The week starts with a special MLK celebration and continues with McKinley James, Way Down Wanderers, The Dan Band, Kevin Olusola, Hi-Ker, Cheeze Weez, Josh Rose and much more. And see how you can win tickets to shows at 20 Monroe Live.
THE BIG LIST: Jan. 15-21
Scroll down for an expanded list of upcoming shows at West Michigan venues, or check out The REALLY Big List at Local Spins. Have concert listings you think deserve to be spotlighted? Email date, time, ticket prices, location and details to liz@localspins.com. And it’s time to send us your summer community concert information!
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TOWER OF POWER
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Tickets: $40-$60
Where: Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
Tower of Power is more than just an influential, much-admired group that’s transformed soul music in its own funky, jazzy and rock-hued way. The California band is celebrating its 50th anniversary – yes, 50th – with a tour that celebrates its half-century of not only trailblazing with its own music, but performing and recording with the likes of Santana, Grateful Dead, Toto, Brothers Johnson, Frankie Valli, Rufus and many more.
Read Local Spins’ exclusive interview with Tower of Power saxophonist Emilio Castillo online here. Get tickets and concert information online at fhfineartscenter.com.
MCKINLEY JAMES
THE JETBEATS
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Tickets: $10
Where: Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill, Grand Rapids
New York teenager McKinley James is a rock ‘n’ roll phenom of sorts, a talented kid who just happened to make the cover of country star Eric Church’s “Mr. Misunderstood” album – which, of course, has helped propel the 16-year-old’s career. (He also happens to be the son of drummer Jason Smay, who’s played with Los Straitjackets and the JD McPherson Band.) Now residing in Nashville, he’s released his first EP, “Live in Nashville.”
Get more info on the Tip Top Facebook event page, were you can also get details about Friday’s show featuring Matt Wixson’s Flying Circus and Saturday’s concert with Four Lincolns, The Sauce and Terrible Lovelies.
LOCAL SPINS WEDNESDAY:
BENJAMAN JAMES, EARTH RADIO
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Admission: Free
Where: SpeakEZ Lounge, Grand Rapids
As part of Local Spins Wednesdays’ mission to spotlight artists from across the region, this edition of the series at SpeakEZ Lounge features Traverse City native Benjaman James, a multi-instrumentalist who leads an eight-piece pop-funk band steeped in his influences of jazz, R&B and soul.
Opening the show will be Grand Rapids’ own Earth Radio, a new super-group featuring bassist Justin Avdek, keyboard player Dutcher Snedeker, singer-keyboardist Hannah Laine, drummer Mario Copeland and guitarist Travis Swanson. This unique, cutting-edge band exudes influences of jazz, hip hop, neo-soul, rock, metal and funk.
Local Spins Wednesdays are presented by SpeakEZ Lounge, Local Spins, Perrin Brewing Company and WYCE. As always, there are Michigan beer specials on tap, free parking in the lot kitty-corner from SpeakEZ on Monroe Avenue NW and Local Spins 2018 Calendars for sale (with a free local CD given away with every order).
BLACK VEIL BRIDES
ASKING ALEXANDRIA
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Tickets: $34.50-$44.50
Where: 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids
California-based glam metal band Black Veil Brides may have been inspired by the likes of KISS, but they’ve embraced their own twist on gothic-styled hard rock. They’re touring behind their brand new album, “Vale,” which was released last week.
Great Britain’s Asking Alexandria, meanwhile, continues to tour behind its self-titled 2017 release which rose to No. 27 on the Billboard 200. Also on the bill for the Grand Rapids show, sponsored by WGRD-FM: Crown the Empire. Details, tickets online here.
BIG HEAD TODD & THE MONSTERS
LUTHER DICKINSON
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Tickets: $32.50
Where: State Theatre, Kalamazoo
Colorado’s Big Head Todd & The Monsters are renowned for their alternative twist on blues/rock, and the band is touring behind a brand new album, “New World Arisin’,” which is the group’s 11th studio album. The band will play old favorites and new tunes in its return to Kalamazoo State Theatre.
Come back to Local Spins later this week for our interview with frontman Todd Park Mohr. Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi All-Stars) will open Thursday’s show. Get tickets online here.
CONCERTS UNDER THE STARS:
HI-KER
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Tickets: $12
Where: Chaffee Planetarium, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids
Born in Rockford, hi-ker features three talented musicians who’ve embraced electronic music to create catchy and fetching pop-hued music. The band — Spencer Gordon, Chris Ryan and Kohl Sprader – released its latest album, “Lippe,” in December.
They’ll perform in the planetarium as part of this unique concert series with visual enhancements courtesy of Nate Eizenga. Get tickets and more details online here, with a full Local Spins story and podcast available here: hi-ker for Local Spins on WYCE.
MUSIC AT THE MUSEUM:
WAY DOWN WANDERERS
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Tickets: Sold out
Where: Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington Ave., Grand Haven
This popular series hosted by the Red House Concert Series continues with yet another sellout, this one featuring Chicago alt-folk/Americana band The Way Down Wanderers, who unleash an energetic, audience-engaging show wherever they play. And the opening act, Rochester Hills singer-songwriter Olivia Millerschin, has earned a buzz for her fetching music and singing as well.
Get more details online here, including info about other upcoming shows in the series.
CHRIS YOUNG
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $37.50-$57.50
Where: Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
Award-winning and Grammy-nominated country singer Chris Young (“Tomorrow,” “You”) brings his “Losing Sleep World Tour” to Grand Rapids, touring behind his latest album, “Losing Sleep,” which soared to No. 1 on the U.S. country chart. Young was inducted last year into the Grand Ole Opry.
His labelmates Kane Brown and LANCO will also be on the bill. Get details and tickets online at vanandelarena.com.
DWIGHT YOAKAM
WALKER COUNTY
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $45-$125 (VIP $225)
Where: State Theatre, Kalamazoo
Country icon Dwight Yoakam’s legacy as a songwriter, singer and performer is a rich one. The multi-award-winning 61-year-old artist has sold more than 25 million records (with five No. 1 Billboard albums) and he’s earned kudos for his acting in movies and television to boot. He released his most recent album, “Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars …” in 2016.
Yoakam rolls into State Theatre right after playing two straight nights at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, so West Michigan fans are sure to get him and his band when they’re in a real groove. Doors open at 7 p.m.; get tickets, details online here.
JES KRAMER, VAN LENTE
CLOUDLIGHT, FRANKIE & MYRRH
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $7 advance, $10 day of show
Where: The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids
Welcome to Local Showcase No. 20, the latest in an engaging series of Pyramid Scheme concerts which spotlight some incredible emerging talent across West Michigan. Of course, keyboard player and singer Jes Kramer is well-known in the region’s music scene and she’ll take the stage for this evening of music along with Brooklyn’s Van Lente, Grand Haven’s cloudlight and Grand Rapids’ Frankie & Myrrh.
Get info online at pyramidschemebar.com, where you can also find the scoop on Saturday’s show starring Sleep Waker, Hollow Front, Whitelake and Our Vices, $10 advance, $12 day of show.
ANNE ERLEWINE
BRIAN KOENIGSKNECHT
SAMANTHA COOPER
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $8 advance, $10 day of show
Where: Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Café, Grand Rapids
Big Rapids singer-songriter – and artist – Anne Erlewine teams up with Kalamazoo favorite Brian Koenigsknecht for this special evening at Bell’s Brewery. Koenigsknecht released his most recent album, “From the Shallows to the Deep,” last year to high praise.
Filling out the bill is another acclaimed West Michigan singer-songwriter, Samantha Cooper (who also plays Harmony Hall in Grand Rapids on Saturday with Fiona Dickinson). Get more info and tickets online at bellsbeer.com, where you can also soak up details about Thursday’s free show starring Port Huron rock/roots band The Gasoline Gypsies (who just lit up the stage at the Winter Wheat festival in Grand Rapids). And Big Mean Sound Machine plays Bell’s on Saturday.
THE DAN BAND
When: 9:15 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $20-$48
Where: 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids
LOCAL SPINS TICKET GIVEAWAY No. 1: The first person to email john@localspins.com with “DAN BAND” in the message field will win a pair of tickets to Friday’s show. Check The Big List every week for your chance to win concert tickets.
Ah, yes, The Dan Band. Comedy + music (ribald covers of pop songs) = Dan Finnerty and his crew of nutty bandmates. L.A.’s Finnerty and company have become TV and film stars, too, appearing on various late-night talk shows, not to mention movies like “Old School” and “The Terminal.” They’ve released a bunch of albums over the years, too, but it’s their live show that packs a humor-filled punch. (There’s also a special ticket four-pack available. Details online here.)
BACK AT IT PARTY
When: 10:30 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $10 advance, $15 day of show
Where: The Stache inside The Intersection, Grand Rapids
Get ready for a regional hip hop feast. This MGP/BLK/BMG Production hosted by Whitney Stylez features sets by Cheeze Weez, DJ Brock, DJ Omega Supreme, The Seventh, Shabazz, Jonny Freeman and Carlo Anthony. Doors for this 18 and older show open at 10 p.m.
Get tickets and more info at sectionlive.com, along with details about Thursday’s Stache show starring Mantis, Lord Swan3x, Sleepless and Diesel, and Saturday’s Flats Stanlie, Pause, Fludder and Mars concert.
JOSH ROSE & THE FOUNDING FATHERS
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $10 advance, $12 day of show
Where: LowellArts, 223 W. Main St., Lowell
Fresh from an appearance at the day-long Winter Wheat festival in Grand Rapids, West Michigan singer-songwriter Josh Rose brings his insightful and compelling original songs – and a top-drawer band of musicians – to the intimate confines of LowellArts for the organization’s House Concerts series.
Rose has long impressed audience with his folk-driven music and he’s shared his talents at songwriting workshops. Concerts in the series are presented in the LowellArts Gallery. Call 897-8545 for details or purchase tickets online here.
SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $28-$35
Where: 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids
LOCAL SPINS TICKET GIVEAWAY No. 2: Congratulations to Cindy Hammond. She was the first person to email john@localspins.com with “SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS” in the message field and won a pair of tickets to Saturday’s show. Check The Big List every week for your chance to win concert tickets.
The roots of North Carolina’s Squirrel Nut Zippers extend back to the mid-1990s when the swing band burst onto the scene, part of the swing revival of the era and getting plenty of attention for the single, “Hell,” and several albums. After taking a hiatus of several years, the band re-formed – led by Jimbo Mathus – and started touring again in 2007.
The band is making its Michigan rounds as part of a U.S. tour this week, with shows in Detroit Wednesday, East Lansing Thursday, Traverse City Friday and Grand Rapids Saturday. Get tickets and details about Saturday’s show online at 20monroelive.com.
MARK FARINA
PONTCHARTRAIN
When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday
Admission: $7
Where: Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids
To say there’s been a lot of buzz about this show at Founders would be a monumental understatement. Mark Farina has earned a reputation as a trailblazing DJ and producer in Chicago house music, deep house, jackin house, mushroom jazz and more. The Windy City native who now resides in Texas plays Grand Rapids after a show at Smartbar Chicago, then heads out West in early February.
Detroit house music DJ/producer Pontchartrain is also on the bill, and from all indications, you better line up early outside Founders for this one on Saturday. Get more info online at foundersbrewing.com, and read more about Farina later this week at Local Spins.
DIRTY HEADS
MELOPHOBIX
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $28-$45
Where: 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids
California reggae band Dirty Heads released its sixth album, “Swim Team,” last fall, with the album peaking at No. 35 on the Billboard 200 and No. 4 on the Alternative chart. The six-piece band’s alt hip hop, rock and ska-infused reggae was influenced by artists such as Sublime. This is the only Michigan stop – and the final stop – on the band’s January tour.
Grand Rapids’ own reggae-fueled Melophobix opens the show. See tickets online here.
UNDER-THE-RADAR PICKS
Opera Grand Rapids presenting premiere of “I Dream” as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE in Grand Rapids, 6 p.m. Monday, free – The 32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration will honor the life and legacy of Dr. King via keynote speaker April Reign and the premiere of the opera “I DREAM” by Opera Grand Rapids. The celebration is open to the public and is hosted in collaboration with Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Davenport University and Opera Grand Rapids. (The performance of “I DREAM” takes place at 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m.) Details online here.
Walt Gutowski & The Bridge Street Band playing the West Michigan Jazz Society Jazz Gumbo Series at 6:30 p.m. Monday at New Holland Brewing’s Knickerbocker at 417 Bridge St. NW in Grand Rapids, $10 ($5 members, students) – Grand Rapids’ Walt Gutowski and his talented crew fire up the first “Jazz Gumbo” event of 2018. Get info online here.
Kevin Olusola “in concert and conversation” at Calvin College’s Covenant Fine Arts Center in Grand Rapids, 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, free – Beat boxer, cellist and member of the award-winning Pentatonix vocal group Kevin Olusola appears as part of the January Series of speakers at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday with a follow-up evening performance at 7 p.m. Both events are free. Get details online here.
Broadway Grand Rapids presenting “Stomp” Thursday through Saturday at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, $38-$73 – Not many tickets left for “Stomp,” the international percussion sensation. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to pound out its rhythms. Get details and tickets online at broadwaygrandrapids.com.
Marcel & Janelle Album-Release Show at Park Theatre, 248 S. River Ave. in Holland, 7:30 p.m. Friday, $5 advance, $10 day of show – Husband and wife duo Marcel & Janelle deliver a fresh spin on indie-soul music, with innovative melodies, soulful rhythms and distinctive harmonies. The couple has resided in Denver in recent years, but has now moved back to West Michigan. Twenty percent of proceeds from sales of their inspirational new CD will go to charities that help families grieving the loss of a child. Details online here.
The Journeymen playing Zellie’s Opry House at 230 E. Edgerton in Howard City, 2 p.m. Saturday, $10 – This collection of regional superstar acoustic players exudes a country and bluegrass vibe – and stellar musicianship — thanks to Brian Oberlin, Luke Gitchel, Isaac Smith, Wes Pettinger and Seth Sutton. Get details about this matinee performance online at zelliesopryhouse.com.
Mustard’s Retreat playing the Wealthy Theatre Annex at 1110 Wealthy St. SE in Grand Rapids, $15 (with discounts for seniors, students, children) – Ann Arbor’s Mustard’s Retreat lights up the Grand River Folk Arts Society’s “Acoustic Saturday Nights” series, playing “music to cure what ails you.”
Electric Tuna playing One Trick Pony in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Saturday, free – Electric Tuna, a spinoff from Grand Rapids’ uber-popular Lazy Blue Tunas, delivers exceptional genre-spanning music. Call 235-7669 for reservations. (Jazz/soul singer Kathy Lamar returns to One Trick on Thursday night.)
The Legal Immigrants playing New Holland Brewing’s The Knickerbocker in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Saturday, free – Grand Rapids rock band The Legal Immigrants – which certainly adds other genres into its entertaining mix – fires up The Knickerbocker as it wraps up work on a new studio album. Read more about the band later this week at Local Spins.
WMCAT Teen Artists, Joshua Burge, Lady Ace Boogie and others performing at Creston Brewery in Grand Rapids, 4 p.m. Sunday, free – This special presentation at Creston Brewery will include live music, poetry and beat making, along with a large format photography show by teen artists from the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology. Joshua Burge (Chance Jones), Rebekah Tahira, Nathan Mabie (The Extra Texture), Lady Ace Boogie and DJ Monk Matthaeus have worked with students to refine their original pieces and give them a glimpse into the local music industry. (It’s part of five events in a series called “WMCAT on Tour,” with the next taking place at WYCE’s Jammie Awards show on Feb. 9 at The Intersection.) Details online here.
Jackie Venson playing The Stache inside The Intersection in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Sunday, $12 advance, $15 day of show – Austin-based rock/soul/blues singer, songwriter and guitarist Jackie Venson has toured the globe with her audience-inspiring music. Opening the Grand Rapids show will be emerging local band Earth Radio.
THE WEEK’S REALLY BIG LIST, PLUS ON THE HORIZON
Monday, Jan. 15
Opera Grand Rapids: “I Dream,” Fountain Street Church
Walt Gutowski and the Bridge Street Band, West Michigan Jazz Society Jazz Gumbo Monday, New Holland Brewing’s The Knickerbocker
Brad Fritcher’s Moods, Jazz & Gin Mondays, Long Road Distillers
John Shea, Rockwell Republic
BassBin: Stay At Home Dabs/Ty Beat, Billy’s Lounge
Live Jazz Jam, Big Lake Brewing, Holland
Jazz Jam, What Not Inn, Fennville
Steffan Copenhaver, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Dan Willenberg Trio, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Tuesday, Jan. 16
Hazy Past, Rockford Brewing Co., Rockford
Wally Michaels, Salt & Pepper, Holland
Take Three Ensemble, The Grand, Grand Haven
Truth In Jazz Orchestra, 920 Watermark, Muskegon
Jake Stevens, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Rusty’s BA Band, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Wednesday, Jan. 17
Benjaman James/Earth Radio, Local Spins Wednesday @ SpeakEZ Lounge
Kevin Olusola, Calvin College January Series, Covenant Fine Arts Center Auditorium
McKinley James/The JetBeats, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Tower Of Power 50th Anniversary Show, Forest Hills Fine Arts Center
Tom Hagen Trio with Mary Rademacher Reed, Noto’s, Cascade
Jack Leaver, Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs
JMM Jazz, Black Sheep Baa & Grille, Holland
Mark Sala, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
WMU Jazz Jams, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Thursday, Jan. 18
Broadway Grand Rapids, “Stomp,” DeVos Performance Hall (Jan. 18-20)
Black Veil Brides/Asking Alexandria/Crown The Empire, 20 Monroe Live
Mantis/Lord Swan3x, The Intersection
Dvorak & Brahms, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, St. Cecilia Music Center
Kathy Lamar, One Trick Pony
Diane Coffee/Moon King, Founders Brewing Co.
Hi-ker/Nate Eizenga Video Artist, Concerts Under The Stars, Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, Grand Rapids Public Museum
Fred Knapp Trio Featuring Dave Proulx, Bistro Bella Vita
Eric Engblade Trio, Harmony Hall
Kyle Brown, Long Road Distillers
Will Springsteen, 7 Monks Taproom
Book Of Symbols (cassette release)/Vida Eterna/Black Dunes, Rocky’s Bar & Grill
Deep In The Mitten/Wanyama, Mulligan’s Pub
Charlie James, Fricano’s Pizza, Comstock Park
Brian Oberlin, Rockford Brewing Co., Rockford
Chris & Andy, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Nate Holley, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Catfish and the Man, Big Lake Brewing, Holland
Coty Bouchard/JGJ, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Big Head Todd and The Monsters, Kalamazoo State Theatre, Kalamazoo
WMU Combo Night, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
The Gasoline Gypsies, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe
Friday, Jan. 19
Chris Young/Kane Brown/LANCO, Van Andel Arena
The Dan Band, 20 Monroe Live
Broadway Grand Rapids, “Stomp,” DeVos Performance Hall (Jan. 18-20)
John Shea, JW Marriott
Jes Kramer/Van Lente/cloudlight/Frankie & Myrrh: Local Showcase #20, The Pyramid Scheme
Matt Wixon’s Flying Circus/Aud Feed/The Quirk/Tonia Bug, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Whitney Stylez/Cheese Weez/DJ Brock/DJ Omega Supreme/The Seventh/ Shabazz/Jonny Freeman/ Carlo Anthony, The Stache inside The Intersection
Blammo, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Lushh, River City Saloon
Dead Nerves/Suits And Daggers/Hunter Backus, Mulligan’s Pub
Distinct Motive/Drippy/Teleporter/Chetty Machete, The Orbit Room
Jesse Ray & the Carolina Catfish, Creston Brewery
Sam N Eye, EB Coffee & Pub, Caledonia
Kathy Lamar/Bob Van Stee/Kevin Jones, Noto’s, Cascade
Trixy Tang, Nick Fink’s, Comstock Park
131, Shots On The River, Belmont
Tony Reynolds, Bostwick Lake Inn, Rockford
Drop 35, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming
Cashore Marionettes, Hope College Great Performance Series (Jan. 19-20), Holland
Gabrial James, Our Brewing, Holland
Faded Blue, New Holland Brewing’s Pub On 8th, Holland
Murphy’s Law, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Vincent Hayes, Tripelroot, Zeeland
The Way Down Wanderers/Olivia Millerschin, Red House Concert Series, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, Grand Haven
Delilah DeWylde, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Rich Burkholder, Kirby Grill, Grand Haven
Risque, Jack’s Waterfront Bistro + Bar, Spring Lake
Melophobix/Benjaman James, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
Mary Rademacher Reed with Paul Lesinski, 18th Amendment, Muskegon
John Sanger/Brena, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Anne Erlewine/Brian Koenigsknecht, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
Dwight Yoakam, State Theatre, Kalamazoo
Tweeg & The Bounders, Louie’s Trophy Grill, Kalamazoo
Zoo Wave, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Woots And The Range/The Booder Scoops, Papa Pete’s, Kalamazoo
Mike Anyonga/Sunflower Maze/Vishaps/Quantum Fleek, Shakespeare’s Pub, Kalamazoo
Andrew Saliba, Rupert’s Brew House, Kalamazoo
Hero Jr., The Livery, Benton Harbor
Red Deluxe, Czar’s 505, St. Joseph
Squirrel Nut Zippers/Davina & the Vagabonds, Traverse City Opera House
Hannah Harris/John Richie, Red Sky Stage, Petoskey
Saturday, Jan. 20
Squirrel Nut Zippers, 20 Monroe Live
Mark Farina/Pontchartrain, Founders Brewing Co.
Mustard’s Retreat, Grand River Folk Arts Society, Wealthy Theatre Annex
Sleep Waker/Hollow Front/Whitelake/Our Vices, The Pyramid Scheme
Flats Stanlie/Pause/Fludder/Mars, The Stache inside The Intersection
Mega 80s, The Intersection
Electric Tunas, One Trick Pony
Samantha Cooper & Fiona Dickinson, Harmony Hall
The Legal Immigrants, Winter Beer Garden Party, New Holland Brewing’s The Knickerbocker
Neil Gordon Trio, JW Marriott
Four Lincolns/The Sauce/Terrible Lovelies, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Emma Loo & Sam/Radiant Devices, Mulligan’s Pub
Hip Pocket, Billy’s Lounge
P.S. Dump Your Boyfriend, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Kari Holmes, Back Forty Saloon
Corelocked, River City Saloon
JGJ, Shots On The River, Belmont
Brett Dame, Thornapple Brewing Co., Cascade
John Shea, Noto’s, Cascade
Trixy Tang, Nick Fink’s, Comstock Park
Josh Rose and the Founding Fathers, LowellArts wmichHouse Concert, Lowell
Astro Jackson, Rogue River Tavern, Rockford
Drop 35, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming
Broadway Grand Rapids, “Stomp,” DeVos Performance Hall (Jan. 18-20)
The Journeymen, Zellie’s Opry House, Howard City
Cashore Marionettes, Hope College Great Performance Series (Jan. 19-20), Holland
Gabrial James, Great Legs Winery Brewery Distillery, Holland
Let There Be Rock (AC/DC tribute), Legends Series, Park Theatre, Holland
Project 90, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Caitlin Rose, Saugatuck Brewing Co., Douglas
Risque, Jack’s Waterfront Bistro + Bar, Spring Lake
Ned, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Trapped On Mars, Kirby Grill, Grand Haven
Dave & Connie D, The Pipeline Smokehouse & Grill, West Olive
Carl Webb, Hennessy’s Pub, Muskegon
Dance Contraption/Mushmen/KJ & The Good Time Family Band, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
The All American Funk Parade, The Mitten Bar, Ludington
Family Traditions, Hilliard’s Corner Lounge, Wayland
Nathan Gunn & Julie Jordan Gunn, Fontana Chamber Arts, Dalton Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo
Big Mean Sound Machine, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
The Dead Flames/Conspicuous Bystanders/Drugs In The Carpet, Papa Pete’s, Kalamazoo
Lipstick Jodi, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
A Round Of Friends And Strangers Returns, Louie’s, Kalamazoo
The Chicago Experience/Dina Bach, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Wanyama, The Livery, Benton Harbor
The Isley Brothers, Four Winds Casino Silver Creek Events Center, New Buffalo
Brian Howe (of Bad Company)/Autograph, Little River Casino Resort, Manistee
Jake Kershaw, 2018 Winter Blues Series, Center Stage @ The Gem Theater, St. Louis
Three Men And A Tenor, Live from Charlevoix, Charlevoix Cinema III, Charlevoix
Conrad Shock + The Noise/If Walls Could Talk/Telegraf/The Social Bandit, The Loving Touch, Ferndale
Sunday, Jan. 21
Mike Frost & Mike Hyde, Sunday Brunch Series, JW Marriott
River North Jazz Brunch, The Old Goat
Dirty Heads, 20 Monroe Live
Jackie Venson, The Stache inside The Intersection
Nuevo Tango, “The Oblivion Project,” Sunday Classical Concert Series, Grand Rapids Art Museum
Feeding Grizzlies/Freshmen/Rendered Worthless, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
River Rogues Dixieland Jazz Band, Harmony Hall
Randy Marsh & Friends, SpeakEZ Lounge
Toby Bresnahan, Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs
Olivia Millerschin, C3 Spiritual Connection, Community Center, Grand Haven
Olivia Mainville, Salt Of The Earth, Fennville
Devin Weber, Hilliard’s Corner Lounge, Wayland
Irish Music Jam, Boatyard Brewing, Kalamazoo
ON THE HORIZON
Monday, Jan. 22
Brad Fritcher’s Moods, Jazz & Gin Mondays, Long Road Distillers
John Shea, Rockwell Republic
BassBin: Nesto/M.O./Timothy Getz, Billy’s Lounge
Jazz Jam, What Not Inn, Fennville
Tony Reynolds, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Dan Willenberg Trio, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Tuesday, Jan. 23
Steve Hilger Quartet, West Michigan Jazz Society Progressions Jazz Series, New Holland Brewing’s The Knickerbocker
Take Three Jazz Ensemble, The Grand, Grand Haven
Brett Dame, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Cheap Dates, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Wednesday, Jan. 24
Watching For Foxes, Local Spins Wednesday @ SpeakEZ Lounge
Tom Hagen Trio with Mary Rademacher Reed, Noto’s, Cascade
Dale Wicks, Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs
Dueling Pianos, New Holland Brewing’s Pub On 8th, Holland
Jim Shaneberger, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
WMU Jazz Jams, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Thursday, Jan. 25
Channing & Quinn, One Trick Pony
Candlebox, 20 Monroe Live
Brian Morris, International Guitar Series, Alfred P. Smith Music Center, Grand Rapids Community College
Cabildo/Melophobix, Founders Brewing Co.
The Cadillac Three/Austin Jenckes, The Intersection
Grand Rapids Community College: International Guitar Series, Brian Morris, Linn Maxwell Keller Recital Hall, Albert P. Smith Music Center
Heartsick/Silence & Solace/As Am I/Last Sleep, Mulligan’s Pub
Cheap Dates, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Elroy Meltzer, Harmony Hall
Calabogie Road Band, Fricano’s Pizza, Comstock Park
Jim Spalink, Rockford Brewing Co., Rockford
Chris & Andy, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Checkers Morton, Sandy Point Beach House, West Olive
Nate Holley, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Sky King/Van Mason, Big Lake Brewing, Holland
Alex Mays Band/Brena, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
WMU Combo Night, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Friday, Jan. 26
Grand Rapids Symphony, Blockbuster Broadway, DeVos Performance Hall (Jan. 26-28)
John Shea, JW Marriott
Jack Droppers & the Best Intentions/Lane Ellens, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
DJ Maseo + Mata, Grand Rapids Soul Club, The Pyramid Scheme
Artifakts/b2b/Daily Bread, The Intersection
The Moonrays, Rocky’s Bar & Grill
Jaded, Grand Woods Lounge
Barenaked 90s, River City Saloon
Union Guns, Back Forty Saloon
Sushi Roll, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Wing Vilma (album release), Creston Brewery
Skinjacket/Inner Itch/EPCYA/A Study In Scarlett, Mulligan’s Pub
Soul Patch, Billy’s Lounge
River City Jazz Ensemble, 2nd Congregational Church, 625 Cheshire Drive NE
Three’s A Crowd, Shots On The River, Belmont
Signal Trip, EB Coffee & Pub, Caledonia
Kathy Lamar/Bob Van Stee/Kevin Jones, Noto’s, Cascade
Jim Shaneberger, Bostwick Lake Inn, Rockford
Azz Izz, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming
Lighting Matches (Blues For Boobs breast cancer benefit), Great Legs Winery Brewery Distillery, Holland
Patty PerShayla, Our Brewing, Holland
The Big Love Band, New Holland Brewing’s Pub On 8th, Holland
Bobby Brooks Wilson (tribute to Jackie Wilson, Park Theatre, Holland
Decades, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
The Jetts (Winterfest), Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Rich Burkholder, Kirby Grill, Grand Haven
Sweet Water Warblers, Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
Jaded 8, Jack’s Waterfront Bistro & Bar, Spring Lake
Kristen Kuiper, Old Boys’ Brewhouse, Spring Lake
Gabrial James, Hennessy’s Pub, Muskegon
Big Daddy Fox & Friends, The Alley Door Club, Frauenthal Center, Muskegon\
Bike Tuff/Dingus/Perren, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
Peat In The Creel, Hilliard’s Corner Lounge, Wayland
Everett Domeier/Pop Cult, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Classics Uncorked, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo
Asamu, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
The Insiders (Tom Petty tribute), Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
James Weary & The Bevy Blue, The Livery, Benton Harbor
Amarillo Sky, Czar’s 505, St. Joseph
Jake Owen, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mt. Pleasant
Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Ann Arbor
Saturday, Jan. 27
Ice Jam, Perrin Brewing Co., Comstock Park
Mr Whooha, Nick Fink’s, Comstock Park
Grand Rapids Symphony, Blockbuster Broadway, DeVos Performance Hall (Jan. 26-28)
Partner/Flushed/Lipstick Jodi: Cellar Raid, Founders Brewing Co.
Natchez Trace, One Trick Pony
Mary Rademacher Reed Trio with The Hagens, JW Marriott
Noel Webley, Rendezvous @ Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Kill The Noise/Sullivan King/G-Rex/Attak/b2b/Flats Stanlie/Svdden Death/Hekler/Dissonance/Frybread Power: Bass Country, The Intersection
The Skull (performing “Trouble” in its entirety), The Pyramid Scheme
The Lepolion Effect, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Union Guns, Back Forty Saloon
The Sauce/Geoff With A G/Mose Alto, Mulligan’s Pub
VAZUM/Hollywood Makeout/The Imagitron, Rocky’s Bar & Grill
Project 90, River City Saloon
Mark Sala, Thornapple Brewing Co., Cascade
John Shea, Noto’s, Cascade
Frog King/Rainy Night, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Refurbished, Flanagan’s Irish Pub
Aces & Eights, Shots On The River, Belmont
Tetrad, Rogue River Tavern, Rockford
Azz Izz, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming
Rich Burkholder, Saugatuck Brewing Co., Douglas
Double Nickel, Tripelroot, Zeeland
Rock Shop, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Charlie Mars, Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
Jaded 8, Jack’s Waterfront Bistro & Bar, Spring Lake
The Russ Brothers (Winterfest), Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Decades, Kirby Grill, Grand Haven
Funkle Jesse, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
Brandon Ward/Pop Cult, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Classics On Tap, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
Lushh, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
NuSkin, The Music Factory, Battle Creek
Bob Marley Birthday Bash, Czar’s 505, St. Joseph
The Accidentals, Corson Auditorium, Interlochen Center For The Arts, Interlochen
Toronzo Cannon, Milliken Auditorium, Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City
Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Ann Arbor
Sunday, Jan. 28
SOLD OUT BØRNS/Charlotte Cardin/Mikky Ekko, 20 Monroe Live
Grand Rapids Symphony, Blockbuster Broadway, DeVos Performance Hall (Jan. 26-28)
Crooked Heart, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Suzanna Dennis Bratton, principal clarenetist, Grand Rapids Symphony, Sunday
Classical Concert Series, Grand Rapids Art Museum
Greg Miller, Sunday Brunch Series, JW Marriott
River North Jazz Brunch, The Old Goat
Hugye Beaven Schock Jazz Band, Harmony Hall
Hawks & Owls, Creston Brewery
Randy Marsh & Friends, SpeakEZ Lounge
Jason Wheeler & Friends, Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs
Channing & Quinn, C3 Spiritual Connection, Community Center, Grand Haven
Gleb Ivanov, Hempy Keyboard Series, Saugatuck Center For The Arts, Saugatuck
Sweetwater Warblers, Salt Of The Earth, Fennville
Gabrial James, Hilliard’s Corner Lounge, Wayland
A May & Blue, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Irish Music Jam, Boatyard Brewing, Kalamazoo
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