The holidays heat things up this week with Red Legs, The Crane Wives, Junior Valentine & Hank Mowery, Dalmatian Stone, Jake Kershaw, ‘The Nutcracker’ and more. Plus win tickets to TDWP or Wallen.
THE BIG LIST: Dec. 10-16
For an expanded list of upcoming shows at West Michigan venues, check out The REALLY Big List at Local Spins.
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To be included in our “Big List of Michigan Music Festivals,” organizers should email liz@localspins.com with 2019 dates, the event location, contact information and any other pertinent details.
TUESDAY
WGVU/NPR POP UP SERIES:
THE CRANE WIVES
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Tickets: $10
Where: Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids
The WGVU/NPR Pop Up Series continues with a concert featuring another prominent, popular West Michigan act. This time around, folk-rock’s The Crane Wives will take center stage, performing in the historic surroundings of Fountain Street Church for an early-week show. (Lady Ace Boogie played the first show in the series at The Pyramid Scheme in November.)
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for this all-ages show. Get tickets and details online here.
WEDNESDAY
LOCAL SPINS WEDNESDAY:
HANK MOWERY
JUNIOR VALENTINE & THE ALLSTARS
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Admission: Free
Where: SpeakEZ Lounge, Grand Rapids
A night of true blues icons is on tap this week for the Local Spins Wednesdays series. Junior Valentine & The Allstars and harmonica ace Hank Mowery join forces for an evening of classic blues gems and more, calling on their decades of experience, with guitarist Troy Amaro and drummer John Large joining them.
The Local Spins Wednesday shows are presented by Local Spins, SpeakEZ Lounge, Perrin Brewing Company and WYCE, with Michigan beer specials on tap and free parking in the Sixth Street Park lot off Monroe Avenue a block to the north. Local Spins 2019 Calendars – featuring concert photos of Michigan bands and 2019 festival dates – will be on sale at the show.
THURSDAY
MORGAN WALLEN
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Admission: $17 advance, $20 day of show
Where: The Intersection, Grand Rapids
LOCAL SPINS TICKET GIVEAWAY: The first two people to email john@localspins.com with “MORGAN WALLEN” in the message field will win a pair of tickets to Thursday’s show. Check The Big List every week for your chance to win concert tickets.
Up-and-coming country singer Morgan Wallen is touring behind his debut album, “If I Know Me,” which peaked at No. 11 on Billboard’s U.S. Country chart and generated the hit singles “Up Down” (with Florida Georgia Line), “Whiskey Glasses” and “The Way I Talk.”
The special guest for this all-ages show, presented by SectionLive and radio station B93, will be Hardy. Get more information online at sectionlive.com.
MAY ERLEWINE & THE MOTIVATIONS
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Tickets: $15
Where: The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids
Revered Michigan singer-songwriter and Earthwork Music collective artist May Erlewine is once again staging a “Winter Dance Party” tour featuring the soulful, “retro-groove” strains of her all-star band The Motivations (Phil Barry, Joe Hettinga, Eric Kuhn, Max Lockwood, Mike Lynch, Terrence Massey, Michael Shimmin). The tour also stops Dec. 21 at Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo, and on Dec. 22 at Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up.
Expect a night of dance-inspiring music, ideal for spreading holiday cheer. More at pyramidschemebar.com, where you can also get the lowdown on Friday’s show starring Amoura, Lokella, Foxfollow and Vestigial.
FRIDAY
DALMATIAN STONE ALBUM-RELEASE
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Admission: Free
Where: Billy’s Lounge, Grand Rapids
This early show on Friday at Billy’s Lounge in Grand Rapids stars a frontman who’s very familiar with that stage (having played it regularly for years with The Soul Syndicate). This marks the debut of singer Diego Morales’ new band project, Dalmatian Stone, which officially released its first album, “Deciph3r,” late last month – tracks brimming with soul, rock, neo-funk, jazz and more. Tune in for preview during Local Spins on WYCE at 11 a.m. Friday (88.1 FM) when members of Dalmatian Stone will be the in-studio guests.
Billy’s Lounge follows this at 9:30 p.m. ($5 admission) with its regular Friday night show, this one featuring The Charles Walker Band. Hip Pocket returns with its horn-band glory at 9:30 p.m. Saturday ($5).
JAKE KERSHAW
THE WHISKEY CHARMERS
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $20
Where: Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington Ave., Grand Haven
Blues-rock guitarist Jake Kershaw is just a senior at Marshall High School, but he’s already one of Michigan’s rising stars thanks to his eye-popping musicianship and soulful singing. Opening the first show in this season’s Music at the Museum series sponsored by the Tri-Cities Historical Museum and Red House Concerts will be Detroit alt-country band The Whiskey Charmers.
Get more information online at tri-citiesmuseum.org.
RED LEGS HOLIDAY JAM:
THE AUTUMNATIC
SECRET FORTE
SANDRA EFFERT
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $5 advance, $10 day of show
Where: The Stache inside The Intersection, Grand Rapids
Not only is Grand Rapids alt-rock band Red Legs promoting a fine new release, “Animal Bones,” but the group has organized and is hosting this “Holiday Jam” benefiting Family Promise of Grand Rapids. The event will include a collection bin for Toys for Tots, several door prizes (including a guitar from Guitar Center) and, of course, a showcase of local music: Red Legs, The Autumnatic, Secret Forte and Sandra Effert.
Get more information about this all-ages show at sectionlive.com. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. (Sullivan King, G-Rex, Attak and Dissonance play Elevation the same night, $17 advance, $20 day of show.)
SATURDAY
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $19.50 advance, $22 day of show
Where: Elevation inside The Intersection, Grand Rapids
LOCAL SPINS TICKET GIVEAWAY: The first two people to email john@localspins.com with “DEVIL WEARS PRADA” in the message field will win a pair of tickets to Saturday’s show. Check The Big List every week for your chance to win concert tickets.
With a half-dozen albums under their belts and a new record label, Ohio’s The Devil Wears Prada brings its metalcore/Christian metal assault to Elevation for the second-to-last show on its December U.S. tour – an extension of its fall sojourn celebrating the 10th anniversary of its “With Roots Above and Branches Below” album. Fit for a King and ’68 fill out the bill. Doors open at 7 p.m. for this all- ages show; details at sectionlive.com.
(By the way, Deepfall has an album-release show with Coldville, Bleed the Water and Damned by Dawn, all playing The Stache the same night, with Mega ’80s’ “Xmas Sweater, Speedo and Romper Party” in the main showroom.)
SCOTTY MCCREERY
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $33-$59.50
Where: 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids
Scotty McCreery, of course, had his first brush with fame when he won the 10th season of the “American Idol” competition back in 2011. That helped him become the youngest male artist – and first country artist – to have his first album debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. He released his fourth album, “Seasons Change,” featuring the single, “Five More Minutes,” earlier this year and he continues to tour behind that recording.
Also performing Saturday night will be Jimmie Allen and Heather Morgan. Only a few tickets remained early this week; details at 20monroelive.com.
FRANKIE BALLARD’S COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $25-$100
Where: State Theatre, Kalamazoo
Michigan-bred country star Frankie Ballard has made this show an annual tradition over the years – returning to his home state for a holiday soiree at Kalamazoo State Theatre. And attention fans: It’s the 10th and final time he plans to host this show there.
With an arsenal of hits to his credit (“Sunshine & Whiskey,” “Helluva Life,” “Young & Crazy”), Ballard has earned attention for his music as well as for his live performances. Get tickets and more info online at kazoostate.com.
MARK FARINA
When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday
Admission: $7
Where: Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids
The last time groundbreaking dance music pioneer and DJ Mark Farina played Founders Brewing, the show generated a huge buzz and a huge crowd. Well, the Chicago native and Texas-based house music, deep house and mushroom jazz producer and DJ returns to Grand Rapids this weekend, so you can expect another enthusiastic throng to pack the taproom. Read more about his trailblazing music in this Local Spins feature by Todd Ernst.
Grand Rapids’ own techno/tech house DJ Faren Strnad opens the evening with her much-acclaimed music. Get details at foundersbrewing.com, where you can also find info about Thursday’s free show featuring Harper & Midwest Kind.
SUNDAY
ROARING TWENTIES HOLIDAY BALL
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $15
Where: Park Theatre, 248 S. River Ave., Holland
This special event is aimed at taking fans back to the 1920s with Big Band, swing and jazz music courtesy of the Aston Neighborhood Pleasure Club, which features members of Theatre Bizarre Orchestra, and the Frenchtown Playboys, with Holland’s own Olivia Mainville emceeing the show.
Antique photos will be available, plus cocktails “from the Prohibition Era.” Matt Maldonado will also display some 1920s art. Details online at parktheatreholland.org.
UNDER-THE-RADAR PICKS
Willy Wompa and Bread N Butter playing BassBin at Billy’s Lounge in Grand Rapids, 9:30 p.m. Monday, free – Celebrating Michael Lozon’s birthday, Grand Rapids’ own Willy Wompa fires up this weekly Monday night party with help from Bread N Butter. Doors open at 9 p.m.
Emma Loo & Sam playing Cedar Springs Brewing Co. in downtown Cedar Springs, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, free – The ever inventive Emma Loo and Sam from Grand Rapids bring their unique take on indie-rock to Cedar Springs Brewing for some mid-week fun. Jim Spalink returns to Cedar Springs Brewing at noon Sunday (after playing Rockford Brewing on Thursday night).
Like Moths to Flames playing The Stache inside The Intersection in Grand Rapids, 7 p.m. Thursday, $15 advance, $17 day of show – Columbus, Ohio’s Like Moths to Flames brings its metalcore attack to Grand Rapids, still touring behind its 2017 release, “Dark Divine.” Other bands on the bill include Oceans Ate Alaska, Phinehas, Novelists and Oceans Beneath Us.
Out of Favor Boys Trio playing Old Dog Tavern in Kalamazoo, 8 p.m. Thursday – As part of the “Homegrown in Kalamazoo” series, this popular blues band is set to perform as a trio. (The band also plays 3-6 p.m. Saturday at Old Dog as part of a fundraiser for Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes; bring a can of food or cash donation.) Old Dog hosts a show on Friday with The Mickeys and Drop 30 Band (10 p.m.) and on Saturday with Dede & The Dream, Jordan Hamilton and Emilee Petersmark of The Crane Wives (10 p.m.)
The Talbott Brothers playing Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake, 8 p.m. Friday, $20-$30 – Portland-based duo The Talbott Brothers deliver an entertaining mix of folk, rock and blues music, and Seven Steps Up follows this on Saturday with the return of Connecticut singer-songwriter Stephen Kellogg ($35-$45). Info online at pindropconcerts.com; call Gary at 231-557-7687 for tickets.
Deadicated with Nicholas James Thomasma & Friends at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. Friday, $10 – This night “deadicated” to the music of The Grateful Dead is billed as a party designed to “bring band and audience together to continue the long strange trip by playing sing-along favorites, psychedelic jams and surprises” from the Dead catalog. Performing with Thomasma will be Matt Cole, Josh Aden, John Sehn, Ellen Sehn, Nick Serocki, Mark Czajka and Woody Rose. Details online here.
Grand Rapids Ballet presents ‘The Nutcracker’ at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids, Friday-Sunday, and Dec. 21-23, $32-$150 – This annual performance taking place over two straight weekends features Grand Rapids Ballet with the Grand Rapids Symphony and showcases the design of Chris Van Allsburg, sets by Tony Award winner Eugene Lee and choreography by Val Caniparoli. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Details, tickets online here.
Dunegrass, Catfish & The Man, Stereolithic playing Tripelroot at 146 E. Main Ave. in Zeeland, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, free – This is Tripelroot’s fourth anniversary party, with food and drink specials and performances by Dunegrass at noon, Catfish & The Man at 3:30 p.m. and finally, Stereolithic at 7 p.m.
The Bittersweet Christmas Band playing Wealthy Theatre’s front studio at 1110 Wealthy St. SE in Grand Rapids, 7 p.m. Saturday, $15 (discounts for seniors, students, children) – This holiday installation in the Acoustic Saturday Nights series hosted by the Grand River Folk Arts Society features traditional and contemporary holiday music by the harmony-laden Phil Cooper, Kate Early, Margaret Nelson and Susan Urban. Details here.
Schubert Male Chorus playing East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center at 2211 Lake Drive SE, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, $20 advance, $22 day of show – It’s a storied tradition in the Grand Rapids area: The venerable Schubert Male Chorus performing in its annual holiday show titled “Stories of Christmas.” Get the lowdown online here.
Full Cord Bluegrass and Smokin’ Dobroleles playing Park Theatre at 248 S. River Ave. in Holland, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, $10 advance, $15 day of show – Grand Haven-based Full Cord plays “bluegrass you can roll with,” featuring Eric Langejans, Todd Kirchner, Danny Seabolt, Brian Oberlin and Alex Johnson, with music influenced by the likes of Flatt & Scruggs, Stanley Brothers, Doc Watson, Newgrass Revival, Bill Monroe and more. Oceana County bluegrass outfit The Smokin’ Dobroleles is also on the bill.
That Beatles Thing playing One Trick Pony in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Saturday, free – One of Grand Rapids’ most popular Beatles tribute act, That Beatles Thing, returns to pack One Trick Pony for a night of Fab Four gems.
Lynn Thompson playing Creston Brewery in Grand Rapids, 4 p.m. Sunday, free – West Michigan singer-songwriter Lynn Thompson has a new album to promote, and performs solo at Creston.
The Schrock Brothers playing Salt of the Earth at 114 E. Main St. in Fennville, 6 p.m. Sunday, $15 – These guys are the “house band” at Salt of the Earth, playing their annual holiday get-together with Andrew, Jason and Mark Schrock joined by Peter Madcat Ruth, Drew Howard and Michael Shimmin for an evening of bracing Americana.
Michigander and Brother Elsey playing Stovetop Coffee Roasters at 944 E. Fulton St. in Grand Rapids, 7 p.m. Sunday, SOLD OUT – No surprise that this intimate concert is sold out, featuring the super-catchy songs of indie-pop band Michigander and the rootsy, Americana-fueled rock of Brother Elsey. Details here.
THE REALLY BIG LIST OF CONCERTS, PLUS SHOWS ON THE HORIZON
Monday, Dec. 10
BassBin: Willy Wompa/Bread N Butter, Billy’s Lounge
In The Blue Jazz Ensemble, Jazz & Gin Mondays, Long Road Distillers
John Shea, Rockwell Republic
Jazz Jam, What Not Inn, Fennville
Tom Duffield, Old Dog Tavern (5 p.m.), Kalamazoo
Tuesday, Dec. 11
The Crane Wives, Fountain Street Church
Michael Drost & Jordan Finn, Grand Bar, Grand Haven
Damn Handsome Devil Devon Yeider & Friends, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Wednesday, Dec. 12
Hank Mowery/Junior Valentine Allstars, Local Spins Wednesday, SpeakEZ Lounge
John Shea Trio: West Michigan Jazz Society Holiday Party, Watermark Country Club
River North Jazz, The Old Goat
The Old Adage/The Gorgeous Oranges, 741
Daniel Pladdet, Fricano’s Pizza, Alpine
Tom Hagen Trio featuring Rick Reuther, Noto’s Old World Italian Restaurant, Cascade
Emma Loo & Sam, Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs
Ivan Akansiima, Mizu Sushi, Holland
Jesse Jett, Singer Songwriter Night, Waverly Stone Gastropub, Holland
Gabrial James, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Neil Harding & Lisa Mallwitz, Potters Lounge @ Four Points Sheraton, Kalamazoo
Blue Veins, Shakespeare’s Pub Lower Level, Kalamazoo
Thursday, Dec. 13
Morgan Wallen/Hardy, The Intersection
Like Moths To Flames/Oceans Ate Alaska/Phinehas/Novelists/Oceans Beneath Us, The Stache inside The Intersection
May Erlewine & The Motivations: Winter Dance Party & EP release, The Pyramid Scheme
Harper & Midwest Kind, Founders Brewing Co.
John Kay & Who’s To Say/Barrel Bones, Mulligan’s Pub
Barb Beane, Kevin Murphy & Bobby Trio, One Trick Pony
Bridge Street Band, Music in the Stacks, Grand Rapids Public Library, West Side Branch
The JetBeats/Guitar UP!, Rocky’s Bar and Grill
JMM Jazz, Noto’s Old World Italian Restaurant, Cascade
Jim Spalink, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Gabrial James, Pike 51 Brewing-Hudsonville Winery, Hudsonville
Rockshop, Wicks Park Bar & Grille, Saugatuck
Nate Holley, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Madcat Midnight Blues Journey, The Felt Estate, Holland
My Thin Place, Sandy Point Beach House, West Olive
Rich Burkholder, Kirby House, Grand Haven
Eileen Ivers, “Joyful Christmas,” Dogwood Center for Performing Arts, Fremont
Sean Copenhaver, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Seth Ebersole, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
First Responders/Pariah/PT Ori, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
Tom Duffield, O’Duffy’s Pub, Kalamazoo
OFB3: Homegrown Presents, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Tony Orlando & Dawn: A Christmas Reunion, Firekeepers Casino, Battle Creek
Friday, Dec. 14
Grand Rapids Ballet & Grand Rapids Symphony, “The Nutcracker,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 14-16 & Dec. 21-23)
Kent Philharmonic Orchestra featuring James Crawford, violin, St. Cecilia Music Center, Royce Auditorium
Amoura/Lokella/Foxfollow/Vestigial, The Pyramid Scheme
Sullivan King/G-Rex/Attak/Dissonance, Elevation below The Intersection
Red Legs/The Autumnatic/Secret Forte/Sandra Effert, The Stache inside The Intersection
Deadicated/Nicholas James Thomasma, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Stolen Horses, Back Forty Saloon
Dalmatian Stone (album release)/Charles Walker Band, Billy’s Lounge
Trixy Tang, Log Cabin Lounge (Dec. 14-15)
The Hat Madder/Sailor Kicks/Rails, 741
Kevin Schaffer, Garage Bar & Grill
Robin Connell & Jim Cooper Trio (5 p.m.), Harmony Hall
Mary Rademacher Reed Trio, Rendezvous Lounge @ Amway Grand Plaza Hotel (Dec. 14-15)
Paris Blues, Shots on the River, Belmont
Jack’s Label Marker, EB Coffee & Pub, Caledonia
In The Blue Jazz Ensemble, Village Inn Pizza Sports Bar & Grill 44th Street, Wyoming
Azz Izz, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming (Dec. 14-15)
Sean McDaniel, Barrel Room @ Saugatuck Brewing Co., Douglas
Coty Bouchard, Our Brewing Co., Holland
Chunk of Funk, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
The Talbott Brothers, Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
Jake Kershaw, Red House Concert Series, Tri-Cities Museum, Grand Haven
Loren Johnson, The Copper Post, Grand Haven
West Michigan Symphony, “Home for the Holidays,” Frauenthal Center, Muskegon
Travis Swanson Trio, 18th Amendment Spirits Co., Muskegon
Abram Gunther & the Bear-A-Tones, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
Mark and Emily Joyce, Hennessy’s Pub, Norton Shores
Hip Pocket, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Jeff Mueller (5 p.m.), Louie’s Trophy House, Kalamazoo
Gator Boys, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
The Hip Replacements, Final Gravity Brewing Company, Kalamazoo
BOS Music/Gobsmvcked/Jvice Muzik/Chadderboxx/Anserz, Papa Pete’s, Kalamazoo
The Mickeys/Break 30, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Kit LeBlanc & Bob DeYoung, Potters Lounge @ Four Points Sheraton, Kalamazoo
Duffield-Caron Project, Amore Ristorante, Paw Paw
Bernice/Jake Sherman, Shakespeare’s Pub Lower Level, Kalamazoo
Allie Garland, JB’s Whiskey Old Style Grill, Battle Creek
The Bergamot, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Charlie Millard Band/Cazz VI & The Immigrants, The Livery, St. Joseph
Hannah Harris/John Warstler, Red Sky Stage, Petoskey
Saturday, Dec. 15
Mark Farina/Faren Strnad, Founders Brewing Company
Grand Rapids Ballet & Grand Rapids Symphony, “The Nutcracker,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 14-16 & Dec. 21-23)
Scotty McCreery/Jimmie Allen/Heather Morgan, 20 Monroe Live
Mega 80s Christmas Sweater/Speedo/Romper Party, The Intersection
The Devil Wears Prada/Roots Above and Branches Below/Fit For A King/’68, Elevation below The Intersection
Deepfall (album release)/Bleed the Water/Damned by Dawn, The Stache inside The Intersection
Flesh Ancient Monster/The Von Werewolves, Tip Top Deluxe Bar and Grill
The Hip Pocket, Billy’s Lounge
Par-llo Connection (Ugly Sweater Party), Creston Brewery
Stolen Horses, Back Forty Saloon
That Beatles Thing, One Trick Pony
The Bittersweet Christmas Band: Grand River Folk Arts Society, Wealthy Theatre Annex
Rocket Fuel Haulers, River City Saloon
Sushi Roll, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Trixy Tang, Log Cabin Lounge (Dec. 14-15)
Robin Connell Trio, JW Marriott
Mary Rademacher Reed Trio, Rendezvous Lounge @ Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Fast Hands Band, Shots on the River, Belmont
John Shea, Noto’s Old Italian Restaurant, Cascade
Schubert Male Chorus of Grand Rapids: “Stories of Christmas,” East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center, East Grand Rapids
The Doran Brothers, Red’s Sports Bar and Grill, Middleville
Electric Red, Rogue River Tavern, Rockford
Chris Michels Band, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Azz Izz, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming (Dec. 14-15)
Kristin Kuiper, Ridge Cider Co., Grant
Melophobix/The King of Mars, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
Logan White (Toys for Tots collection & ugly sweater), Pigeon Hill Brewing Co., Muskegon
Stephen Kellogg, Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
Earth Radio, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Patty PerShayla, Hops At 84 East, Holland
Full Cord Bluegrass/The Smokin’ Dobroleles, Park Theatre, Holland
Gabrial James, Great Legs Winery Brewery Distillery, Holland
Choke and Throttle, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Dunegrass (noon)/Catfish & the Man (3:30 p.m.)/Stereolithic (7 p.m.): 4 Year Anniversary Party, Tripelroot, Zeeland
Dean Allrick Jazz Piano, What Not Inn, Fennville
DC-90, Wicks Park Bar & Grille, Saugatuck
Big Boss Trio, The Pub @ Saugatuck Brewing Co., Douglas
Bronk Brothers/Feel Good, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Frankie Ballard’s Country Christmas, Kalamazoo State Theatre
Kalamazoo Symphony, “Sounds of the Season,” Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo
Midwestern Lull, Final Gravity Brewing Company, Kalamazoo
Out of Favor Boys (Loaves and Fishes fundraiser, 3 p.m.), Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
DeDe & The Dream/Jordan Hamilton/Emilee Petersmark (10 p.m.), Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Edge of Midnight, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
SOLD OUT Michigander/Brother Elsey, Civil House Coffee, Kalamazoo
Megan Rae & Bill Slaght, Potters Lounge @ Four Points Sheraton, Kalamazoo
Eve To Adam/Super Bob, The Music Factory, Battle Creek
Ashley Simpson & Allie Garland, JB’s Whiskey Old Style Grill, Battle Creek
Howard Levy & Corky Siegel: Steal The Grinch, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Christmas Wonderland, Silver Creek Event Center @ Four Winds Casino, New Buffalo (Dec. 15-16)
Michelle Berting Brett: Carpenters’ Christmas, Little River Casino, Manistee
May Erlewine & the Motivations, Winter Dance Party, Beards Brewery, Petoskey
Sunday, Dec. 16
Greg Miller, Sunday Brunch (10 a.m.), JW Marriott
River North Jazz Brunch (11 a.m.), The Old Goat
River Rogues Jazz Band (2 p.m.), Harmony Hall
Randy Marsh & Friends, SpeakEZ Lounge
Lynn Thompson, Creston Brewery
Grand Rapids Ballet & Grand Rapids Symphony, “The Nutcracker,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 14-16 & Dec. 21-23)
Jennifer Walvoord/Andrew Le, Sunday Classical Series, Grand Rapids Art Museum
Eric Patrick Kelly, The Peoples Cider Co.
SOLD OUT Michigander/Brother Elsey, Stovetop Coffee Roasters
Jim Spalink (noon), Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs
Aston Neighborhood Pleasure Club/Frenchtown Playboys: Roaring 20s Holiday Ball, Park Theatre, Holland
Holland Chorale: Winter’s Gift, First Reformed Church, Holland
Schrock Brothers Band, Salt of the Earth, Fennville
Devin Weber, Hilliard’s Corner Lounge, Wayland
The Cats Blues Jam, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Christmas Wonderland, Silver Creek Event Center @ Four Winds Casino, New Buffalo (Dec. 15-16)
Pice Project/Corelocked/Whiskey Bound: Toys for Tots benefit, Catch 120 Grill, Howard City
ON THE HORIZON
Monday, Dec. 17
In The Blue Jazz Ensemble, Jazz & Gin Mondays, Long Road Distillers
John Shea, Rockwell Republic
BassBin: Gettoblaster, Billy’s Lounge
Jazz Jam, What Not Inn, Fennville
Tuesday, Dec. 18
Minor Element: Jazz Showcase, New Holland Brewing’s The Knickerbocker
Christmas Brass (holiday classics on trombones), Brass Ring Brewing
The New Standard, Grand Bar, Grand Haven
Truth In Jazz Orchestra, Watermark 920, Muskegon
Damn Handsome Devil Devon Yeider & Friends, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Bryan Lubeck Hosts Rejoice 2018, The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor
Wednesday, Dec. 19
Conrad Shock + The Noise/The Ryne Experience: Local Spins Wednesday @ SpeakEZ Lounge
Grand Rapids Symphony, “Cirque de Noel,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec 19-20)
DJ Jay Vee/Brena/Chain of Lakes/Mark Sala/Kari Lynch Band/Mark Gabriel/Faux Five/Deep Greens & Blues/Bruce Matthews Band: A Very Merry Jingle Jam (Mel Trotter Ministries benefit), H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B.
River North Jazz, The Old Goat
Tom Hagen Trio featuring Rick Reuther, Noto’s Old World Italian Restaurant, Cascade
Tony Halchack, Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs
Jesse Jett, Singer Songwriter Night, Waverly Stone Gastropub, Holland
Ivan Akansiima, Mizu Sushi, Holland
Mike McIntosh, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Thursday, Dec. 20
Mitchell Tenpenny/Ross Ellis, The Intersection
Blunts & Blondes/Twinz/Subcreate/Aegis, Elevation below The Intersection
The All American Funk Parade, Founders Brewing Co.
Grand Rapids Symphony, “Cirque de Noel,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec 19-20)
Lady Ace Boogie/EPCYA/Head (Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan benefit), The Pyramid Scheme
Mary Rademacher Reed Christmas Show, One Trick Pony
Manhattan/Schultze Blues Band/SATIE, Mulligan’s Pub
Mike Frost Trio, Linear Restaurant
Abe Partridge & Garrett Howell, Mexicains Sans Frontieres
JMM, Noto’s Old World Italian Restaurant, Cascade
Brian Oberlin, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Nate Holley, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Steve Talaga Trio, Sandy Point Beach House, West Olive
Rich Burkholder, Kirby House, Grand Haven
The War Between/Earth Snake/Tiny Tree, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
Front & Center, Mike McIntosh, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Christopher Blue/Jeffrey Savina: Homegrown Presents, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Friday, Dec. 21
Christmas at Critters, The Pyramid Scheme
Starfarm, Billy’s Lounge
Skinjacket/Withhold The Blood/Discontent/Unsheltered, Mulligan’s Pub
Blushing Monk, Creston Brewery
Jim Cooper & Robin Connell Trio (5 p.m.), Harmony Hall
Entourage, Rendezvous Lounge @ Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Grand Rapids Ballet & Grand Rapids Symphony, “The Nutcracker,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 21-23)
Brena, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Lance Luce, holiday songs: Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Concert Series, Grand Rapids Public Museum (Dec. 21-22)
Beer For Breakfast, Lake Michigan Sports Bar
Fled Five, Log Cabin Lounge
American Zombie Inquisition/Tiny Tree/Crooked Heart, 741
Three’s A Crowd, Shots on West River, Belmont
Kari Lynch Band, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Borrowed Time, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming
In The Blue Jazz Ensemble, Village Inn Pizza Sports Bar & Grill, 44th Street Wyoming
On The Line, Castle Brewing Co., Greenville
King Crabapple/Flexadecibel, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
Ice Station Zebra (acoustic), Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Van Mason, The Copper Post, Grand Haven
Steffan Copenhaver/Risque, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Broadway In West Michigan, “Cirque Dreams Holidaze,” Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo (Dec. 21-23)
The Factory, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Stereolithic, Our Brewing Co., Holland
Delilah DeWylde, Tripelroot, Zeeland
Hannah Laine, Barrel Room @ Saugatuck Brewing Co., Douglas
May Erlewine & the Motivations, Winter Dance Party/Luke Winslow King, Back Room @ Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
Jeff Mueller (5 p.m.), Louie’s Trophy House, Kalamazoo
Powell/McCoy, Final Gravity Brewing Company, Kalamazoo
Isaac Ryder, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Trembling Earth/Koz and the Effects, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
La La Delivery/Portager/Super Tan/Team Two, Shakespeare’s Pub Lower Level, Kalamazoo
Allie Garland, JB’s Whiskey Old Style Grill, Battle Creek
Classical Blast: Dark Side of The Yule, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Freekbass & The Bump Assembly featuring Sammi Garrett, The Livery, St. Joseph
Harper and The Midwest Kind, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey
Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, “Handel’s Messiah,” Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor
Saturday, Dec. 22
The Dan Band: Old School Holiday Party, 20 Monroe Live
Freekbass featuring Sammi Garret of Turkuaz, Founders Brewing Co.
Grand Rapids Ballet & Grand Rapids Symphony, “The Nutcracker,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 21-23)
Figure/Megalodon/Sleepless/Dabbles, Elevation below The Intersection
MC Chris Is Dead, The Pyramid Scheme
The Zannies/Devin and the Dead Frets, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Natchez Trace, One Trick Pony
Quadraphonic Reunion Show, Billy’s Lounge
Tweed & Dixie, Back Forty Saloon
Lance Luce, holiday songs: Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Concert Series, Grand Rapids Public Museum (Dec. 21-22)
Hattrick, Log Cabin Lounge
Frederic & Ronza, New Holland Brewing’s The Knickerbocker
Mary Rademacher Reed Trio, JW Marriott
Entourage, Rendezvous Lounge @ Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Tetrad, Shots on the River, Belmont
John Shea, Noto’s Old World Italian Restaurant, Cascade
Kristen Kuiper, Castle Brewing, Greenville
Ray Townsend, Red’s Sports Bar and Grill, Middleville
Delilah DeWylde (Christmas show), Rockford Brewing Co., Rockford
Sonimanic, Rogue River Tavern, Rockford
Monroe Moon, Smyrna Bar & Restaurant, Smyrna
Beer for Breakfast, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming
Type/Risque, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
All American Funk Parade, The Mitten Bar, Ludington
May Erlewine & The Motivations: Winter Dance Party, Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
The Goofy Foot Band (tacky holiday party), Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Lew Russ (Christmas music), Great Legs Winery Brewery Distillery, Holland
Perfect Storm, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Nicholas James Thomasma, Waverly Stone Gastropub, Holland
Silent Bark, Wicks Park Bar & Grille, Saugatuck
Kevin & Sean McDaniel, The Pub @ Saugatuck Brewing Co., Douglas
Dean Allrick Jazz Piano, What Not Inn, Fennville
Broadway In West Michigan, “Cirque Dreams Holidaze,” Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo (Dec. 21-23)
Barn On Fire & Friends, Back Room @ Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
The Perfect Specimen/Black Valar/The Standard Model/Mcbuzzsaw, The Music Factory, Battle Creek
Ashley Simpson & Allie Garland, JB’s Whiskey Old Style Grill, Battle Creek
Harbor Country Opera, “Christmas At The Acorn,” Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
The River Dogs, Red Sky Stage, Petoskey
Sunday, Dec. 23
Grand Rapids Ballet & Grand Rapids Symphony, “The Nutcracker,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 21-23)
The Moonrays, Rocky’s Bar & Grill
Cooper & Connell Sunday Jazz (2 p.m.), Harmony Hall
Nicholas James Thomasma, The Peoples Cider Co.
Randy Marsh & Organissimo Holiday Party (7 p.m.), SpeakEZ Lounge
Mike Frost & Mike Hyde, Sunday Brunch (10 a.m.), JW Marriott
River North Jazz Brunch, The Old Goat
Jim Cooper & Robin Connell Jazz Duo, Harmony Hall
Randy Marsh (noon), Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs
Theatre of Night: Christmas Rock Show (6:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.), Park Theatre, Holland
Appleseed Collective, Salt of the Earth, Fennville
Kristen Kuiper’s Ugly Sweater Party, Hilliards Corner Lounge, Wayland
Broadway In West Michigan, “Cirque Dreams Holidaze,” Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo (Dec. 21-23)
Lipstick Jodi, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
May Erlewine/Max Lockwood/Michael Shimmin/Phil Barry, Rarebird Brew Pub, Traverse City
Breathe Owl Breathe/Samantha Cooper, Red Sky Stage, Petoskey
Monday, Dec. 24
Mike & Noelle Frost’s Christmas Eve Show (6 p.m.), JW Marriott
John Shea, Rockwell Republic
Dueling Pianos, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Jazz Jam, What Not Inn, Fennville
Tuesday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day)
Mike Frost Trio Christmas Brunch (9 a.m.), JW Marriott
Bill Ellingboe/Cheap Dates, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Wednesday, Dec. 26
River North Jazz, The Old Goat
Tom Hagen Trio featuring Rick Reuther, Noto’s Old World Italian Restaurant, Cascade
The Carl Webb Band, Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs
Ivan Akansiima, Mizu Sushi, Holland
Jake Stevens, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Thursday, Dec. 27
SQUNTO/Kai Wachi/He$h/Frybread Power, The Intersection
Mustard Plug/Wack Trucks/The Potato Babies/78 Revolutions Per Minute, Elevation below The Intersection
Kathy Lamar, One Trick Pony
As Am I/Another Mans Trash/By Design, Mulligan’s Pub
eRoy/Pause/Sandose, Founders Brewing Co.
Y-Not, 7 Monks Taproom
JMM Jazz, Noto’s Old World Italian Restaurant, Cascade
Isaac Berkowitz (of Desmond Jones), Rockford Brewing Co., Rockford
Rich Burkholder, Kirby House, Grand Haven
Checkers Morton, Sandy Point Beach House, West Olive
Nate Holley, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
The Diane VandeWater Trio, The Felt Estate and Shore Acres Farm, Holland
Front & Center, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
John Proulx, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Styx, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mt. Pleasant
Friday, Dec. 28
Trippin’ Billies (Dave Matthews tribute), 20 Monroe Live
The Freak Drop/Tropidelic/Rollin’ Zen/Stylee, The Stache inside The Intersection
Class of ‘98 (1990s tribute band), Elevation below The Intersection
Murder By Death, The Pyramid Scheme
Kathy Lamar Band, One Trick Pony
Caro Rives/Young Sueyside/AWR/Skizo/Windu Faded, Mulligan’s Pub
GR Soul Club & Joe Moon, Billy’s Lounge
Four Lincolns/Blue Oddity, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
The Bootstrap Boys, Creston Brewery
DC-90, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Glamhammer, Log Cabin Lounge (Dec. 28-29)
Laurentian Tides, 741
Cooper/Connell Trio with Chris Bickley (5 p.m.), Harmony Hall
Edye Evans Hyde, Rendezvous Lounge @ Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Toby Bresnahan, Bier Distillery, Belmont
Quarter Below, Shots on the River, Belmont
The Outer Vibe, Rockford Brewing Co., Rockford
Trixy Tang, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming (Dec. 28-29)
In The Blue Jazz Ensemble, Village Inn Pizza Sports Bar & Grill 44th Street, Wyoming
Dave & Connie D, Saugatuck Brewing Company, Douglas
Rock Shop, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Glow in the Park: Merry Bassmas, Park Theatre, Holland
Drew Behringer, Our Brewing Company, Holland
Loren Johnson, The Copper Post, Grand Haven
Fool House: 90s Dance Party, Unruly Brewing Company, Muskegon
Silent Bark, McDuff’s Bar & Grille, Wayland
Joe Laureano/Jedi Mind Trip, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
House of Boogie, Back Room @ Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
Jeff Mueller (5 p.m.), Louie’s Trophy House, Kalamazoo
Delilah DeWylde, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Dacia Bridges Project, Final Gravity Brewing Company, Kalamazoo
Crossroads Blues Band, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Brown Cow/Jes Kramer/Katy Needs A Life, Shakespeare’s Pub Lower Level, Kalamazoo
Ann Wilson (of Heart), Firekeepers Casino, Battle Creek
Allie Garland, JB’s Whiskey Old Style Grill, Battle Creek
Styx, Silver Creek Event Center @ Four Winds Casino, New Buffalo
Nelly, Chingy & Murphy Lee, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mt. Pleasant
Saturday, Dec. 29
Pop Evil/Wayland/Handsome Pete, 20 Monroe Live
The Go Rounds/Turtledoves/Nashon Holloway, The Pyramid Scheme
Lotus/El Ten Eleven, The Intersection
Lazy Genius/Matt Ten Clay/The Howlers/I Believe In Julio, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Kevin Jones Band, One Trick Pony
Hannah Rose & the GravesTones/Chirp, Founders Brewing Co.
DJ Composition & Troy Ceaser: A Night of R&B & Old School Hip Hop, Billy’s Lounge
Kari Holmes, Back Forty Saloon
Glamhammer, Log Cabin Lounge (Dec. 28-29)
Hurry Home, 741
Daniel Holland, The Peoples Cider Co.
The New Standard, JW Marriott
Edye Evans Hyde, Rendezvous @ Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Wonder Lush, Shots on the River, Belmont
John Shea, Noto’s Italian Restaurant, Cascade
In The Blue, Castle Brewing Co., Greenville
Great Scott, Rogue River Tavern, Rockford
Blue Soul Express, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Trixy Tang, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming (Dec. 28-29)
Full Cord Bluegrass, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Dean Allrick Jazz Piano, What Not Inn, Fennville
Lynn Thompson, The Pub @ Saugatuck Brewing Co., Douglas
Jim Shaneberger Band/Jedi Mind Trip, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers: Fake NYE, Kalamazoo State Theatre, Kalamazoo
Last Gasp Collective/After Ours, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
DC-90, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Ashley Simpson & Allie Garland, JB’s Whiskey Old Style Grill, Battle Creek
Echoes of Pink Floyd, Franke Center for the Arts, Marshall
Heartache Tonight (The Eagles tribute), Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
May Erlewine & The Motivations, The Livery, Benton Harbor
Aaron Tippin & Sammy Kershaw, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mt. Pleasant
Sunday, Dec. 30
SunSquabi/Flats Stanlie: NYE Party, Elevation below The Intersection
The Goddamn Gallows/Gallows Bound, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Greg Miller, Sunday Brunch (10 a.m.), JW Marriott
River North Jazz Brunch (11 a.m.), The Old Goat
Robin Connell & Jim Cooper (2 p.m.), Harmony Hall
Randy Marsh & Friends, SpeakEZ Lounge
Eric Engblade/The Zannies, The Peoples Cider Co.
Flatland Grip (noon), Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs
The Strapping Owls, Salt of the Earth, Fennville
Nicholas James, Hilliards Corner Lounge, Wayland
Monday, Dec. 31
Theater Bizarre Orchestra/Pinch & Squeal, Founders Brewing Company
SunSquabi/Defunk/Flats Stanlie, Elevation below The Intersection
Mike On My Radio/Dean Martian/DJ Buck: WSNX Beats & Bubbly, The Intersection
Big Foot Buffalo/Conrad Shock + the Noise, Tip Top Deluxe Bar and Grill
Hillbilly Nightmare/Necophilicons/The Gates At Midnight, Mulligan’s Pub
BassBin: Kid Engima/Gettoblaster/Pressed & Proper, Billy’s Lounge
Mark Lavengood Band/Earth Radio/Afro Zuma, Creston Brewery
The Insiders (Tom Petty tribute)/Zed Zeppelin (Safe Haven Ministries benefit), Wealthy Theatre
Kari Holmes, Back Forty Saloon
Hattrick, Log Cabin Lounge
DJ DiscoBrunch, New Holland Brewing’s The Knickerbocker
John Shea, JW Marriott
Entourage, Rendezvous @ Amway Grand Plaza
Tristan, Kava Kasa GR
The Next, Red’s Sports Bar and Grill, Middleville
Project 90, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
Chris Clayton, Trail Point Brewing, Allendale
Three’s A Crowd, Jack’s Waterfront Bistro + Bar, Spring Lake
Delilah DeWylde, Hops At 84 East, Holland
Rachel Curtis Band, Boatwerks Waterfront, Holland
Jazz Jam (6 p.m.), What Not Inn, Fennville
Global Village/Hairmania/Brena, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
New Year’s Fest of Kalamazoo, various locations, Kalamazoo
The Dead South/The Crane Wives/The Hooten Hollers, Kalamazoo State Theatre, Kalamazoo
DJ Earl Jordan/Folk Yeah!, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
The Mainstays, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Sexy Toxins/The Hex Bombs/The Night Caps, Louie’s Trophy House, Kalamazoo
Alternate Route, The Music Factory, Battle Creek
The Love Revival Orchestra (New Year’s Eve party), Firekeepers Casino, Battle Creek
Memphis Underground (New Year’s Eve party), Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Copyright 2018, Spins on Music LLC