Acrisure Amphitheater invites contractors involved in the construction of the brand new venue and their families to a private “Contractor Appreciation Fest” full of live, regional music and a fireworks show to end the night. Read highlights and view photos from the event.
Domestic Problems takes the stage at Acrisure Amphitheater’s Contractor Appreciation Fest (Photo/Eric Stoike)
“You built this place,” MC Mark Standstedt said to the crowd in his opening remarks at the Contractor Appreciation Music Fest, on Saturday night, the first show at the brand new Acrisure Amphitheater.
Over 50 contractors were involved in building the gleaming structure, including those working in design, architecture, engineering, electrical, concrete, steel, fire safety and cleaning.
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The event was attended by the families and friends of Pioneer Construction and over 50 contractors, including those who poured concrete, wired the building, designed the structure, forged the metalwork, and more.
Last July, Colin Carpenter started working at Pioneer Construction as an an apprentice. On Saturday, May 9, he took the stage as a vocalist with the Pioneer All-Star Band. In February, an email went out to the entire company, looking for musical talent to beef up an existing company band for this event. When Carpenter sent a video of himself singing, he got a reply in ten minutes. “You’re in.” Besides the pinch-me moment of singing in front of a group of thousands–“I always pictured myself on a stage like this when I closed my eyes,” he said. Carpenter is proud of his work installing bathroom fixtures at the venue.
The view from the lawn at Acrisure Amphitheater’s very first live event (Photo/Eric Stoike)
“This is a great chance for local bands to be part of a bigger scenario and gets them in front of people who wouldn’t ordinarily see them,” said Ralston Bowles, songwriter and longtime entertainment consultant for the Grand Rapids music scene.
The fest also included performances from local artists The Rockit King, Stolen Horses, Domestic Problems, Edison Kitt & The Strangers, Par-Llo Connection, Half Ton Band, Bergsma Family House Band and Rachel Horter.
“This is an amazing opportunity for the venue to be broken in,” said MC Mark Standstedt of Michigan Rocks Radio. “And to celebrate this monumental accomplishment in the heart of Grand Rapids. The attention to detail here is incredible and the acoustics are phenomenal.”
Steve Teitsma, a civil engineer for Progressive Companies, one of the contractors, worked on the engineering side of building the amphitheater. He was joined by wife Jillisa to admire his work and the work of many others. “It’s a beautiful venue,” he said. “It’s so cool it’s downtown.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Contractor Appreciation Music Fest
Photos by Eric Stoike
