Beyond musical action ranging from a Canadian rock mainstay to The Accidentals, the weekend boasted the first Music Econ Summit and a Latvian Song & Dance Festival announcement. The Local Spins scoop.
‘Underclass Hero’ and Much More: Sum 41 on stage in Grand Rapids. (Photo/Jamie Geysbeek)
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From “Motivation” to “Rise Up” to “So Long Goodbye,” Canadian rock mainstay Sum 41 revved up rabid Grand Rapids fans at GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Friday.
The band even gave a rollicking nod to the legendary Queen, uncorking a rendition of “We Will Rock You” midway through the career-spanning set as part of Sum 41’s tour behind its latest album, “Heaven :x: Hell.” (View the set list here.)
Sum 41’s rock ‘n’ roll romp was just a sliver of the musical action greeting West Michigan fans over the weekend.
Music Econ Summit: Monk Matthaeus addressing attendees on Saturday.
Just down the street, Michigan faves Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers (touting a brand new single) filled Elevation inside The Intersection on Friday with devoted fans who also got a chance to cheer an opening set by Chicago jam/funk/rock band Hot Like Mars.
In Kalamazoo on the same night, The Magic of Motown revisited soulful classics at State Theatre, while Traverse City-bred indie-folksters The Accidentals wrapped up the Michigan tour behind their new “Cover Art” album at Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe. And speaking of covers, Michigan’s The Insiders Tom Petty tribute band entertained a sold-out crowd at Bell’s on Saturday. Browse all the photo galleries below.
But it wasn’t all about performances when it comes to the region’s music scene.
The first-ever Music Econ Summit staged at the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation on Saturday drew an impressive turnout of musicians, veteran and emerging artists and various music industry representatives for day-long sessions and panel discussions aimed at educating and advising attendees on the business of music.
July 1-5, 2026: The XVI Latvian Song & Dance Festival logo.
Hosted by the center, Michigan Music Alliance, Push the City Cypher and Triumph Music Academy, the successful inaugural event likely ensures that it will be repeated in future years.
Also in Grand Rapids on Saturday, the Latvian Hall hosted a special logo unveiling for the international Latvian Song and Dance Festival that will take place in early July 2026 at several Grand Rapids venues.
The five-day event — with concerts taking place at Van Andel Arena, DeVos Performance Hall and elsewhere — is expected to draw about 5,000 people for performances by traditional choirs and folk dancers, along with art displays, social gatherings and more. The logo, which reflects the colors of the Latvian flag and traditional costumes worn by performers, will be used to promote the festival that will include performers and attendees from Latvia.
PHOTO GALLERY: Sum 41, The Interrupters, Joey Valence & Brae
GLC Live at 20 Monroe, Grand Rapids
Photos by Jamie Geysbeek
PHOTO GALLERY: Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Hot Like Mars
Elevation (The Intersection), Grand Rapids
Photos by Benjamin Howell
PHOTO GALLERY: The Magic of Motown at Kalamazoo State Theatre
Photos by Derek Ketchum
