Grand Rapids and Ionia will host special pre-shows, performances and vendor marketplaces before the bluegrass superstar’s Van Andel Arena concerts May 30 and 31. The details at Local Spins.
Billy Strings’ Devoted Herd: Vendors, artisans, pickers & more will set up before his Grand Rapids shows. (Courtesy Photo)
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Anyone who’s followed the musical exploits of Billy Strings for any length of time knows that his “family” extends well beyond beloved relatives in the Ionia County hamlet of Muir and surrounding communities.
The bluegrass guitar phenom attracts hordes of devoted fans and merchandise vendors who follow him around the county as he plays festivals and arenas, essentially acting as touring partners who exude camaraderie and family vibes while spreading the Billy Goat gospel in upbeat fashion.
So when Michigan’s favorite bluegrass son returns for a two-night, packed homecoming extravaganza at Grand Rapids’ 12,000-capacity Van Andel Arena May 30-31, his followers will turn it into a Billy Fest of sorts:
Thursday, May 29, will feature a “Shakedown” on Ionia’s Main Street at The Paisley Fig (owned by Billy’s mom, Debra Apostol, and Missy Fowler), while Friday and Saturday, May 30-31, will boast “Pickin’ in the Courtyard” at the Courtyard by Marriott in Grand Rapids before the evening arena concerts. (Founders Brewing also hosts separate pre-shows Friday and Saturday; scroll down for details.)
Jeni Matuja: ‘This community is a true family.’ (Courtesy Photo)
Described as “a celebration of music, creativity and craftsmanship” with more than two dozen independent vendors participating, the pre-parties will feature live performances and open jamming.
“We’re a community that thrives on mutual support, celebrating life through dance and empowering each other’s creativity. As we’ve watched Billy’s career soar, we’ve formed a community that’s grown exponentially, with many finding a sense of belonging,” said Jeni Matuja, vice president of the non-profit H33ling the Herd, who has helped organize the events with president Jillian Quinlan.
“A tight-knit group of vendors travels with Billy, sharing their talents and forming lasting connections on the road. For many, this community is a true family.”
To start it off, the “Shakedown at The Paisley Fig,” 313 W. Main St. in Ionia, will begin at noon Thursday with a section of Main Street shut down for a vendor marketplace. “There will be an open-mic and picking later in the afternoon till 9 p.m.,” Matuja said.
“We collaborated with the Paisley Fig on the event to promote the new shop in Ionia. Missy Fowler and Deborah Apostle’s shop is local to the Grand Rapids area, and we aimed to spread the word to Michiganders,” she added.
“The Shakedown offers a unique opportunity for Billy fans and locals to interact, and for many, seeing Billy’s hometown and mother’s shop is an experience in itself.” (More Shakedown info here.)
BUSTLING VENDOR MARKETPLACE AT GR’S COURTYARD BY MARRIOT
Then on Friday and Saturday, the Grand River Room at the Courtyard Marriott at 11 Monroe Ave. NW in downtown Grand Rapids will host “Pickin’ at the Courtyard,” a pre-party and market with 27 vendors, live music by Silver Exchange, open-mics and open jams from noon to 6 p.m.
“Special guests will be popping up throughout the weekend’s events,” Matuja said. “We don’t have a big budget. All of us vendors chipped in on the space so we would have an opportunity to work without having to pay someone a bunch of money to set it up for us.”
A Devoted Community: Vendors outside a Billy Strings concert. (Courtesy Photo)
A similar marketplace at the downtown hotel preceded Billy Strings’ rousing Halloween appearance at Van Andel Arena in 2023, though more vendors will be on hand for this event. The vendors range from “Billy Strings-inspired” jewelry, clothing and pins to a wide variety of artisan goods. (View the list online here.)
Billy Strings, of course, has been the motivating force for this devoted following that crisscrosses the country.
“For me, beyond his impressive performances, superb songwriting and beautiful voice, he is an inspiring person who genuinely cares about his fans and the communities he travels to. He promotes a positive message and sets a good example,” Matuja said, noting that Billy, aka William Apostol, overcame humble beginnings.
“Billy’s personal journey serves as a powerful reminder that our circumstances don’t define us. By sharing his struggles and triumphs, he’s inspired countless individuals to rise above their challenges and strive for a brighter future.”
Formed in 2022, H33ling the Herd provides education, drug-testing services and Narcan to assist the bluegrass community “in living a healthier lifestyle while saving lives.” Details about the organization here.
Loving Community: 27 vendors will be on hand May 30-31. (Courtesy Photo)
Of course, there’s also the excitement of the Billy Strings concerts themselves that keeps these devotees together.
“You also don’t see many shows like a Billy Strings show, where they’re honoring classic bluegrass legends like Doc Watson, Bill Monroe, Johnny Hartford, Flatt and Scruggs, The Stanley Brothers, while also jamming some incredibly inspiring originals and throwing Pearl Jam or Alice In Chains into the mix,” Matuja said, “bringing people together from all walks of life and creating a vibrant new scene.”
While Saturday’s Van Andel Arena show is sold out (along with two-day tickets), Friday tickets — $57.10-$81.15 — are still available online here.
The “Billy Fest” excitement also includes a separate “Unofficial Billy Strings Pre-Picking in the Garden” at Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids starring the Mark Lavengood Trio at 4:30 p.m. Friday (May 30) and King Possum at 4:30 p.m. Saturday (May 31). Details here.
Read more about Billy’s devoted fans: Billy Goat Brouhaha: The Billy Strings mystique grows as hardcore fans toast the bluegrass hero.
And come back to Local Spins next week for more about Billy and the upcoming arena shows.
PHOTO GALLERY: Vendor Markets at Billy Strings Shows
