Roger Waters, Melissa Etheridge, Buttermilk Jamboree, Local First Street Party, a 1993 tribute: Concert Picks of the Week (videos)

Roger Waters’ “The Wall”
8 p.m. Wednesday
$66.50-$214.35
Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids

Let’s hope the sun keeps smiling as it did on Festival Sunday, because outdoor summer music hoopla is now officially under way … along with hefty shows by Roger Waters and Melissa Etheridge.

It’s finally here. Eight months after it was first announced, Roger Waters’ lavish production of Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” makes its Grand Rapids debut. Wedged between shows at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena and Chicago’s Wrigley Field, the Van Andel Arena concert promises to be every bit as technologically impressive and awe-inspiring as critically acclaimed tour stops across the globe for this depiction of the iconic 1979 double-album. For proof, just check out video snippets below of the brilliant show staged at the Palace of Auburn Hills two years ago. And yes, some tickets still are available, ranging from the affordable to the pricey. Scan what’s available through Ticketmaster here.

Funktion, Garrett Borns
6:30 p.m. Thursday
Free
Celadon New Town Amphitheater
2853 Knapp St. NE, Grand Rapids

This intimate amphitheater tucked away on Grand Rapids’ Northeast Side hosts every-other-week concerts by some of the region’s most talented bands and solo artists. The 2012 Celadon Summer Concert Series opener is no exception: Kalamazoo’s dynamic R&B and funk band Funktion headlines, with up-and-coming Grand Haven pop singer-songwriter Garrett Borns opening the all-ages show. A perfect place to picnic, with food by Licari’s Pizza Kitchen available.

Various Artists
Buttermilk Jamboree
5:30 p.m. Friday-8:30 p.m. Sunday
$70 (adult, weekend), $30 (adult, day pass)
Circle Pines Center, Delton

In only its second year, the three-day Buttermilk Jamboree on land south of the Yankee Springs State Recreation area (east off U.S. 131 between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo) already seems to have hits its stride, at least when it comes to bolstering and diversifying its solid lineup of Michigan artists.

This year’s jam-packed roster of 40 performers includes Seth Bernard and May Erlewine, The Macpodz, Delilah DeWylde & the Lost Boys, Ralston Bowles, Funktion, The Ragbirds, The Crane Wives, Grupo Aye, Conklin Ceili Band, Jimmie Stagger, Claudia Schmidt and plenty more.

Get the entire lineup, ticket details and directions at the Buttermilk website. Also, children’s tickets are just $10 for the weekend or $5 for a day pass. The festival boasts a slew of workshops, from beginners’ ukulele lessons to wood carving, and camping is available (along with some cabin rentals).

A special feature this year: a tribute to iconic blues singer-songwriter Big Bill Broonzy who worked and played at Circle Pines Center in the 1950s. Folk singer Pete Seeger, who made a recording of Broonzy at the center, will pay tribute to the artist via video at the festival, courtesy of Mick Lane and Bowles, who visited Seeger at his home earlier this year.

Various Artists
Rockford Start of Summer Celebration
Noon Friday-4 p.m. Sunday
Free
Downtown Rockford

It’s a tradition of sorts: Grand Rapids’ rock/pop band The Outer Vibe headlining Saturday night’s pre-fireworks show for Rockford’s Start of Summer Celebration. That animated performance kicks off at 8 p.m. Saturday in the pavilion, but there’s plenty more live music on tap (along with a carnival, food booths, kids’ activities, parade, etc.).

Oldies’ Flashback headlines Friday night’s entertainment, with Mr. Picklehead and the Rockford Children’s Choir performing earlier in the day. On Saturday afternoon, 13th Hour, Peri Jill & Friends and Audio Blue take the stage; Sunday’s afternoon lineup features Big Tiny Young and Youz Guyz. Check out the full schedule here.

Melissa Etheridge
7 p.m. Friday
$80
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids Township

The last time Melissa Etheridge played Meijer Gardens, she electrified a sold-out crowd with her high-energy, passionate rock display. At the time, she vowed to return. Well, the Grammy Award-winning singer with 10 studio albums under her belt is back … and some tickets are still available. Get details at the Meijer Gardens website here.

1993: A Tribute
8 p.m. Friday
$10
The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids

Talk about a can’t-miss show for ‘90s alt-rock fans.

1993: A Tribute is sort of an all-star affair. A host of talented West Michigan musicians from a dozen different groups are joining forces in three bands for an unprecedented tribute to three influential albums: Smashing Pumpkins’ “Siamese Dream,” Nirvana’s “In Utero” and Pearl Jam’s “Vs.”

So “Go” to this show, because it’s all sure to be “Sweet Sweet” and “Very Ape.” Oh, and proceeds will help support Grand Rapids’ Student Advancement Foundation. Get the lowdown here.

Various Artists
Sixth Annual Market, The Avenue for the Arts
Noon-9 p.m. Saturday
Free
S. Division Avenue (between Weston and Williams streets), Grand Rapids

This year, the Avenue for the Arts has decided to consolidate its markets into a one-day event on S. Division Avenue, showcasing local artists at vendor booths and an all-day lineup of musical performers. In addition to DJs spinning tunes throughout the day, there will be sets by Karisa Wilson, Kyle Colter of the Pistolbrides, Bearcat, Redwood, the Olde Time Harmony Quartet and more. Get the full schedule online here. And come down to support your ultra-hip artistic community.

Various Artists
9th Annual Local First Street Party
4 p.m.-midnight Saturday
Free
In front of Bistro Bella Vita, downtown Grand Rapids

Ah, yet another very good excuse to spend all day in downtown Grand Rapids, as if you really need one. After checking out the Avenue for the Arts’ Market, swing over to Bistro Bella Vita near Van Andel Arena for a street party extraordinaire, the Local First Street Party. Detroit’s The Hard Lessons and Larry McCray and West Michigan’s own La Famiglia, Fauxgrass Quartet, Afro Zuma, Grupo Aye and Grand Rapids Soul Club are on the bracing, eclectic docket this year. And as usual, Founders Brewing Co. beer will be sold on site, along with local wine and food.

You can also check out the Local First After-Party at Founders, with Valentiger, Just Married and The Pistolbrides ($5 cover). Other great options: James Reeser & the Backseat Drivers bring their riveting blues to Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill on Butterworth Avenue SW at 8 p.m. ($5 cover), or catch some jazz with The Dave Collee Quartet with Ginny Dusseau at the Ottawa Tavern at 8 p.m.

Oh, and the Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime show at The Intersection has been rescheduled to Nov. 11.

Email: jsinkevics@gmail.com