The fourth year festival rolls out on Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids on Friday and Saturday. See what’s new for 2024 in this Local Spins preview.
‘A Central Part of the Festival’: DJs, live music and more return to Confluence Festival this year. (Courtesy Photo)
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The intersection of music and technology continues to captivate artists and fans alike.
So, the fourth year of Grand Rapids’ Confluence Festival offers plenty of opportunities for musical entertainment, audience interaction and exposure to the artists of tomorrow.
“Music is always a central part of the festival and this year’s no different,” said Brian Cohen, executive director of the free-admission festival taking place at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids on Friday and Saturday (Sept. 20-21).
In particular, Friday night’s opening party will feature DJs, hip-hop artists and School of Rock Grand Rapids’ house band, along with its instrument petting zoo.
“School of Rock Grand Rapids is a new program partner this year. They’re bringing an instrument petting zoo for both days of the festival and are showcasing their house band on Friday night,” Cohen said.
Hands-On Experience: Last year’s drum circle is being expanded to include an instrument petting zoo. (Courtesy Photo)
“Last year, we introduced a drum circle that was a big hit. So this year, we’re expanding on that by making all sorts of instruments available for people to play. Confluence is all about creating opportunities for people to express their creativity and this hands-on music experience is a perfect example.”
The all-ages evening begins with DJ Sommelier at 6 p.m., followed by the School of Rock band, DJ AB & Huff the Goat, and finally, DJayTron at 9 p.m. The party also will feature AI-powered art, fashion presentations, food trucks and specialty cocktails.
But that’s just a small part of Confluence 2024. The weekend also rolls out an Esports Expo and Innovation Showcase presented by Steelcase, a Robotics Expo sponsored by Dematic, a “Future Innovators Zone” presented by Grand Valley State University, and a “Maker Expo” hosted by Ferris State University.
“Confluence is all about innovation, so we need to innovate as well. That’s why every year we create something new to roll out. This year it’s our new opening night party that will be an interactive tour through our city’s tech-forward arts and culture scene,” Cohen said.
“The Esports competition is increasing to 16 teams, the Maker Expo and Future Innovators Zone will see new program partners, and the Robotics Expo & Parade will feature more hands-on industry demos, like a hockey-playing robot.”
Although he couldn’t provide specific attendance numbers for the free event, Cohen said he expects thousands of people from across the region to attend the 2024 festival. Get more information online at confluencefest.com.
CONFLUENCE FEST 2024: THE SCHEDULE
ESports: Part of Saturday’s lineup. (Courtesy Photo)
