Hundreds of bands, dance groups and other performers fill stages downtown every year at Festival. But the application deadline is fast approaching.
Drawing Crowds: Bands play in front of huge throngs at Festival, but applications are due soon. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
For more than a quarter of a century, Rev. Charles Preston Smith has performed annually at Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts, with his boisterous PotatoeBabies pumping up crowds with their high-energy rock ‘n’ roll spectacles.
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City Stage: A scene from Festival 2015. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
“Festival of the Arts is where all my musical dreams came true,” he once told Local Spins.
For those dreams to become a reality for other bands, dance groups and performers, it’s time to get the ball rolling.
The deadline for applications for 2016 Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts performers – bands, solo artists, dance troupes – is Feb. 13, which means acts have 10 days to provide the Festival scheduling committee with the necessary information and audio or video files.
Festival 2016 takes place June 3-5 in downtown Grand Rapids, with more than 350 musical acts and dance groups performing on five outdoor stages.
Prospective performers can apply online here at festivalgr.org – an online process that was improved in 2015 after delays and computer glitches caused hassles for applicants in 2014. Like last year, the non-refundable application fee is $10.
Those applying must reside in Kent, Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo or Ottawa counties.
Bands and performers can find and fill out the application for music, dance and theater performances at Festival’s website. Acts can also upload the necessary video or audio files online, as well as pay the $10 non-refundable entry fee “using a secure payment form.”
Copyright 2016, Spins on Music LLC
