Ryley Walker, The Japanese House, The Moxie Strings, Nathan Walton, The Concussions, Jackyl, Kaitlin Rose, The Accidentals, a blues benefit and more pump up the first full week of December.
THE BIG LIST: Dec. 3-9
For an expanded listing of upcoming shows at West Michigan venues, check out The REALLY Big List at Local Spins.
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TUESDAY
STRAIGHT NO CHASER
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Tickets: $37-$67
Where: DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids
Yes, it’s time once again for the a cappella prowess of Straight No Chaser revving up the holidays as part of the group’s “One Shot Tour.” First formed more than two decades ago at Indiana University, this vocally talented bunch soared to fame thanks to a viral video of its performance of a holiday classic, “The 12 Days of Christmas,” and the guys haven’t looked back since.
The group’s most recent album, “One Shot,” was released in November, but they also recently released the 10th anniversary edition of their popular “Holiday Spirits” recording, featuring everything from “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” to “Jingle Bell Rock.” Get tickets and details online at devosperformancehall.com.
DAVE EAST
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Tickets: $23 advance, $25 day of show
Where: Elevation inside The Intersection, Grand Rapids
Harlem rapper Dave East (David Brewster Jr.) released his “Paranoia 2” mixtape on Def Jam Recordings early this year, peaking in the Top 40 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at No. 61 on the Billboard 200.
His Grand Rapids stop on the “Get It How I Live Tour” will also feature sets from a host of other hip hop artists and DJs, including Shooter, D Jones, Errol Vibes, DJ Awall, Ko Kane and Jon Harv. Doors for this all-ages show open at 7 p.m.
Elevation follows this on Wednesday with yet another big rap show: Rittz & King Lil G bring their “Top Shelf Tour” to Grand Rapids with Back 40 and Noize TNP also on the bill, $28 advance, $30 day of show. Details about both shows (and I See Star acoustic tour stop in The Stache) at sectionlive.com.
WEDNESDAY
MELISSA ETHERIDGE
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Tickets: $45-$99.50
Where: 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids
At 57, Melissa Etheridge continues to inspire audiences and other musicians, 30 years after releasing her self-titled debut album which became a surprise hit. The award-winning songwriter, guitarist and singer brings “The Holiday Show” to Grand Rapids, playing songs from her 2008 album, “A New Thought for Christmas,” which includes the likes of “O Night Divine” and “Merry Christmas Baby.”
Doors open at 7 p.m. for this all ages show. Get tickets online at 20monroelive.com.
LOCAL SPINS WEDNESDAY:
NATHAN WALTON BAND
CHEAP EMOTION
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Admission: Free
Where: SpeakEZ Lounge, Grand Rapids
Two up-and-coming West Michigan bands fire up the Local Spins Wednesdays series this week. Byron Center native, singer-songwriter and guitarist Nathan Walton brings great passion to his rock music, something displayed on his self-titled debut EP released earlier this year. He calls his music soul-driven, heartfelt and stirring. For this SpeakEZ debut, he’s bringing along an all-star cast to perform with him: Doug Watkins on bass, Devin Weber on guitar, Mike Key & Shelby Andenno on backing vocals, Dwayne Long on percussion, Casey Demink & Caleb Elzinga on tenor saxophone, and Melain Aleis on keyboard and flute. Cheap Emotion, meanwhile, is a Grand Rapids indie/emo collective fronted by guitarist/singer Devon Cline, with Wilbur Murphy on drums and vocals, and Sam Thomson on bass.
The Wednesday shows are presented by Local Spins, SpeakEZ Lounge, Perrin Brewing Company and WYCE, with Michigan beer specials on tap and free parking in the Sixth Street Park lot off Monroe Avenue a block to the north. Local Spins 2019 Calendars – featuring concert photos of Michigan bands and 2019 festival dates – will be available for purchase at the show.
RYLEY WALKER
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Tickets: $10
Where: Covenant Fine Arts Center West Lobby, Calvin College, Grand Rapids
Ryley Walker is known for his experimental vibe, something that’s certainly displayed on the Illinois folk/psych-rock/blues artist’s latest album, “The Lilywhite Sessions” (which features unusual, sometimes jazzy covers of the Dave Matthews Band). Even the location of this concert is a bit on the experimental/different side, taking place in the lobby of Calvin College’s Covenant Fine Arts Center.
The Mute Duo opens the show. Get tickets online at calvin.edu.
THURSDAY
THE MOXIE STRINGS
BRIAN OBERLIN
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Tickets: $30 ($10 students)
Where: Wealthy Theatre, Grand Rapids
LOCAL SPINS TICKET GIVEAWAY: Congratulations to Local Spins reader Bob Tibbits. He was the first person to email john@localspins.com with “MOXIE STRINGS” in the message field and won a pair of tickets to Thursday’s show. Check The Big List every week for your chance to win concert tickets.
This will be a magical night of string-tastic music. The Moxie Strings have established themselves in recent years as one of Michigan’s pre-eminent Celtic, world music and Americana outfits performing a wide variety of string-centric music with top-drawer musicianship by fiddler Diana Ladio, cellist Alison Lynn and percussionist Fritz McGirr. And this is the band’s final show with McGirr, so expect a special night of music.
Mandolin whiz Brian Oberlin of Rockford – well-known for his solo performances as well as for his work with bands such as Grasshoppah, The Journeymen and others – is also on the bill for this show in the stellar setting of the historic Wealthy Theatre. Get tickets online here. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.
EVE 6
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Tickets: $28-$39.50
Where: 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids
Alt-rock’s Eve 6 dates back to the mid-1990s. At one point the band broke up, but the California group is back and celebrating the 20th anniversary of its self-titled album. The guys – Max Collins, Jon Siebels and Ben Hilzinger – play St. Andrew’s Hall on Friday after the Grand Rapids tour stop, which also features sets by Somme and Party Nails.
Get tickets online here.
GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY HOLIDAY POPS
When: Thursday-Sunday
Tickets: $18-$90
Where: DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids
’Tis the season … for the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Wolverine Worldwide Holiday Pops concerts. Conducted by Bob Bernhardt, this Yuletide presentation also features bass-baritone Justin Hopkins, the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, the Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus and the Embellish Handbell Ensemble performing a host of seasonal classics. Those include “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Please Come Home for Christmas,” “Coventry Carol,” “Sleigh Ride,” and, of course, the “Hallelujah Chorus” from “The Messiah.”
Get tickets and details online at grsymphony.org.
FRIDAY
THE JAPANESE HOUSE
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $15 advance, $18 day of show
$10 Hope staff/faculty, $7 students
Where: Park Theatre, 248 S. River Ave., Holland
LOCAL SPINS TICKET GIVEAWAY: Congratulations to Local Spins reader Gage Baggs, the first person to email john@localspins.com with “JAPANESE HOUSE” in the message field and winner of a pair of tickets to Friday’s show. Check The Big List every week for your chance to win concert tickets.
English indie-pop artist Amber Bain, 23, aka The Japanese House, has drawn kudos and attention for her music since releasing her first EP and singles in 2015. She’s set to release her full-length debut album, “Good at Falling,” early next year. Her music has been described by The Guardian as “sad synthpop” and “minimal electronic pop.”
This show is part of the Hope College Concert Series. Get tickets online here.
SATURDAY
OLD DOMINION
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Tickets:
Where: DeltaPlex Arena, Walker
Country stars Old Dominion bring their “Happy Endings World Tour” to West Michigan, after releasing a new single, “Make It Sweet,” that soared into the Top 40 at country radio, which followed their sixth No. 1 hit with “Hotel Key.” The band’s sophomore album, “Happy Endings,” has been certified platinum in sales after debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart. The band also won ACM’s 2018 “Vocal Group of the Year” award.
Michael Ray and High Valley are also on the bill for this show. General admission floor tickets are sold out, but other seats are still available. Get tickets online here.
THE CONCUSSIONS
THE MADEIRA
THE TROUBADOURS
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $10 advance, $12 day of show
Where: Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill, Grand Rapids
Get ready for a night of surf rock delights. The Concussions, of course, need no introduction as West Michigan’s reigning masked kings of the genre, uncorking rollicking originals as well as other retro classics. Speaking of classics, the band’s most recent album, “Newaygo Sound Machine,” is just that.
The Madeira, formed in Indiana back in 2004, is an award-winning outfit that features a guy who founded 1990s faves the Space Cossacks. Filling out the bill: The Troubadours. Get tickets and details online on the Tip Top’s Facebook event page.
MANIC FOCUS
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $20 advance, $25 day of show
Where: The Intersection, Grand Rapids
This is billed as the “Super Happy Fun Time Tour” (hmm, a moniker inspired by GR’s burlesque troupe perhaps?), with Manic Focus unleashing the diverse and often surprising electronic marvels of Chicago producer John “JMaC” McCarten, who released “Minds Rising” in 2017.
Also on the bill for The Intersection show will be Michal Menert, Late Night Radio, Statik and D-Wrex.
Get tickets for the 17-and-older show and the rest of the lowdown online at sectionlive.com, where you can also get info about yet another electronic music spectacle taking place downstairs in Elevation the same night: Philly’s Subtronics, with Al Ross, Fludder and Chefsquatch, $18 advance, $20 day of show. (P.S. Oliver Francis plays The Stache with Big Baby Scumbag at 8 p.m., $12 advance, $15 day of show.)
TODD ALBRIGHT
MAMA K & THE KOSMIC SWAY
When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday
Admission: $5 or donation of new toy
Where: Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids
Country-blues, 12-string-guitar guy Todd Albright hails from Detroit and pays homage with his music to influential icons of the past, including Blind Willie McTell, Leadbelly and Blind Lemon Jefferson, among others. His shows are described as “vigorous, gritty and soulful.” Upping the ante for this special show will be a set from Founders’ own Mama K & The Kosmic Sway, led by brewmaster Jeremy Kosmicki and his wife and singer, Jamie. The “raw and powerful” band also features Coe Lacy on bass and Steve Harris on drums.
This fundraiser for Toys for Tots means folks can either pay $5 at the door or bring a new, packaged toy suitable for children from infants to 16 years old. (On Thursday, Founders’ free show features EGi.) Get info at foundersbrewing.com.
SUNDAY
MICHAEL J HOWE
BIG BOSS BAND
JOE JOHNSON & THE BLUEBACKS
CATFISH & THE MAN
When: 2-6:30 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $5
Where: Billy’s Lounge, Grand Rapids
This annual winter fund-raising concert for the West Michigan Blues Society features a cast of regional blues stars: guitarist Michael J Howe (formerly of Harper & Midwest King and Asamu Johnson & the Associates of the Blues), Big Boss Band, Joe Johnson & The Bluebacks and Catfish & the Man – all helping heat up a Sunday in December with scintillating blues.
As usual, the event will also include raffles and a special grand prize, plus food for sale from Chef Cal. Get details online at wmbs.org. Doors open at 1 p.m.
UNDER-THE-RADAR PICKS
DJ Godfather playing BassBin at Billy’s Lounge in Grand Rapids, 9:30 p.m. Monday, $5 – Detroit DJ and Ghettotech music producer DJ Godfather has earned lots of accolades for his music, including his “Godzilla” mix. Gettoblaster and Timothy Getz are also part of the show, with doors opening at 9 p.m. and a $5 cover after 10 p.m.
Frode Gjerstad Quartet playing Shakespeare’s Pub Lower Level in Kalamazoo, 8 p.m. Tuesday, $10 donation – This evening of “free jazz and improvised music” stars 70-year-old Norwegian jazz musician Frode Gjerstad, who’s been involved in numerous collaborations and recordings over the past half-century, and who’s made Kalamazoo a tour stop in the past. Special guests for the show will be Spirit Rejoice. Get info online here.
Par-llo Connection playing Creston Brewery in Grand Rapids, 7 p.m. Wednesday, free — This special concert being held upstairs in Creston Brewery’s Golden Age Space features R&B band Par-llo Connection, which disbanded in 1986 but has reunited to crank out old-school and new soul/R&B, featuring Anthony Jones, Charles Johnson, Dana Mosley, Isaac Rogers, Leonard Burney, Phillip Morrow Tony Mosley and Walter Tett.
Snails playing The Intersection in Grand Rapids, 9 p.m., Wednesday, $30 advance, $35 day of show – Canadian DJ and music producer Frederik Durand, aka SNAILS, churns out electronic music that falls into the dubstep, drum and bass, drumstep and trap vein and in very unique fashion. “The Shell 2.0” tour stop also features sets by Svdden Death, Hekler and Cookn. Doors open at 8 p.m. for this 17-and-older show.
Jeremy Kittel Trio and Peter Madcat Ruth playing Michaywe at 1535 Opal Lake Road in Gaylord, 5-9 p.m. Thursday, $45 with dinner, $25 without – This concert serves as a fundraiser for Farmfest and the Gaylord Area Council for the Arts, and features the renowned Jeremy Kittel and Peter Madcat Ruth. Get details online here.
Jessica in the Rainbow playing Sovengard, 443 Bridge St. NW in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Thursday, free — This show is presented by Lamplight Music Festival as part of the Bridge Street Mellow Series, with Grand Haven singer-songwriter and keyboard player Jessica in the Rainbow serenading folks in Sovengard’s new dining room space.
Robin Connell Trio playing One Trick Pony in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Thursday, free – Award-winning jazz pianist Robin Connell is a regional favorite. One Trick follows this on Saturday with the return of Lazy Blue Tunas (a show that’s already “sold out” in terms of reservations, but walk-ins are welcome).
Toby Bresnahan (Thursday), The Moonrays (Friday) and The Insane Theatre (Saturday) playing Rockford Brewing in downtown Rockford, free – It’s a triple-header of eclectic music this week at Rockford Brewing, starting with guitarist-singer Toby Bresnahan at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and followed by the surf rock of The Moonrays at 8 p.m. Friday and, finally, a tribute to The Doors with The Insane Theatre at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
Jackyl playing The Intersection in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Friday, $20 advance, $23 day of show – Yup, those hard-rocking dudes in Jackyl are heading back to The Intersection, this time with local faves Trixy Tang and Tru-Burn opening the show and rattling the rafters. Doors open at 7 p.m. for this all-ages show.
Josh Garrels playing the Chapel Sanctuary at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Friday, SOLD OUT – Contemporary Christian folk artist Josh Garrels returns to Calvin College, with special guest Chris Renzema also on the bill.
The Harmed Brothers and Winnow playing Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids, 9 p.m. Friday, $10 – Portland, Ore.’s The Harmed Brothers are an Americana/folk-rock band that refers to its music as “indiegrass.” Winnow, meanwhile, is a Grand Rapids alt-country fave.
The 1998 Tribute Show at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, 9 p.m. Friday, $10 advance, $15 day of show – Yet another tribute to 1990s music at The Pyramid Scheme, this one benefiting the Meanwhile Film Series and featuring the performance by local musical stars of Nada Surf’s “The Proximity Effect,” Hole’s “Celebrity Skin,” Refused’s “The Shape of Punk to Come” and Fatboy Slim’s “You’ve Come a Long Way Baby.”
That Beatles Thing playing Billy’s Lounge in Grand Rapids, 9:30 p.m. Friday, $5 – Hey, the world just celebrated the 50th anniversary of The White Album so this West Michigan tribute to The Beatles is sure to light up Billy’s with some of the Fab Four’s grooviest tunes.
Kaitlin Rose playing a live recording session at Overneath Creative Collective, 215 S. Kalamazoo Mall in Kalamazoo, 6-10 p.m. Saturday, $25 – Kalamazoo singer-songwriter Kaitlin Rose is playing two shows that will be recorded live for a new album, with a maximum of 50 audience members at each session. Guests of the live recording session will receive a copy of the new CD when it’s completed. Get tickets, details here and read more about her project in this Local Spins feature by Ryan Boldrey.
The Accidentals and Friends playing Frauenthal Center in Muskegon, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, $20 adults, $10 students, $45 VIP – This is Traverse City indie-folk sensations The Accidentals’ final show before the holidays, returning to the Frauenthal Center after another busy year of touring. Expect some special on-stage collaborations. Tickets, details online here.
Yule Ball featuring Harry & The Potters and Desmond Jones at 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, $25-$50 – This annual soiree (which actually starts with a sold-out VIP dinner) features live music, themed cocktails, Harry Potter merch and more, encouraging folks to dress up as Harry Potter-styled characters. Get details online here.
Jake Kalmink & Further Closer playing Park Theatre at 248 S. River Ave. in Holland, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, $7 advance, $12 day of show – Respected guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer Jake Kalmink of Zeeland returns to Park Theatre for a record-release show that will also feature sets by Vital Sea and Visk Mono (formerly of The Cringes). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for this all-ages show.
Frankie & Myrrh, Hollywood Makeout playing Creston Brewery in Grand Rapids, 9 p.m. Saturday, free – A couple of Grand Rapids indie favorites light up Creston Brewery on Saturday night, followed at 4 p.m. Sunday by guitar whiz Justin Wierenga.
Roosevelt Diggs and Leaf/Van Acker playing Old Dog Tavern in Kalamazoo, 10 p.m. Saturday, $5 – West Michigan Americana fave Roosevelt Diggs is promoting a brand new album, “Better Days,” unfurling it for Kalamazoo fans with help from Steve Leaf and Joe Van Acker.
Red Tail Ring playing Salt of the Earth at 114 E. Main St. in Fennville, 6 p.m. Sunday, $15 — Beautiful harmonies amid traditionally rooted folk music with a contemporary flair. That’s the award-winning Red Tail Ring.
THE REALLY BIG LIST OF CONCERTS, PLUS SHOWS ON THE HORIZON
Monday, Dec. 3
BassBin: DJ Godfather, Billy’s Lounge
In The Blue Jazz Ensemble, Jazz & Gin Mondays, Long Road Distillers
John Shea, Rockwell Republic
Grand Rapids Community College, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Albert P. Smith Music Center, Linn Maxwell Keller Recital Hall
Grand Valley State University Arts Chorale, “The Many Moods of Christmas,” Fountain Street Church
Tuesday, Dec. 4
Dave East/Shooter/D Jones/Errol Vibes/DJ Awall/Ko Kane/Jon Harv, Elevation below The Intersection
Straight No Chaser, DeVos Performance Hall
Grand Rapids Community College Percussion Ensemble & soloists (3:15 p.m.), Albert P. Smith Music Center, Linn Maxwell Keller Recital Hall
Grand Rapids Community College Jazz Ensemble/Jazz Orchestra/Shades of Blue Vocal Jazz Ensemble (scholarship fundraiser), Albert P. Smith Music Center, Linn Maxwell Keller Recital Hall
Peter Bergin: Holiday Piano Concert, Hackley Public Library, Muskegon
Michael Drost & Jordan Finn: The New Standard, Grand Bar, Grand Haven
Ferris State University Jazz Band Holiday Concert, Williams Auditorium, Big Rapids
Damn Handsome Devil Devon Yeider & Friends, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Western Michigan University, Advanced Jazz Ensemble, Dalton Center Recital Hall, Kalamazoo
Frode Gjerstad Quartet/Spirits Rejoice, Shakespeare’s Pub Lower Level, Kalamazoo
Holiday Collage, The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor
Wednesday, Dec. 5
Nathan Walton/Cheap Emotion, Local Spins Wednesdays @ SpeakEZ Lounge
Melissa Etheridge (holiday show), 20 Monroe Live
I See Stars, The Stache inside The Intersection
Rittz & King Lil G/Back 40/Noize TNP, Elevation below The Intersection
Snails/Svdden Death/Hekler/Cookn, The Intersection
Par-llo Connection, Creston Brewery
Ryley Walker/Mute Duo: Student Activities Office, Covenant Fine Arts West Lobby, Calvin College
River North Jazz, The Old Goat
Tom Hagen Trio featuring Rick Reuther, Noto’s Old Italian Restaurant, Cascade
Tony Halchak, Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs
Wind Ensemble Concert, Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, Concert Hall, Hope College, Holland
Ivan Akansiima, Mizu Sushi, Holland
Jesse Jett, Singer Songwriter Night, Waverly Stone Gastropub, Holland
Tony Reynolds, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker: Western Michigan University Symphony Orchestra, Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo
Gull Lake Orchestra, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Thursday, Dec. 6
Eve 6/Somme/Party Nails, 20 Monroe Live
Grand Rapids Symphony, “Wolverine Worldwide Holiday Pops,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 6-9)
EGi/Big Sherb, Founders Brewing Company
POSTPONED YBN Yahmir/Almighty Jay/Cordae, The Intersection
Symbiotic/Rampage/TipskyHo/Twisted, The Stache inside The Intersection
Robin Connell Trio, One Trick Pony
Wanyama/Macy Krew, Mulligan’s Pub
Grand Rapids Community College Instrumental Ensembles Winter Concert: Chamber Orchestra, Guitar Ensemble, Instrumental Chamber Ensembles, Albert P. Smith Music Center, Linn Maxwell Keller Recital Hall
The Moxie Strings/Brian Oberlin, Wealthy Theatre
Calvin College Symphonic Band, Covenant Fine Arts Center Auditorium
Jessica in the Rainbow, The Sovengard
JMM Jazz, Noto’s Old World Italian Restaurant, Cascade
Toby Bresnahan, Rockford Brewing Co., Rockford
Satan and Adam, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, Saugatuck
Concert Band Performance, Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, Concert Hall, Hope College, Holland
Hope College Jazz Students, Sandy Point Beach House, West Olive
Rich Burkholder, Kirby House, Grand Haven
Hope College Concert Band, Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, Holland
Front & Center, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Western Michigan University Percussion Ensemble, Dalton Center Recital Hall, Kalamazoo
Advanced Jazz Combo, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Friday, Dec. 7
Grand Rapids Symphony, “Wolverine Worldwide Holiday Pops,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 6-9)
1998 Tribute Show, The Pyramid Scheme
Jackyl/Trixy Tang/Tru-burn, The Intersection
Heather Bartman Band/Reason and Rhyme/Maggie May, Mulligan’s Pub
That Beatles Thing, Billy’s Lounge
The Harmed Brothers/Winnow, Tip Top Deluxe Bar and Grill
Harry Lucas and the Lowdown, Creston Brewery
Union Guns, Back Forty Saloon
Atomic Radio, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Azz Izz, Log Cabin Lounge (Dec. 7-8)
J. Ryan Berends, Garage Bar & Grill
Jim Cooper & Robin Connell Jazz Trio (5 p.m.), Harmony Hall
John Shea, JW Marriott
Entourage, Rendezvous Lounge @ Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Mary Rademacher Reed/Terry O’Brien, Bier Distillery, Belmont
Oh Those Clowns, Shots On The River, Belmont
Dennie Middleton, Nick Fink’s, Comstock Park
The Moonrays, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Nathan Holley, Bostwick Lake Inn, Rockford
Paris Blue, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming (Dec. 7-8)
In The Blue Jazz Ensemble, Village Inn Pizza Sports Bar & Grill 44th Street, Wyoming
Bar Code, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
The Japanese House, Hope College Concert Series, Park Theatre, Holland
Coty Bouchard, New Holland Brewing’s Pub On 8th, Holland
Dale Wicks, Tripelroot, Zeeland
Kevin McDaniel, Barrel Room @ Saugatuck Brewing Co., Douglas
Van Mason, The Copper Post, Grand Haven
Drop 35, Jack’s Waterfront Bistro + Bar, Spring Lake
Captain Caravan, 18th Amendment Spirits Co., Muskegon
JGJ, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
Dean Madonia/Blammo, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Jeff Mueller (5 p.m.), Louie’s Trophy House, Kalamazoo
Big Boss Band, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
The Out of Favor Boys, Final Gravity Brewing Company, Kalamazoo
Aston Neighborhood Pleasure Club/Live Band Karaoke/DJ M Sord/DJ Hardbargain: Eccentric Day, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
Ghost Bunnies/Missing Generation, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Pressed & Proper, Shakespeare’s Pub Lower Level, Kalamazoo
Allie Garland, JB’s Whiskey Old Style Grill, Battle Creek
Paddlebots, The Livery, St. Joseph
Made In America (Toby Keith tribute), Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, Silver Creek Event Center @ Four Winds Casino, New Buffalo
May Erlewine, Raven Brewing & BBQ, Cadillac
The Beach Boys: Reason for the Season Christmas Tour, Soaring Eagle Casino, Mt. Pleasant
Saturday, Dec. 8
Harry & The Potters/Desmond Jones: Yule Ball, 20 Monroe Live
The Dance Off, The Pyramid Scheme
Manic Focus/Michal Menert/Late Night Radio/Statik/D-Wrex, The Intersection
Oliver Francis/Big Baby Scumbag, The Stache inside The Intersection
Subtronics/Al Ross/Fludder/Chefsquatch, Elevation below The Intersection
Todd Albright/Mama K & The Kosmic Sway, Founders Brewing Company
RESERVATIONS SOLD OUT, WALK IN ONLY Lazy Blue Tunas, One Trick Pony
The Concussions/The Madeira/The Troubadours, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Frankie and Myrrh/Hollywood Makeout, Creston Brewery
Laurentian Tides/Lenore Cult/The Arsonist’s Daughter/Dead Nerves, Mulligan’s Pub
Corelocked, River City Saloon
Old Dominion/Michael Ray/High Valley, Deltaplex
Grand Rapids Symphony, “Wolverine Worldwide Holiday Pops,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 6-9)
Union Guns, Back Forty Saloon
Dennis Palmer & Ken Bierschbach: Grand River Folk Arts Society, Wealthy Theatre Annex
Azz Izz, Log Cabin Lounge (Dec. 7-8)
Calvin College Wind Ensemble, “Sleigh Around The World” (10 a.m.), Covenant Fine Arts Center Auditorium
Neil Gordon Trio, JW Marriott
Jay/Direwolf & the Pack Attack, Quinn & Tuite’s Irish Pub
The Fabulous Vans, Bier Distillery, Belmont
Oh Those Clowns, Shots On The River, Belmont
Sam N Eye, EB Coffee & Pub, Caledonia
John Shea, Noto’s Old Italian Restaurant, Cascade
Christmas Songs & Stories with John Berry, Olivera’s Restaurant, Ionia
Jaded, Rogue River Tavern, Rockford
The Insane Theatre (The Doors tribute), Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Paris Blue, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming (Dec. 7-8)
Sounds Familiar, Ridge Cider Co., Grant
Project 90, Red’s Sports Bar and Grill, Middleville
Dean Allrick Jazz Piano, What Not Inn, Fennville
Reason & Rhyme, Pub @ Saugatuck Brewing Co., Douglas
Trixy Tang, Wicks Park Bar & Grille
Carter Lezman, Tripelroot, Zeeland
All In, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Jake Kalmink & Further Closer/Vital Sea/Visk Mono, Park Theatre, Holland
Holland Symphony & Diane Penning: Sounds of the Season (3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.), Dimnent Chapel, Hope College, Holland
Lynn Thompson, Waverly Stone Gastropub, Holland
Overdrive Orchestra, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven,
Drop 35, Jack’s Waterfront Bistro + Bar, Spring Lake
The Accidentals & Friends, Frauenthal Center, Muskegon
Country Current, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
Buster Blues Band, Hennessy’s Pub, Muskegon
Avon Bomb/Soulstice, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Hairmania, Shakespeare Pub’s Lower Level, Kalamazoo
JGJ, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Tom Waits Tribute Night Hosted by Megan Dooley, Final Gravity Brewing Company, Kalamazoo
Annual Holiday Concert: “Sounds of the Holiday Season” featuring Western Michigan University Bands, Dalton Center Recital Hall, Kalamazoo
Roosevelt Diggs w/ Leaf/Van Acker, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Wreking Crue (Motley Crue tribute)/The Holy Divers/Dio Tribute Band, The Music Factory, Battle Creek
Captain Fantastic Detroit, JB’s Whiskey Old Style Grill, Battle Creek
The Doors Of Chicago (The Doors tribute), Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
The Crane Wives/Brian Koenigsknecht, The Livery, St. Joseph
The Rain Dogs, Czar’s 505, St. Joseph
The Harmed Brothers, The Mitten Bar, Ludington
The Aston Neighborhood Pleasure Club/El Brandino/ERNO/DJ Providence: First Anniversary Party, Founders Brewing Co., Detroit
Sunday, Dec. 9
How To Live Together/Emma Lou/Bronze Wolf, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Randy Marsh & Friends, SpeakEZ Lounge
Michael J. Howe/Big Boss Band/Joe Johnson and the Bluebacks/Catfish and the Man: West Michigan Blues Society Annual Winter Fundraiser, Billy’s Lounge
Justin Wierenga, Creston Brewery
Grand Rapids Symphony, “Wolverine Worldwide Holiday Pops,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 6-9)
For King & Country: Little Drummer Boy, The Christmas Story, Van Andel Arena
Cooper & Connell Sunday Jazz (2 p.m.), Harmony Hall
Mike Frost & Mike Hyde, Sunday Brunch (10 a.m.), JW Marriott
Clara Lyon/Doyle Armbrust/Maeve Feinberg/Russel Rolen: Spektral Quartet, Sunday Classical Series, Grand Rapids Art Museum
River North Jazz Brunch (11 a.m.), The Old Goat
Abram Gunther, Sunday Cider Sessions, The Peoples Cider Co.
Mustang/Brian Randall/Bari Lee/Stone: Toys for Tots, Twisted Bull
Adult Ensembles Holiday Concert, St. Cecilia Music Center
Mark Whitfield/MSU Bebop Spartans/Rockford & Northview high school bands/Rodney Whitaker, direction (4 p.m.), Northview High School
Organissimo, Sunday Afternoon Live, Kent District Library, Cascade Branch
Toby Bresnahan (noon), Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs
Lee Murdock, Sunday Afternoon Concert Series, Loutit District Library, Grand
Haven
Jennifer Knapp & Margaret Becker, Courtyard Concerts Presents Ho-Ho-Ho Holiday Show, Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
Red Tail Ring, Salt of the Earth, Fennville
Dale Wicks, Hilliards Corner Lounge, Wayland
Christmas with John Berry, Kalamazoo State Theatre, Kalamazoo
Nothing But Blues/Kev Nichols/Blue Tuesday, Winter Blues Fundraiser (3 p.m.), Kalamazoo Valley Blues Association, Shakespeare’s Pub Lower Level, Kalamazoo
Ryan Evans (fundraiser for Mekhan Batterson), The Music Factory, Battle Creek
Harbor Country Singers: An International Christmas, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Symphonic Santa Sunday, Williams Auditorium, Ferris State University, Big Rapids
ON THE HORIZON
Monday, Dec. 10
BassBin: Willy Wompa/Bread N Butter, Billy’s Lounge
In The Blue Jazz Ensemble, Jazz & Gin Mondays, Long Road Distillers
John Shea, Rockwell Republic
Jazz Jam, What Not Inn, Fennville
Tuesday, Dec. 11
The Crane Wives, Fountain Street Church
Michael Drost & Jordan Finn, Grand Bar, Grand Haven
Damn Handsome Devil Devon Yeider & Friends, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Wednesday, Dec. 12
Hank Mowery/Junior Valentine Allstars, Local Spins Wednesday, SpeakEZ Lounge
John Shea Trio: West Michigan Jazz Society Holiday Party, Watermark Country Club
River North Jazz, The Old Goat
The Old Adage/The Gorgeous Oranges, 741
Tom Hagen Trio featuring Rick Reuther, Noto’s Old World Italian Restaurant, Cascade
Emma Loo & Sam, Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs
Ivan Akansiima, Mizu Sushi, Holland
Jesse Jett, Singer Songwriter Night, Waverly Stone Gastropub, Holland
Gabrial James, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Thursday, Dec. 13
Morgan Wallen/Hardy, The Intersection
Like Moths To Flames/Oceans Ate Alaska/Phinehas/Novelists/Oceans Beneath Us, The Stache inside The Intersection
May Erlewine & The Motivations: Winter Dance Party & EP release, The Pyramid Scheme
John Kay & Who’s To Say/Barrel Bones, Mulligan’s Pub
Barb Beane, Kevin Murphy & Bobby Trio, One Trick Pony
Bridge Street Band, Music in the Stacks, Grand Rapids Public Library, West Side Branch
JMM Jazz, Noto’s Old World Italian Restaurant, Cascade
Jim Spalink, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Gabrial James, Pike 51 Brewing-Hudsonville Winery, Hudsonville
Nate Holley, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Madcat Midnight Blues Journey, The Felt Estate, Holland
My Thin Place, Sandy Point Beach House, West Olive
Rich Burkholder, Kirby House, Grand Haven
Eileen Ivers, “Joyful Christmas,” Dogwood Center for Performing Arts, Fremont
Sean Copenhaver, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Seth Ebersole, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
First Responders/Pariah/PT Ori, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
Tony Orlando & Dawn: A Christmas Reunion, Firekeepers Casino, Battle Creek
Friday, Dec. 14
Grand Rapids Ballet & Grand Rapids Symphony, “The Nutcracker,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 14-16 & Dec. 21-23)
Kent Philharmonic Orchestra featuring James Crawford, violin, St. Cecilia Music Center, Royce Auditorium
Amoura/Lokella/Foxfollow/Vestigial, The Pyramid Scheme
Sullivan King/G-Rex/Attak/Dissonance, Elevation below The Intersection
Red Legs/The Autumnatic/Secret Forte/Sandra Effert, The Stache inside The Intersection
Deadicated/Nicholas James Thomasma, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Stolen Horses, Back Forty Saloon
Dalmation Stone (album release)/Charles Walker Band, Billy’s Lounge
Trixy Tang, Log Cabin Lounge (Dec. 14-15)
The Hat Madder/Sailor Kicks/Rails, 741
Kevin Schaffer, Garage Bar & Grill
Robin Connell & Jim Cooper Trio (5 p.m.), Harmony Hall
Mary Rademacher Reed Trio, Rendezvous Lounge @ Amway Grand Plaza Hotel (Dec. 14-15)
Paris Blues, Shots on West River, Belmont
In The Blue Jazz Ensemble, Village Inn Pizza Sports Bar & Grill 44th Street, Wyoming
Azz Izz, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming (Dec. 14-15)
Sean McDaniel, Barrel Room @ Saugatuck Brewing Co., Douglas
The Talbott Brothers, Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
The Bergamot, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Charlie Millard Band/Cazz VI & The Immigrants, The Livery, St. Joseph
Jake Kershaw, Red House Concert Series, Tri-Cities Museum, Grand Haven
Chunk of Funk, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
The Talbott Brothers, Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
West Michigan Symphony, “Home for the Holidays,” Frauenthal Center, Muskegon
Travis Swanson Trio, 18th Amendment Spirits Co., Muskegon
Hip Pocket, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Jeff Mueller (5 p.m.), Louie’s Trophy House, Kalamazoo
Gator Boys, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
The Hip Replacements, Final Gravity Brewing Company, Kalamazoo
BOS Music/Gobsmvcked/Jvice Muzik/Chadderboxx/Anserz, Papa Pete’s, Kalamazoo
The Mickeys/Break 30, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Bernice/Jake Sherman, Shakespeare’s Pub Lower Level, Kalamazoo
Allie Garland, JB’s Whiskey Old Style Grill, Battle Creek
Hannah Harris/John Warstler, Red Sky Stage, Petoskey
Saturday, Dec. 15
Mark Farina/Faren Strnad, Founders Brewing Company
Grand Rapids Ballet & Grand Rapids Symphony, “The Nutcracker,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 14-16 & Dec. 21-23)
Scotty McCreery/Jimmie Allen/Heather Morgan, 20 Monroe Live
Mega 80s Christmas Sweater/Speedo/Romper Party, The Intersection
The Devil Wears Prada/Roots Above and Branches Below/Fit For A King/’68, Elevation below The Intersection
Deepfall (album release)/Bleed the Water/Damned by Dawn, The Stache inside The Intersection
Flesh Ancient Monster/The Von Werewolves, Tip Top Deluxe Bar and Grill
The Hip Pocket, Billy’s Lounge
Par-llo Connection (Ugly Sweater Party), Creston Brewery
Stolen Horses, Back Forty Saloon
That Beatles Thing, One Trick Pony
The Bittersweet Christmas Band: Grand River Folk Arts Society, Wealthy Theatre Annex
Rocket Fuel Haulers, River City Saloon
Sushi Roll, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Trixy Tang, Log Cabin Lounge (Dec. 14-15)
Robin Connell Trio, JW Marriott
Mary Rademacher Reed Trio, Rendezvous Lounge @ Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Fast Hands Band, Shots on West River, Belmont
John Shea, Noto’s Old Italian Restaurant, Cascade
Schubert Male Chorus of Grand Rapids: “Stories of Christmas,” East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center, East Grand Rapids
Electric Red, Rogue River Tavern, Rockford
Chris Michels Band, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Azz Izz, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming (Dec. 14-15)
Kristin Kuiper, Ridge Cider Co., Grant
Melophobic/The King of Marsk, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
Stephen Kellogg, Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
Earth Radio, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Patty PerShayla, Hops At 84 East, Holland
Full Cord Bluegrass/The Smokin’ Dobroleles, Park Theatre, Holland
Gabriel James, Great Legs Winery Brewery Distillery, Holland
Choke and Throttle, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Dunegrass (noon)/Catfish & the Man (3:30 p.m.)/Stereolithic (7 p.m.): 4 Year Anniversary Party, Tripelroot, Zeeland
Dean Allrick Jazz Piano, What Not Inn, Fennville
DC-90, Wicks Park Bar & Grille, Saugatuck
Big Boss Trio, The Pub @ Saugatuck Brewing Co., Douglas
Bronk Brothers/Feel Good, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Frankie Ballard’s Country Christmas, Kalamazoo State Theatre
Kalamazoo Symphony, “Sounds of the Season,” Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo
Midwestern Lull, Final Gravity Brewing Company, Kalamazoo
Out of Favor Boys (Loaves and Fishes fundraiser, 3 p.m.), Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
DeDe & The Dream/Jordan Hamilton/Emilee Petersmark (10 p.m.), Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Edge of Midnight, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Eve To Adam/Super Bob, The Music Factory, Battle Creek
Ashley Simpson & Allie Garland, JB’s Whiskey Old Style Grill, Battle Creek
Howard Levy & Corky Siegel: Steal The Grinch, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Christmas Wonderland, Silver Creek Event Center @ Four Winds Casino, New Buffalo (Dec. 15-16)
Michelle Berting Brett: Carpenters’ Christmas, Little River Casino, Manistee
May Erlewine & the Motivations, Winter Dance Party, Beards Brewery, Petoskey
Sunday, Dec. 16
Greg Miller, Sunday Brunch (10 a.m.), JW Marriott
River North Jazz Brunch (11 a.m.), The Old Goat
River Rogues Jazz Band (2 p.m.), Harmony Hall
Randy Marsh & Friends, SpeakEZ Lounge
Lynn Thompson, Creston Brewery
Grand Rapids Ballet & Grand Rapids Symphony, “The Nutcracker,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 14-16 & Dec. 21-23)
Jennifer Walvoord/Andrew Le, Sunday Classical Series, Grand Rapids Art Museum
Eric Patrick Kelly, The Peoples Cider Co.
Jim Spalink (noon), Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs
Aston Neighborhood Pleasure Club/Frenchtown Playboys: Roaring 20s Holiday Ball, Park Theatre, Holland
Schrock Brothers Band, Salt of the Earth, Fennville
Devin Weber, Hilliard’s Corner Lounge, Wayland
Christmas Wonderland, Silver Creek Event Center @ Four Winds Casino, New Buffalo (Dec. 15-16)
Pice Project/Corelocked/Whiskey Bound: Toys for Tots benefit, Catch 120 Grill, Howard City
Copyright 2018, Spins on Music LLC