NEVER ENDING ’90s PRESENTS: Ezra Ray Hart 90s Hits & Xmas Riffs, stops at Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on November 29th.
We had the chance to speak with Griffin about the formation of Ezra Ray Hart, his musical journey, and what fans can expect from the upcoming show. “It’s really about celebrating the music that shaped us and shaped our fans,” Griffin shared. “We’ve all been lucky enough to have songs that connected with people at a certain moment in their lives. Getting the chance to bring those songs together with Mark and Emerson—it’s like a dream collaboration.”
And then, of course, there’s Mark McGrath—one of the most recognizable and charismatic frontmen of the era. As the voice of Sugar Ray, McGrath helped soundtrack an entire generation with sun-soaked, feel-good hits like “Fly,” “Every Morning,” “Someday,” “When It’s Over,” and “Falls Apart.” His blend of surfer-cool charm, pop-rock sensibility, and undeniable stage presence made him both a chart-topper and a pop culture staple. Beyond the music, McGrath became a household name through television appearances, hosting gigs, and his larger-than-life personality. His catalog is packed with instantly recognizable hooks—the kind that transport audiences straight back to summers filled with MTV, mixtapes, and pure California energy. With McGrath on stage, Ezra Ray Hart delivers nostalgia with a spark that feels every bit as electric today as it did 25 years ago.
Griffin’s story is one of persistence and passion. Better Than Ezra formed in the late ’80s in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and quickly made a name for themselves with their catchy hooks, heartfelt lyrics, and Griffin’s distinctive voice. Over the years, the band has released numerous albums, with 18 Top 10 singles and five #1 hits collectively across the members of Ezra Ray Hart. But Griffin’s impact extends beyond the band. He’s penned songs for artists such as Train, Sugarland, and Howie Day, proving his songwriting chops span genres and generations.
Fans of Ezra Ray Hart can expect a setlist that’s part nostalgia, part celebration, and all fun. “We’re pulling from our hits, from the ’90s catalog, and adding some holiday classics into the mix,” Griffin explained. “It’s going to be a party—something that families, longtime fans, and even newer listeners can enjoy.” The group’s approach is unique; it’s not just a tribute to ’90s music, but a celebration of the joy and energy that these songs still bring decades later.
The Van Wezel performance is particularly special. “There’s something magical about playing in a venue like Van Wezel,” Griffin said. “The acoustics, the atmosphere, the audience—it all comes together. We want every person in the room to feel like they’re part of this big celebration.” And with McGrath’s charisma, Hart’s emotive vocals, and Griffin’s signature guitar-driven energy, the show promises to be a night to remember.
Griffin also reflected on the dynamic between the three frontmen. “It’s funny because we’re all so different in our styles, but that’s what makes it exciting. Mark brings that pop sensibility, Emerson brings the emotive rock edge, and I get to bring the storytelling and heart from my songs. Together, it feels like a real musical conversation on stage.”
Beyond the tour, Griffin remains deeply involved in the music community. He’s the founder and curator of the Pilgrimage Musical & Cultural Festival, which has become one of the most anticipated annual music events in the South. “Pilgrimage is my way of bringing artists together, giving fans an experience they’ll never forget, and supporting the next generation of musicians,” Griffin said. His commitment to live music and fostering artistic collaboration mirrors what Ezra Ray Hart is all about—celebrating music, community, and shared experiences.
For fans who want a taste of the ’90s magic mixed with holiday cheer, the Van Wezel show is a can’t-miss. Ezra Ray Hart isn’t just performing their hits—they’re creating moments. Imagine singing along to “Good” while the lights twinkle and the energy in the theater builds to a crescendo. It’s the kind of experience that reminds fans why they fell in love with these artists in the first place.
Tickets for the November 29th show at Van Wezel are already generating buzz, and Griffin encourages fans to grab them early. “This is our first tour doing this concept, and we want to see everyone in the audience feeling the music with us. It’s going to be loud, it’s going to be fun, and it’s going to be unforgettable.”
Whether you’re a lifelong Better Than Ezra fan, a Sugar Ray devotee, a Tonic enthusiast, or just a lover of ’90s rock, Ezra Ray Hart delivers a high-energy, heartwarming, and nostalgic performance that crosses generations. Kevin Griffin’s presence ensures the storytelling and emotional depth are front and center, while the collaboration with McGrath and Hart guarantees you’ll be dancing, singing, and celebrating the music that defined a decade.
So mark your calendar for November 29th, grab your tickets, and get ready to relive the ’90s and enjoy some holiday cheer with Ezra Ray Hart. This is one show where the past and present collide in the best possible way—and Kevin Griffin is at the heart of it all.
https://www.vanwezel.org/events
