The Big List Concert Guide (Dec. 18-24): Minnesota, Cirque de Noel, Mark Lavengood, Potato Moon, Kari Lynch, Speak Easy

The week leading up to Christmas gets rolling with EyeCandy and Antighost, plus there’s The Bootstrap Boys, Reggie, Mary Rademacher and a Michael Jackson tribute that’s part of a ticket giveaway.

 

THE BIG LIST: Dec. 18-24

For an expanded listing of upcoming shows at more than 160 West Michigan venues, check out The REALLY Big List at Local Spins. Have concert listings you think deserve to be spotlighted? Email date, time, ticket prices, location and details to liz@localspins.com.

EYECANDY, ANTIGHOST
DEADLIGHT HOLIDAY
SKINNY LIMBS
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Tickets: $10 advance, $12 day of show
Where: The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids

As Sean Shepherd from Grand Rapids alt-rock/punk rock band Antighost puts it, this is “a huge show” with “tons of local talent.” Indeed, rock’s EyeCandy is celebrating release of its debut EP, “Broken Things,” before heading out on a Midwest tour with Antighost. The Skinny Limbs, meanwhile, are playing their first show ever, while Deadlight Holiday is making its return to The Pyramid Scheme. “It is going to be a great night of local music,” Shepherd maintains.

Get details and tickets online at pyramidschemebar.com, along with information about Thursday’s local show featuring Nordy, Elstray Meltzer, Bet on Rats and Red Rio, $7 advance, $10 day of show. (Read more about Nordy and listen to his music in this Local Spins on WYCE podcast online here.)

KARI LYNCH’S VERY MERRY JINGLE JAM
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Admission: Suggested donation of cash, food
Where: H.O.M.E. inside The B.O.B., Grand Rapids

Country singer Kari Lynch once again has organized this uplifting all-ages benefit for Mel Trotter Ministries, with attendees encouraged to donate cash or non-perishable food items to help the cause and help the homeless (though admission is free). A raffle will also be held for a variety of prizes, including a Local Spins gift pack.

Featured performers will include DJ Jay Vee, Mat Churchill, Deep Greens & Blues, S. Martin, Brena’s Sean Copenhaver, Mark Sala, Brian V., Matt Gabriel, Eric Mj Ellis, Nickel & Dime (Danielle Cosby and Sam Parks), Justin Eames and, of course, Lynch. Get more details online here.

LOCAL SPINS WEDNESDAY:
SPEAK EASY, MELOPHOBIX
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Admission: Free
Where: SpeakEZ Lounge, Grand Rapids

This shapes up as pre-Christmas party to remember – an unprecedented double bill for Local Spins Wednesday at SpeakEZ Lounge. The combination of Lansing-area Speak Easy’s high-energy “rasta funk” with Melophobix’s unfettered, horn-driven rock, funk and reggae makes this a holiday celebration that you don’t want to miss.

Speak Easy puts it this way about their live shows: “We’re going to go all the way to the wall and we hope you guys like it … It’s really nice to be able to get together and really melt some faces.” Melophobix thus: “We kind of throw whatever we can at the canvass and see what we like, see what we don’t like, mix things around, keep it fresh … You can come to a show and not know what you’re going to get on any given night.”

Local Spins Wednesdays are presented by SpeakEZ Lounge, Local Spins, Perrin Brewing Company and WYCE. As always, there are Michigan beer specials on tap, free parking in the lot kitty-corner from SpeakEZ on Monroe Avenue NW and Local Spins 2018 Calendars for sale (with a free local CD given away with every order).

MINNESOTA
SODOWN
When: 9 p.m. Thursday
Tickets: $20 advance, $23 day of show
Where: The Intersection, Grand Rapids

With a new album, “Dark Crystal,” in hand, Minnesota returns to Grand Rapids as part of a national tour that sees the California-based bass music artist crisscrossing the United States. Minnesota, aka Christian Bauhofer, has a goal “to make bass-heavy dubstep/glitch-hop music that’ll get you dancing, but it’s not the same old, three-note transformer step. I try to focus more on the melodic side of dubstep.” Listen to some of his music here.

Also on the bill for this EDM show: SoDown, plus support from Psyntimental and Mars. Doors open at 8 p.m. By the way, The Stache (front lounge) on the same night hosts a B93-sponsored show starring country singer Drew Baldridge and Traverse City’s Drew Hale Band, $9.93 advance, $15 day of show. Details online at sectionlive.com.

THE BOOTSTRAP BOYS
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Admission: Free
Where: Grand Rapids Main Library, 111 Library St. NE, Grand Rapids

Yes, this is an unusual music venue – maybe the most unusual you’ll ever experience. But there’s something about the intimacy and power of listening to live music surrounded by stacks of books – and that’s what has made this series special. This time around, Grand Rapids vintage/outlaw country band The Bootstrap Boys bring their twang and their fun songs, aka “country-fried originals,” to the library, and with a holiday theme, too.

Get details online here.

GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY: CIRQUE DE NOEL
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $42-$74
Where: DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids

What better way to ramp up the holidays than with aerialists, acrobats, contortionists and jugglers? It’s become a Grand Rapids Symphony tradition – the December return of Cirque de Noel with these dynamic performers choreographed to do their thing to your favorite seasonal music played by the Grand Rapids Pops. It’s feats of strength displayed in a multi-sensory show.

Only a few tickets remain for this last traditional holiday blast for 2017. Find tickets online here.

SERVEPR: A PUERTO RICO RECOVERY SHOW
GREAT BLACK NIGHT
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $10 donation advance; $15 donation day of show
Where: The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids

Christmas is the perfect time to remember and help out those who’ve been devastated by tragedy. This show is a chance to not only do that but get some marvelous entertainment at the same time. Doors open at 7 p.m. for this evening which will includes performances by Great Black Night, Vizions Dance, Mantis Thee Unshambler and a surprise guest.

All proceeds go to Serve PR: Supporting service industry workers on Puerto Rico which is still recovering from hurricane damage. The night will include a raffle and more. Get tickets online here.

REGGIE, FLUSHED
JAKE SIMMONS & THE LITTLE GHOST
MONKEY ROBOT WAR
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $5
Where: Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill, Grand Rapids

Reggie (featuring singer-guitarist Samantha Andrade) combines punk, indie-rock and dream pop into a delicious musical concoction that you can taste via their “Chills & Thrills Demo” recorded/produced by Don Carlisle – a two-song EP you can find on bandcamp.com. Reggie is joined by an impressive slate of West Michigan acts for this pre-holiday show at the Tip Top, with FLUSHED, Kalamazoo’s Jake Simmons & The Little Ghosts and Monkey Robot War also performing.

Get tickets and details online here, where you can also find the scoop about Saturday’s show starring the return of The Barbarossa Brothers with Look Out Lincoln, $5.

WHO’S BAD MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $15
Where: 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids

LOCAL SPINS TICKET GIVEWAY: The first person to email john@localspins.com with “MJ” in the message field will win a pair of tickets to Friday night’s show. Check The Big List every week for your chance to win concert tickets.

This is described as “the ultimate Michael Jackson experience.” Who’s Bad, a North Carolina-based act, contends it’s the longest-running Michael Jackson tribute around “bringing MJ’s spirit and music to the world” since 2004, tapping the iconic singer’s expansive catalog in a “high-octane” show that’s even sold out venues in the United Kingdom.

Get more information online at 20monroelive.com.

MARK LAVENGOOD BAND
KAITLIN ROSE
When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday
Admission: $5

CHRISTMAS EVE PICKIN’ PARTY
WITH MARK LAVENGOOD & FRIENDS
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Admission: Free
Where: Both shows at Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids

Bluegrass maestro Mark “Huggy Bear” Lavengood has had quite a year. He released another solo album, departed Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys (on good terms) and has collaborated with a host of different Michigan musicians. The gregarious Grand Rapids guitarist/multi-instrumentalist keeps it rolling this weekend with a show at Founders Brewing, joined by Kalamazoo singer-songwriter Kaitlin Rose.

Lavengood follows this on Sunday with another Founders performance, this one dubbed the “Christmas Eve Pickin’ Party” featuring Mark Lavengood & Friends. Get more info at foundersbrewing.com and tune in to Local Spins on WYCE (88.1 FM) at 11 a.m. Friday when Lavengood and Rose will be the in-studio guests.

POTATO MOON
When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
Admission: Free
Where: Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford

In its heyday, indie-folk’s Potato Moon was a true sensation in the Grand Rapids area. The Stancil family band displayed riveting sibling harmonies, created singularly fetching original music and oozed a vintage sound with a modern twist that drew audiences to their shows like a magnet. Well, they’re back to play a special show for the holidays and plenty of longtime fans are liable to celebrate their return at Rockford Brewing.

Get more info online here.

UNDER-THE-RADAR PICKS

Lipstick Jodi playing Cedar Springs Brewing Co. in Cedar Springs, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, free – This should be a lot of fun. With a brand new self-titled album under their belts, the members of Lipstick Jodi bring their pop-hued garage rock to Cedar Springs for a mid-week splash. Get more information online here and read more about Lipstick Jodi (and listen to some of their music) at lipstickjodi.com.

Mary Rademacher hosting a Christmas Party at One Trick Pony in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Thursday, free – Beloved Grand Rapids singer Mary Rademacher gets jazzy and more for the holidays with help from Tom Hagen and Cherie Lynn at this cozy downtown venue, which follows this on Saturday with a Fab Four tribute courtesy of That Beatles Thing. Make reservations by calling 235-7669.

Jake Kershaw and Paul Erdman playing at the Heritage Guitar Inc. Holiday Hangout at Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo, 8 p.m. Thursday, $5 – With the jaw-dropping guitar work of young Jake Kershaw leading the way, this should be a special and fun holiday event.

Silverstiles, Jonathan Timm and Mike Galbraith playing Rocky’s Bar & Grill at 633 Ottawa Ave. NW in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Thursday, free – Grand Rapids indie-rock band Silverstiles will be joined by talented singer-songwriter Jonathan Timm and Mike Galbraith for this bracing evening of Michigan music. (Tail from the Crypt, Ape Not Kill Ape and Midnight Leather play Rocky’s on Saturday night.)

Big Dudee Roo playing Harmony Hall on Bridge Street NW in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Thursday, free – Check out the new stage upstairs at Harmony Hall and enjoy the psychedelic and grungey folk-rock of Big Dudee Roo at the same time. (Earth Radio plays Harmony Hall on Saturday night.)

Bello Spark and the Matt Gabriel Trio playing Long Road Distillers at 537 Leonard St. NW in Grand Rapids, 7 p.m. Friday, $8 – Bello Spark’s atmospheric Americana music is mesmerizing and they’ll bring that to the Rickhouse upstairs at Long Road Distillers on Friday, with talented singer-songwriter Matt Gabriel opening the show with his trio. Tickets here.

May Erlewine & The Motivations playing Seven Steps Up at 116 S. Jackson St. in Spring Lake, 8:30 p.m. Friday, $20 advance, $22 day of show — This is billed as a “winter dance party,” a standing-room only show featuring Earthwork Music singer-songwriter May Erlewine and her top-drawer band of Michigan musicians. Erlewine recently released an acclaimed new album, “Mother Lion.” Tickets online here.

The Crane Wives playing Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo, 8:30 p.m. Friday, $12 in advance, $15 day of show – One of West Michigan’s favorite folk-rock stars, The Crane Wives, get things revved up for the holidays with this Kalamazoo show. Get tickets and details online at bellsbeer.com.

The Change playing Old Dog Tavern in Kalamazoo, 9 p.m. Friday, $5 – Grand Rapids’ The Change led by Ryan Williams is introducing a new lead guitarist this week, not to mention performing some new material and fan favorites. Joining them to open the show will be special guest Chuck Whiting of Kalamazoo. Old Dog follows this at 9 p.m. Saturday with The Corn Fed Girls’ “Christmas Eve Eve” show with special guest Aaron Wright also on the bill for the “Christmas With Rudolph” soiree. Get details online here.

Brews with the Bloomquists at Felt Mansion, 6597 138th Ave. in Holland, 6 p.m. Saturday, $30 ($25 members) — West Michigan folk legends Ruth and Max Bloomquist headline this beer-and-cider-tasting event that starts at 6 p.m. with a guided tour of the historic mansion by director Patty Meyer. Tickets include beer and cider, the 7 p.m. concert and light hors d’oeuvres. Information online at feltmansion.org.

Randissimo’s Christmas Jazz Party at SpeakEZ Lounge in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Saturday, free – With Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday, Grand Rapids jazz drummer Randy Marsh moves his regular Sunday night jam at SpeakEZ to Saturday night, unfurling a pre-Christmas party that will melt your heart with top-flight jazz strains.

Glow In The Park: Merry BASSmas at Park Theatre, 248 S. River Ave. in Holland, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, $10 advance, $15 at the door – This evening showcases several up-and-coming West Michigan EDM acts at West Mitten Media’s largest EDM production: Glow in the Park. Featured will be TipskyHo, Kayfluxx, Bath & Body Twerkz, Euro Beatz, NEVETZ and Young 13izz.

ON THE HORIZON

Monday, Dec. 25
Mike Frost Duo, Christmas Brunch, JW Marriott
Marquita Bernard/Cheap Dates, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland

Tuesday, Dec. 26
Jukejoint Handmedowns, The Old Goat
Take Three Jazz Ensemble, The Grand, Grand Haven
Coty Bouchard, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Jazz Jam, Rupert’s Brewhouse, Kalamazoo

Wednesday, Dec. 27
Brian Oberlin & Friends, Local Spins Wednesday @ SpeakEZ Lounge
Nordlund, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Tom Hagen Trio Featuring Rick Reuther, Noto’s, Cascade
Jack Leaver, Cedar Springs Brewing Co., Cedar Springs
JMM Jazz, Black Sheep Baa & Grill, Holland
Tony & Wally, Sandy Point Beach House, West Olive
Rachel & Dominic Davis, Salt Of The Earth, Fennville
Marquita & Brandon, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland

Thursday, Dec. 28
Mustard Plug/Koffin Kats/Bong Mountain/Sketchy/Dance Contraption, The Intersection
Trolley Riot/Ghost Bunnies/Rival Map, Mulligan’s Pub
Hannah Rose and the Gravestones/Olivia Mainville and the Aquatic Troupe, Founders Brewing Co.
Kevin Jones Quintet, One Trick Pony
Live Band Karaoke, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Nate Holley, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Kari Lynch, Coppercraft Distillery, Holland
Checkers Morton, Sandy Point Beach House, West Olive
Jim Shaneberger, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Billy Strings, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
Rick Springfield, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mt. Pleasant

Friday, Dec. 29
John Shea, JW Marriott
Noelle Frost Trio, The Rendezvous @ Amway Grand Plaza
The Legendary Shack Shakers/Jesse Ray & the Carolina Catfish, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Manic Focus/Psymbionic/b2b/The Widdler/Probcause/Flat Stanlie/Fludder, The Intersection
Funkle Jesse, Grand Woods Lounge
Brena, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Local Showcase #19: AUR/Fyrrh/Glum/Queen Bee Dream, The Pyramid Scheme
Glamhammer, Potter’s Log Cabin Bar
Tail From The Crypt/Hagstorm/John Kite, Mulligan’s Pub
Grand Rapids Soul Club, Billy’s Lounge
Funkle Jesse, Grand Woods Lounge
Decades, River City Saloon
Head/Morale/Semi-Casual Bedtime, Quinn & Tuite’s Irish Pub
Rukus, Shots On The River, Belmont
Lighting Matches, Bier Distillery, Comstock Park
All Inn, Bostwick Lake Inn, Rockford
Plain Jane Glory, Cellar Brewing Co., Sparta
Ivory Hands, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming
Kyle Jennings, Trail Point Brewing, Allendale
The Cheap Dates, Kirby House, Grand Haven
Kari Lynch Duo, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Coty Bouchard, Porto Bello, Grand Haven
Three’s A Crowd, Jack’s Waterfront Bistro + Bar, Spring Lake
Westlan Brothers, New Holland Brewing Pub On 8th, Holland
Brett Dame, Our Brewing, Holland
Jack Leaver/P.S. Dump Your Boyfriend, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Asamu, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Alex Mays/Eddie Blue Lester, Boatyard Brewing, Kalamazoo
House Of Boogie, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
Jack And The Bear, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Alex Mays/Eddie Blue Lester, Boatyard Brewing Company, Kalamazoo
Hotel California “A Salute To The Eagles,” Firekeepers Casino, Battle Creek
Country Junkie, Rendezvous Pub, Battle Creek
Theory Of A Deadman, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mt. Pleasant
Michael Bolton, Four Winds Casino Silver Creek Events Center, New Buffalo

Saturday, Dec. 30
SOLD OUT Greta VanFleet/Goodbye June, The Intersection
Crazy Babies (Ozzy Osbourne tribute), The Stache inside The Intersection
May Erlewine/Karisa Wilson/Max Lockwood/Lucas Wilson (Tom Petty tribute). The Pyramid Scheme
The Accidentals/Jake Allen/Stephie James, Founders Brewing Co. (Dec. 30-31)
Westside Rebellion/Drugs In The Carpet/EPCYA, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
The Alien Dogs/The Scants/Heroes Of Charlotte: Punk Rock New Year’s Bash, Rocky’s Bar & Grill
Azz Izz, Potter’s Log Cabin Bar
Astro Jackson, Back Forty Saloon
Lenore/Cult/Michigamaa/Curmudgeon, Mulligan’s Pub
LaFamiglia/DJ Omega Supreme, Billy’s Lounge
Kathy Lamar Trio, The Rendezvous @ Amway Grand Plaza
Edye Evans Hyde, JW Marriott
Trilogy, River City Saloon
Solistice, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Tetrad, Shots On The River, Belmont
John Shea, Noto’s, Cascade
Dale Wicks, Bier Distillery, Comstock Park
Ray Townsend, Reds, Middleville
DC-90, Rogue River Tavern, Rockford
Ivory Hands, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming
Randy Johnson, Saugatuck Brewing Co., Douglas
Kashmir (Led Zepplin tribute), Park Theatre, Holland
Kari Lynch, Tripelroot, Zeeland
Seth Glier, Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
Three’s A Crowd, Jack’s Waterfront Bistro + Bar, Spring Lake
Drew Nelson, C3 Spiritual Connection, Community Center, Grand Haven
The Cheap Dates, Kirby House, Grand Haven
Scott Pellegrom Trio, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
The Crane Wives/John Merchant, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
SweetbeNation, McDuff’s Bar & Grille, Wayland\
Sean Copenhaver/Brena, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo (Dec. 30-31)
Missing Generation, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Delilah DeWylde, The Mitten Bar, Ludington
Laith al-Saadi, Franke Center For The Arts, Marshall
Heartache Tonight: A Tribute To The Eagles, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
The Chuck Jagers, The Livery, Benton Harbor
Boyz II Men, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mt. Pleasant

Sunday, Dec. 31
Greg Miller, Sunday Brunch Series, JW Marriott
Desmond Jones, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
New Year’s Eve Resolution Ball, 20 Monroe Live
Mike Frost Trio With Noelle Frost, The Rendezvous @ Amway Grand Plaza
John Shea, JW Marriott
The Accidentals/Jake Allen/The Crane Wives/Stephie James, Founders Brewing Co. (Dec. 30-31)
Beats & Bubbly, Mike (Mojo in the Morning)/Choff, The Intersection
Radical 80s New Year’s Eve, Billy’s Lounge
The Bloody Lips/Pharoin, Mulligan’s Pub
Azz Izz, Potter’s Log Cabin Bar
Palomino Blonde, River City Saloon
Astro Jackson, Back Forty Saloon
Decades, Flanagan’s Irish Pub
The Fabulous Vans/The Amber Tide/Spirit Week/Skin Jacket, Quinn & Tuite’s Irish Pub
DJ Faren, New Year’s Eve Party, Rockwell Republic
Various DJs, New Year’s Eve Ballroom Bashes, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and JW Marriott
JumpStart, Lake Michigan Sports Bar
Jack Leaver, Cedar Springs Brewing Co., Cedar Springs
River City Jazz Ensemble, Boat & Canoe Club, North Park
Rdge Of Midnight, Bier Distillery, Comstock Park
Trixy Tang, Nick Fink’s, Comstock Park
The Next/Stevie Reidz, New Year’s Eve Party, Reds, Middleville
The Jetts, Bostwick Lake Inn, Rockford
DJ Eric, New Year’s Eve Dance Party, Smyrna Bar, Smyrna
Hattrick, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming
Blue Disciples, Trail Point Brewing Co., Allendale
Oregon Dreamchild Featuring Rich Burkholder, Kirby House, Grand Haven
Disco Dance New Year’s Eve Party, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Seth Glier New Year’s Eve, Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
Three’s A Crowd, New Year’s Eve Party, Jack’s Waterfront Bistro + Bar, Spring Lake
Edye Evans Hyde, New Year’s Eve Gatsby Style, 18th Amendment, Muskegon
Grayson Barton, Hilliard’s Corner Lounge, Wayland
A Mays & Blue/CP2/Brena, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Jive At Five, Salt Of The Earth, Fennville
Kari Lynch, New Year’s Fest of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo
Groovement, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers: 90s Night, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo (Dec. 30-31)
Blackfront Ink, The Music Factory, Battle Creek
The Love Revival Orchestra/DJ, New Year’s Eve Party, Firekeepers Casino, Battle Creek
Ali Garland & Awesome Sauce, New Year’s Eve Party, JB’s Whiskey Creek, Springfield
Memphis Underground, New Year’s Eve Party, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
The Andrew Fisher Quartet, The Livery, Benton Harbor

2018

Monday, Jan. 1
Brad Fritcher’s Moods, Long Road Distillers
BassBin: ADMN/Jowens/Thursday The DJ, Billy’s Lounge

Copyright 2017, Spins on Music LLC