The Eastown institution offers a wide range of musical entertainment, from hip hop to blues to rock to soul to DJs to reggae and more. Learn more about the popular nightclub in this Venue Spotlight.
Packing the Dance Floor: The Soul Syndicate is a favorite at Billy’s Lounge. (Photo/Chelsea Whitaker)
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To call Billy’s Lounge a Grand Rapids institution is a bit of an understatement.
Not only has the nightclub and concert venue operated under that name in Eastown for more than 25 years, but its rich history extends several decades into the past as Martini’s, The Yacht Club and Eastown Saloon.
Billy’s stands out due to its “diverse clientele and music offerings, its proximity to historic neighborhoods, and as a longstanding fixture in the community,” insists assistant manager Sarah Phillips.
“We offer a wide range of music genres that include – but are not limited to – EDM, hip hop, R&B, salsa, bachata rock and blues. On any given night you will experience a popular local band, DJ or even burlesque performance.”
She adds: “I like to think our strength is that we try to offer a variety of music for people from all walks of life. And when you come to Billy’s you will see all kinds of people mixing, mingling, dancing, shooting pool and enjoying the neighborhood bar feel as well as the live music we offer. I think that is what makes the bar unique.”
The 250-capacity room often fills up for performances by cover bands such as Starfarm and The Soul Syndicate, as well as regular DJ and BassBin electronic music nights along with hip hop shows – featuring the likes of Troy Ceasar, The Seventh and many more.
(The Soul Syndicate, by the way, headlines today’s April 6 Feedback benefit concert at Founders Brewing Co., starting at 4 p.m. with The Honeytones, followed by Money Soup. Details here.)
Sarah Phillips (Courtesy Photo)
Frequently, Billy’s Lounge is also home to the West Michigan Blues Society, which hosts appearances by nationally renowned blues acts as well as local favorites in addition to fundraising events. The society hosts a performance by Michigan guitarist and singer Greg Nagy at Billy’s Lounge at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27. The Reverend Jesse Ray opens the show which has a $15 cover. Details here.
Mondays are Bassbin nights, Wednesdays feature Latin/salsa, Thursdays roll out with Top 40 spins, with weekends featuring “a little bit of everything from rock to reggae to funk and soul, with blues Sunday on every third Sunday of the month,” notes Phillips.
“I love any night the dance floor is packed, no matter who is playing,” she adds.
Cover charges range from $2 to $20; get more information and upcoming show schedules online at billyslounge.com or on the Billy’s Lounge Facebook page.
Upcoming Shows: BassBin with Joe Moon, Juan Trevino and Joel Oliver on Monday (April 7), Fuego/DJ Money Mike on Wednesday (April 9), DJ Deee Child on Thursday (April 10), MGP Presents DJ Omega Supreme and DJ Jodi Dro on Friday (April 11), Trixy Tang on Saturday (April 12). View the full April calendar below.
PHOTO GALLERY: Billy’s Lounge, The Soul Syndicate
Photos by Chelsea Whitaker
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