The Big List (Dec. 2-8): Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Louis the Child, SunSquabi, The Bad Plus, Blanco Brown, Over the Rhine

Bill Kirchen’s ‘Honky-Tonk Holiday’ starts a week that features Laith Al-Saadi, Livingston Taylor, Cousin Curtiss, Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys and more. And win tickets to see The Bad Plus.

 

THE BIG LIST: Dec. 2-8

 
View an expanded list of upcoming shows at West Michigan venues at 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.

TICKET GIVEAWAY: Check The Big List every week for your chance to win concert tickets.

 

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MONDAY

BILL KIRCHEN’S ‘HONKY-TONK HOLIDAY’
THE CARPENTER ANTS
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Tickets: $20
Where: Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill, Grand Rapids

He’s back at Tip Top Deluxe, this time bringing his “Honky-Tonk Holiday” show to the West Side watering hole. Grammy-nominated rock, honky-tonk, rockabilly and Western swing guitar icon Bill Kirchen (who grew up in Ann Arbor and now makes his home in Austin) has cultivated a devoted audience of fans in West Michigan, well beyond the splash he made with Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen back in the 1970s. The “Titan of the Telecaster” released his “Bill Kirchen’s Honky Tonk Holiday” album in 2012.

Joining him for this Monday night show will be The Carpenter Ants, a “chicken-fried gospel soul” band from Charleston, W.Va. Get details, tickets here.

TUESDAY

IRISH CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Tickets: $25 advance, $30 day of show
Where: The Playhouse at White Lake, 304 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall

It’s December, which means holiday shows are in full gear. This one, Irish Christmas in America, is in its 14th season, produced by Oisin Mac Diarmada of the Ireland’s Teada. The show is filled with Irish music, song and dance “rich in history, humor and boundless energy,” featuring Irish traditional music singer Seamus Begley and Sligo’s Niamh Farrell.

Get details and tickets online here.

WEDNESDAY

LOUIS THE CHILD
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Tickets: $34-$51
Where: 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids

Chicago’s Louis the Child – the DJ-and-production duo of Robby Hauldren and Frederik Kennett – are touring behind their latest electro-pop/dance single, “Free” (with Drew Love), which leapt to No. 29 on the U.S. Dance chart.

Also on the bill for this “Here for Now” tour stop in Grand Rapids, hosted by 104.5 SNX: Duckwrth and John the Blind. Get tickets and details online at 20monroelive.com.

LOCAL SPINS WEDNESDAY:
COUSIN CURTISS
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Admission: Free
Where: SpeakEZ Lounge, Grand Rapids

If you haven’t had the pleasure of hearing the music – or the performances – of Cousin Curtiss, listen up: The West Michigan native returns to his home state for his SpeakEZ Lounge and Local Spins Wednesday debut this week, touring behind his latest EP, “This Little Change.” His music? John Butler meets John Popper meets Keller Williams, combining the picking style, soul and energy of John Butler, the incendiary harmonica style of John Popper, and the multi-instrumentalist-live-looping talents of Keller Williams. No wonder he’s been featured by MSN, USA Today, Cosmopolitan Magazine and Daily Mail UK.

Local Spins Wednesdays are presented by Local Spins, SpeakEZ Lounge, North Coast Guitar Company and WYCE, with Michigan beer specials on tap every Wednesday night and free parking in the city lot kitty-corner from SpeakEZ on Monroe Avenue to the south and in the Sixth Street Park lot to the north.

THURSDAY

AMY GRANT & MICHAEL W. SMITH:
CHRISTMAS 2019
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Tickets: $32.50-$150
Where: Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids

From “Breath of Heaven” and “Silent Night” to “Winter Wonderland” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” Amy Grant’s 2019 “Christmas” album features a wide range of holiday favorites – something fans are liable to embrace at Van Andel Arena this week as her holiday tour with Michael W. Smith makes a stop in Grand Rapids.

The co-headlining tour features special guest Marc Martel and a full symphony orchestra backing the singers on a vast repertoire of Christmas tunes. Get tickets and more details online at vanandelarena.com.

GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY:
HOLIDAY POPS
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday
2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday
2 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $18-$90
Where: DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids

Back for six performances at DeVos Performance Hall, the Grand Rapids Symphony celebrates the season with the “Wolverine Worldwide Holiday Pops” concerts, conducted by Bob Bernhardt, with the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus and singer Capathia Jenkins.

Expect the classics, including “Joy to the World,” “Sleigh Ride” and much more. Get tickets and details online at grsymphony.org.

THE FUKUSHIMA DAISIES ALBUM-RELEASE
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Tickets: $8 advance, $10 day of show
Where: The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids punk rock band The Fukushima Daisies aims to rattle the rafters at The Pyramid Scheme as the group celebrates release of a new album. And they’ll get plenty of punk help along the way with Slumlord Radio, Space Pussy and Gimmick also on the bill.

Get tickets and more details about this all-ages show online at pyramidschemebar.com, where you can also get the lowdown on Friday’s DJ Psycho show featuring a live video shoot with SuperDre.

FRIDAY

LAITH AL-SAADI
When: 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $30
Where: Listening Room, Grand Rapids

TICKET GIVEAWAY: Congratulations to reader Tara Robinson. She was the first person to email john@localspins.com with “LAITH” in the message field and won a pair of tickets to one of Friday’s shows. Check The Big List every week for your chance to win concert tickets.

Many might know him from his successful run on “The Voice” awhile back, but Ann Arbor blues-rock guitarist and singer Laith Al-Saadi had made his mark on Michigan’s music scene long before that and he continues to impress audiences with his original music and covers. (FYI: He released “A 75th Birthday Tribute to Jimi Hendrix” in 2017.)

He’ll entertain fans in intimate fashion for two straight shows on Friday at the 200-seat Listening Room. Get tickets and more details online here.

THE WAY DOWN WANDERERS
ROOSEVELT DIGGS
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Where: Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington Ave., Grand Haven

The Music at the Museum series in Grand Haven gets December rolling with Illinois bluegrass/roots rock band The Way Down Wanderers, with West Michigan’s own, award-winning Roosevelt Diggs getting the night started with a unique brand of Americana music.

Get more information about the show hosted by the Tri-Cities Historical Museum and Red House Concerts online here.

BLANCO BROWN
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $15 advance, $20 day of show
Where: The Intersection, Grand Rapids

This is billed as the “B93 Holiday Hoedown with Blanco Brown,” with the country artist bringing his hip hop/electronic-hued music to Grand Rapids, buoyed by the skyrocketing success of his single, “The Git Up,” which has topped more than 135 million streams on Spotify.

The country party will also feature special guest King Calaway and the West Michigan-bred Kari Lynch Band. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for this all-ages show. Details online at sectionlive.com.

OVER THE RHINE
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $20 ($10 Calvin staff, $5 students)
Where: Chapel Sanctuary, Calvin University, Grand Rapids

Ohio indie-folk duo Over the Rhine have played Calvin so frequently over the years that they’re regarded as the university’s “house band.” This time, Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler bring their December U.S. tour to the Chapel at Calvin, as they continue to tour behind their most recent studio album, “Love & Revelation.”

Of course, the duo also released some stunning holiday collections over the years, including 2006’s “Snow Angels” and 2014’s “Blood Oranges in the Snow,” so you can expect some inspiring holiday music at Friday’s show, too. Get tickets online here.

SUNSQUABI
When: 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Tickets: $21 advance, $26 day of show ($36 two-day)
Where: Elevation inside The Intersection, Grand Rapids

The Denver-based jam band SunSquabi sets up a two-night residency at Grand Rapids’ The Intersection with its “hydro-funk experience,” touring behind the latest release, “Instinct.” The band features guitarist Kevin Donohue, bassist Josh Fairman and drummer Chris Anderson.

Fellow Colorado electronic music artist Maddy O’Neal opens both shows. Get tickets and more details about these 17-and-older shows online at sectionlive.com.

MAMA K & THE KOSMIC SWAY
When: 9:30 p.m. Friday
Admission: Free
Where: Founders Brewing, Grand Rapids

Get ready for some retro rock, soul and blues, courtesy of Grand Rapids’ Mama K & The Kosmic Sway, a group founded by Founders’ own Jeremy Koscmicki and his vocalist wife, Jamie, who does a whale of a Janis Joplin representation. The band, which also features bassist Coe Lacy and drummer Steve Harris, delivers “raw and powerful” live shows.

Get more info at foundersbrewing.com, where you can also get the lowdown on Friday’s taproom release of Frangelic Mountain Brown. And Dos Santos plays Saturday at Founders.

SATURDAY

THE BAD PLUS
When: 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $35
Where: Listening Room, Grand Rapids

TICKET GIVEAWAY: Congratulations to reader Ricardo Ramirez. He was the first reader to email john@localspins.com with “THE BAD PLUS” in the message field and won a pair of tickets to one of Saturday’s shows. Check The Big List every week for your chance to win concert tickets.

For the second night in a row, Listening Room hosts a double-header of riveting music. On Saturday night, it’s the award-winning, much-ballyhooed strains of jazz innovators The Bad Plus, which just released a new album, “Activate Infinity.” The Minnesota trio of Orrin Evans, Reid Anderson and David King has long made a splash with its avant-garde jazz and has released 14 albums since 2001.

Get tickets and details online at listeningroomgr.com.

GUNNAR & THE GRIZZLY BOYS
SADIE BASS
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $10 advance, $12 day of show
Where: The Intersection, Grand Rapids

Another December homecoming show for West Michigan country heroes Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, who unleash a rock-fueled brand of country music, something evidenced by the band’s most recent album, 2016’s “Good Rhythm.”

Joining Gunnar and crew will be another Michigan artist who’s making a big impact on the country scene: Mid-Michigan singer Sadie Bass, who just returned from a successful Caribbean tour with Brantley Gilbert and other superstars. Jared Knox & The Hagar Bombs are also on the bill for this all-ages show, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Get tickets here.

THE CONCUSSIONS
THE MADEIRA
THE TROUBADOURS
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $10 advance, $12 day of show
When: Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill, Grand Rapids

It’s another surf rock spectacular at the Tip Top. Led by Grand Rapids’ own masked marauders The Concussions, who always light up the stage in goofy and instrumentally adroit style for their devoted fans.

They’re once again bringing along a pair of fellow surf-rock masters: The Madeira and The Troubadours. Get tickets online here and be prepared to get your Christmas bells rung in surfy fashion.

SUNDAY

WEST MICHIGAN BLUES SOCIETY
HOLIDAY PARTY:
KING BISCUIT TRIO
FAST HANDS BAND
HANSEN’S HOUSEROCKERS
KATHLEEN & THE BRIDGE STREET BAND
When: 1-6 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $7 ($5 WMBS members)
Where: Billy’s Lounge, Grand Rapids

Got the Christmas blues? Well, this show celebrates the blues in rocking fashion with four Michigan bands playing this holiday party and fundraiser for the West Michigan Blues Society. The King Biscuit Trio, The Fast Hands Band, Hansen’s Houserockers and Kathleen & The Bridge Street Band will rev up the stage.

Food catered by Chef Cal will also be available for purchase and the society will also conduct at 50-50 raffle as part of the afternoon soiree. Get more info online here.

LIVINGSTON TAYLOR
REBECCA LOEBE
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $45-$55
Where: Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake

As the brother of James Taylor, Livingston Taylor clearly carries some impressive musical genes. The 69-year-old singer-songwriter has had a few of his own Billboard hits over the years and has released 20 albums since his self-titled 1970 debut, displaying the sort of talent that’s allowed him to share stages with Fleetwood Mac, Jethro Tull, Joni Mitchell and others over the years.

Joining him in Spring Lake for this tour stop will be indie-rock/pop-rock artist Rebecca Loebe, who’s also part of the Austin-based band Nobody’s Girl. Get tickets and details online at sevenstepsup.com.

UNDER-THE-RADAR PICKS

Leif Vollebekk playing Listening Room in Grand Rapids, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, $19 – Montreal-based singer-songwriter Leif Vollebekk is touring behind his new album, “New Ways,” the follow-up to his Juno-nominated “Twin Solitude.” The special guest for this show: Rebecca Foon.

Adam Ezra Group playing Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $22-$32 – This is billed as “an acoustic evening with Adam Ezra Group,” a Boston indie-folk band touted for its “one-of-a-kind, community-driven” shows. There’s also a “cheese plate add-on” for this concert. Get details online here.

Robin Connell Trio playing One Trick Pony in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Thursday, free – Jazz pianist Robin Connell returns to one of her favorite haunts for an evening of classic jazz. One Trick follows this on Saturday, with the return of jazz, R&B and pop singer Kathy Lamar.

Snails playing The Intersection in Grand Rapids, 9 p.m. Thursday, $25 advance, $29.50 day of show – Quebec electronic music producer Snails bring his “World of Slime” tour to Grand Rapids, with Jayceeoh, Hi Im Ghost and Cookn also on the docket for this 17-and-older show.

Steady Flow playing Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids, 9:30 p.m. Thursday, free – Based in Peoria, Ill., Steady Flow churns out face-melting funk-rock, something they call “the future of funk.”

Tail from the Crypt, The Night Caps, Mose Alto and Doran Riley playing Mulligan’s Pub in Grand Rapids, 10 p.m. Thursday, free – Suffice to say, this is a head-spinning local lineup, from the French dark-wave attack of Tail from the Crypt to the rockabilly/roots delivery of The Night Caps.

The Out of Favor Boys playing Final Gravity Brewing in Kalamazoo, 8 p.m. Friday, free – Kalamazoo blues favorites the Out of Favor Boys get the weekend started at Final Gravity in downtown Kalamazoo.

The ‘Not So Different But Different Rap Show’ at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids, 9 p.m. Friday, $7 – The title says it all. This night of hip hop will feature sets by Laz (Clear Soul Forces), Yung Tact, M.I.C Book, Dougie Funz, Darus Clark, Wuzee, Kay Millennium, Wills Piff and 96th Profit.

Liquid Thickness kicking off the “December Darkness” Beer-Release at The Livery in Benton Harbor, 9 p.m. Friday, “Pay What You Want” admission – Ypsilanti funk band Liquid Thickness launches this weekend party at The Livery, with Tom Petty tribute band The Insiders revving up stage at 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Details here.

Jimmie Stagger playing Billy’s Lounge in Grand Rapids, 9:30 p.m. Friday, $5 – It’s always special when local legend Jimmie Stagger brings his blues guitar prowess to the stage at Billy’s Lounge.

Dos Santos playing Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids, 9:30 p.m. Saturday, $5 – Chicago’s Dos Santos was “raised on the pedagogy of American popular and traditional Latin music” and the band’s unique, genre-melding sound reflects that.

1999 Tribute Show at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Saturday, $10 advance, $15 day of show – It’s another one of those insanely popular tribute shows at The Pyramid Scheme, with bands this time around paying homage to albums by American Football, Built to Spill, Fiona Apple and Rage Against the Machine.

Chuck Bob Carnes playing the Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids, 4 p.m. Sunday, $5 – He’s a West Michigan legend. Chuck Bob Carnes and The Carnes Brothers return to the Tip Top with special guests Don Bob Bush and Richard Johnson.

Elizabeth Cook and Andrew Leahy playing Listening Room in Grand Rapids, 7 p.m. Sunday, $29 – Nashville-based singer-songwriter Elizabeth Cook has turned heads with her edgy country music, something she’s displayed on six studio albums since 2000. She plays Grand Rapids with special guest Andrew Leahy, a Nashville guitarist.

Full Cord Bluegrass playing Salt of the Earth in Fennville, 6 p.m. Sunday, $20 – West Michigan’s Full Cord wraps up a busy weekend with this Sunday show at Salt of the Earth (after playing Holland’s Park Theatre with Hoptown Rounder and Eric Engblade on Friday and the Ludington Center for the Arts on Saturday). Get reservations for the Salt of the Earth show at 269-561-7258.

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THE REALLY BIG LIST PLUS SHOWS ON THE HORIZON

Monday, Dec. 2
BassBin: Monica Ghita/Henry Brooks, Billy’s Lounge
Bill Kirchen’s Honky Tonk Holiday/The Carpenter Ants, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
GVSU University Arts Chorale, “Songs of the Season,” Fountain Street Church
John Shea, Rockwell Republic

Tuesday, Dec. 3
Walt Gutowski & the Bridge Street Trio, Fratelli’s Kitchen & Bar
Serita’s Black Rose, JT’s Pizza & Spirits, Cascade
The New Standard, Dee-Lite Restaurant & Bar, Grand Haven
Devon Yeider & Friends, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Irish Christmas in America, The Playhouse at White Lake, Whitehall

Wednesday, Dec. 4
Cousin Curtiss: Local Spins Wednesday, SpeakEZ Lounge
Louis The Child/Duckwrth/John The Blind, 20 Monroe Live
Leif Vollebekk/Rebecca Foon, Listening Room @ Studio Park
Fred Knapp & Friends, The Old Goat
Tom Hagen Trio featuring Rick Reuther, Noto’s, Cascade
Jimmie Stagger, Cedar Springs Brewing, Cedar Springs
Reeths-Puffer Madrigals/Vocal Fusion, Walker Memorial Library, North Muskegon
Tom Zatarga: Jaycees Freedom Festival Fund-raiser, Jamesport Brewing Co., Ludington
Gull Lake Jazz Orchestra, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Robert Rolfe Feddersen/Andrew Fisher Quartet/The Sypian Family Band: Harbor Arts Musical Expo, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks

Thursday, Dec. 5
Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith Christmas 2019, Van Andel Arena
The Fukushima Daisies, The Pyramid Scheme
Snails/Jayceeoh/Hi Im Ghost/Cookn, The Intersection
Steady Flow, Founders Brewing Co.
Robin Connell Trio with Kathy Lamar, One Trick Pony
Tail from the Crypt/The Night Caps/Mose Alto/Doran Riley, Mulligan’s Pub
Grand Rapids Symphony: Wolverine Worldwide Holiday Pops, DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 5-8)
Messiah Sing-A-Long (10 a.m.), Covenant Fine Arts Center, Calvin University
Entourage, JW Marriott
Toby Bresnahan, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Andy Frisinger & Chris Wiser, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Adam Ezra Group, Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
Hope College Jazz Faculty, Sandy Point Beach House, West Olive
WMU Combo Night, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
University Concert Band, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, Kalamazoo

Friday, Dec. 6
Blanco Brown/King Calaway: B93 Holiday Hoedown, The Intersection
Cautious Clay/Remi Wolf, The Stache @ The Intersection
SunSquabi/Maddy O’Neal (Night 1), Elevation @ The Intersection
Laith Al-Saadi (6 p.m. & 9 p.m.), Listening Room By Studio C, Studio Park
Mama K & the Kosmic Sway, Founders Brewing Company
Over The Rhine, Covenant Fine Arts Center, Calvin University
Sushi Roll, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Chris Clayton, Bob’s Brewery At The B.O.B.
Live Band Karaoke, Bobarino’s At The B.O.B.
The Outliers/Withhold The Blood/Vestigial, Mulligan’s Pub
Jimmie Stagger, Billy’s Lounge
Laz/(Clear Soul Forces)/Yung Tact/M.I.C Book/Dougie Funz/Darus Clark/Wuzee/Kay Millennium/Wills Piff/96th Profit: The Not So Different But Different Rap Show, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Old Took, Garage Bar and Grill
Eevee/brothel, Creston Brewery
Grand Rapids Symphony: Wolverine Worldwide Holiday Pops, DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 5-8)
Union Guns, Back Forty Saloon (Dec. 6-7)
Pretzel Logic, Flanagan’s Irish Pub
Whiskey Bound, River City Saloon
Oratorio Messiah, Covenant Fine Arts Center, Calvin University (Dec. 6-7)
Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus Annual Winter Concert, Trinity Lutheran Church
John Shea, Amway Grand Hotel
Brian Randall, Twisted Bull (Dec. 6-7)
Hole in the Earth: Miguel Romero, Mexicains Sans Frontieres
Moon Shot, Shots on the River, Belmont
The New Standard Duo, Bier Distillery, Comstock Park
Everett Domeier, Bostwick Lake Inn, Rockford
The Moonrays, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Azz Izz, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming
JMM Jazz, 18th Amendment, Muskegon
Gabrial James, Old Boys Brewhouse, Spring Lake
The Way Down Wanderers/Roosevelt Diggs: Red House Concert Series, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, Grand Haven
ConVivo (jazz & dancing), D&W Fresh Market (Salvation Army benefit), Grand Haven
The Shagwells, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Full Cord/Hoptown Rounder/Eric Engblade, Park Theatre, Holland
Big Love Band, New Holland Brewing’s Pub on 8th, Holland
Matt Gabrial, Our Brewing, Holland
Kevin Murphy, Great Legs Winery Brewing Distillery, Holland
Dale Wicks, Tripelroot, Zeeland
Crazy Mic, McDuff’s Bar & Grille, Wayland
Dylan Tolbert & Joseph Cherian/Here Nor There, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Out of Favor Boys, Final Gravity Brewing Co., Kalamazoo
Jeff Mueller, Louie’s Trophy House, Kalamazoo
Laurel Premo Trio, The Sandbox Listening Room, Kalamazoo
Corey Dennison Band/Funky Mojo Daddy (Harbor Country Emergency Food Pantry fund-raiser), Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Liquid Thickness, The Livery, Benton Harbor
The All-American Funk Parade, Mitten Bar, Ludington
Brett Young/Ingrid Andress, Soaring Eagle Casino, Mt. Pleasant

Saturday, Dec. 7
Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys/Sadie Bass, The Intersection
SunSquabi/Maddy O’Neal (Night 2), Elevation @ The Intersection
The Bad Plus (6 p.m. & 9 p.m.), Listening Room by Studio C
Dos Santos, Founders Brewing Company
The Concussions/The Madeira/The Troubadours, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Moonshot, Billy’s Lounge
Them Teeth/Tongue Party/Ozenza, Mulligan’s Pub
Zie Rosin, Garage Bar & Grill
Grand Rapids Symphony: Wolverine Worldwide Holiday Pops, DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 5-8)
Bittersweet Christmas Band: Grand River Folk Society, Wealthy Theatre Annex
Alex Teller, Kava Kasa
Sonic Pirates, River City Saloon
Union Guns, Back Forty Saloon (Dec. 6-7)
Kevin Schaffer/Jake Stilson/Josh “Lil Brother” Leonard, The Iron Well
Oratorio Messiah, Covenant Fine Arts Center, Calvin University (Dec. 6-7)
Weekend Comeback, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Alex Teller, Kava Kasa
Noelle Frost, JW Marriott
Entourage, Amway Grand Plaza
Brian Randall, Twisted Bull (Dec. 6-7)
Three’s A Crowd, Shots on the River, Belmont
John Shea, Noto’s, Cascade
Soul Shake, Rogue River Tavern, Rockford
Syd Burnham Band, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Jarod Knox, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming
Decades, Red’s Sports Bar and Grill, Middleville
Sounds Familiar, Ridge Cider Co., Grant
Kristen Kuiper, Pigeon Hill Brewing Co., Muskegon
Christmas Vespers (4:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.), Dimnent Chapel, Hope College, Holland (Dec. 7-8)
Bar Code, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
A War Within/Death Abides/Nagazi/Silence & Solace/Don The Pariah, Park Theatre, Holland
Gabrial James, Tripelroot, Zeeland
Bare Naked 90s, McDuff’s Bar & Grille, Wayland
DC-90, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Duffield Caron Project (5 p.m.)/Left Lane Cruiser (8:30 p.m.), Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
A Choral Christmas: University Chorale, Cantus Femina, Collegiate Singers, First Presbyterian Church, Kalamazoo
Amays & Blue, Potter’s Lounge, Four Points Sheraton, Kalamazoo
Corrode/Hardhome/Andor/Fatal End/Guard Rail, Papa Pete’s, Kalamazoo
Cosmic Groove featuring Ovaciir/The Groove Band, Shakespeare’s Pub Lower Level, Kalamazoo
The Hipposonics, The Riviera Theatre, Three Rivers
The Doors of Chicago, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra: “Handel’s Messiah,” Mendel Center, Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor
The Insiders featuring Max Lockwood (Tom Petty tribute), The Livery, Benton Harbor
Full Cord, Ludington Area Center for the Arts, Ludington
Laith Al-Saadi, Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Manistee

Sunday, Dec. 8
Elizabeth Cook/Andrew Leahey, Listening Room by Studio C, Studio Park
King Biscuit Trio/The Fast Hands Band/Hansen’s Housesrockers/Kathleen & the Bridge Street Band: West Michigan Blues Society Holiday Bash, Billy’s Lounge
Toby Bresnahan, Creston Brewery
Chuck Bob Carnes, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Randy Marsh & Friends, SpeakEZ Lounge
Common Chords, Kent District Library Cascade Branch, Cascade
Grand Rapids Symphony: Wolverine Worldwide Holiday Pops, DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 5-8)
Jessica in the Rainbow, The Peoples Cider Company
Vanessa Cunha, pianist, “Viva Brazil,” Sunday Classical Concert Series, Grand Rapids Art Museum
Jessica in the Rainbow, The Peoples Cider Co.
Mike Frost & Mike Hyde (10 a.m.), JW Marriott
Randy Marsh (noon), Cedar Springs Brewing, Cedar Springs
David Dilsizian (2 p.m.), Loutit District Library, Grand Haven
Livingston Taylor (2 p.m.), Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
Ryanhood: Courtyard Concerts Ho-Ho-Holiday Concert (7 p.m.), Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
EARLY SHOW SOLD OUT Christmas Vespers (2 p.m. & 5 p.m.), Dimnent Chapel, Hope College, Holland
“The Glory of Christmas,” Holland Chorale, First Reformed Church (3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.), Holland
Full Cord, Salt of the Earth, Fennville
Dean Allrick, What Not Inn, Fennville
Tim Just Tim, Liquid Note Brewing, Otsego
Gregory Stovepipe/Saxsquatch & Bridge Band/Disco Wanabee, Shakespeare’s Pub, Kalamazoo
“Jazz for the Holidays,” Miller Auditorium, WMU, Kalamazoo
Piper & Carson: Foundry Hall Presents, Liberty Hyde Baily Museum, South Haven

ON THE HORIZON

Monday, Dec. 9
1999 Tribute Show (Community Media Center fund-raiser), The Pyramid Scheme
John Shea, Rockwell Republic
John Berry: 23rd Annual Christmas Tour, Williams Auditorium, Ferris State University, Big Rapids

Tuesday, Dec. 10
Chevelle/Convey/The Band Royale, 20 Monroe Live
Madball/Kharma/Bitter Truth/Life Loss, The Stache Blanco Brown/King Calaway: B93 Holiday Hoedown, The Intersection
Walt Gutowski & the Bridge Street Trio, Fratelli’s Kitchen & Bar
Brandon Ward, JT’s Pizza & Spirits, Cascade
The New Standard, Dee-Lite Restaurant & Bar, Grand Haven
Devon Yeider & Friends, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo

Wednesday, Dec. 11
Dalmatian Stone: Local Spins Wednesday, SpeakEZ Lounge
Damien Escobar, 20 Monroe Live
Fred Knapp & Friends, The Old Goat
Tom Hagen Trio featuring Mary Rademacher Reed, Noto’s, Cascade
Chadwick Stokes & the Pintos, Bell’s Eccentric Café, Kalamazoo
Canopy Space: Jaycees Freedom Festival Fund-raiser, The Mitten Bar, Ludington

Thursday, Dec. 12
Drew Nelson & Hwy. 2/Escaping Pavement, Listening Room By Studio C, Studio Park
Tucker Beathard, The Stache @ The Intersection
Sons of F.U.N.K., Founders Brewing Company
J. Robbins/Old Fire/Singing Lungs, The Pyramid Scheme
Casa Blue/Castle Black/Dollars To Donuts, Mulligan’s Pub
Mary Rademacher Redd & Co., Ganders Restaurant
Nicholas James, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Nate Holley, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
The Oak Ridge Boys, Holland Civic Center Place, Holland
My Thin Place, Sandy Point Beach House, West Olive
Andy Frisinger & Chris Wiser, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
TAKE3 with Lauren Jellacovich, “Together for the Holidays,” Dogwood Center for Performing Arts, Fremont
Schlitz Creek, Liquid Note Brewing, Otsego
Out of Favor Boys, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Old 97’s Holiday Extravaganza featuring Casey Magic & Rhett Miller, Bell’s Eccentric Café, Kalamazoo
WMU Combo Night, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Turkuaz, Bell’s Eccentric Café, Kalamazoo
Michael Bolton, Firekeepers Casino, Battle Creek
Steven Curtis Chapman: Acoustic Christmas Concert, New Hope Community Church, Traverse City

Friday, Dec. 13
Mary Gauthier/Jaimee Harris, Studio Park Listening Room
Jackl/Tru-Bum/Stevie Reidz & Co., The Intersection
May Erlewine & the Motivations Holiday Dance Party, The Pyramid Scheme
Starfarm, Billy’s Lounge
The Leftovers/Y-Not, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Funkle Jesse, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Don Middlebrook, Bobarino’s At The B.O.B.
Oceans Beneath Us/Age of Aletheia/Divided They Fall/Hardhome, Mulligan’s Pub
Grand Rapids Symphony/Grand Rapids Ballet: “The Nutcracker,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 13-15 & Dec. 20-22)
Kent Philharmonic Orchestra: Christmas Music, Hess, Bizet, Finzi, St. Cecilia Music Center Royce Auditorium
Free Hat/I Believe in Julio/Michael The Accordianist, Creston Brewery
Deerfield Run, The Iron Well
Classic Albums Live: “A Night at the Opera” by Queen, Forest Hills Fine Arts Center
Trapped On Mars, River City Saloon
Walt Gutowski & The Bridge Street Band, Harmony Hall
The New Standard, Zoko 822
John Shea, JW Marriott
Mary Rademacher Reed, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Blue Jay Bridge, Twisted Bull
17 Degrees South, EB Coffee & Pub, Caledonia
Pete “Big Dog” Fetters, Shots on the River, Belmont
Frankengarry, Bier Distillery, Comstock Park
Tony Reynolds, Bostwick Lake Inn, Rockford
The Maruspials, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
OTC, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming (Dec. 13-14)
Jesse Ray & the Carolina Catfish, Trail Point Brewing, Allendale
Lynn & the Moonshine Runners, Saugatuck Brewery, Fennville
Matt Gabriel Trio, New Holland Brewing’s Pub on 8th, Holland
Rich Burkholder, Our Brewing, Holland
Bitter Desire, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Rich Burkholder, The Kirby House, Grand Haven
West Michigan Symphony Orchestra: “Sounds of the Season,” Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon
Vincent Hayes, Smash Wine Bar & Bistro, Muskegon
Patty Pershayla & the Mayhaps, Unruly Brewing, Muskegon
Third Coast Gypsy Jazz, 18th Amendment, Muskegon
Toby Bresnahan, Hilliard’s Corner Lounge, Wayland
All In, McDuff’s Bar & Grill, Wayland
DC-90, Liquid Note Brewing, Otsego
Allie Garland, JB’s Whiskey Old Style Grill, Springfield
Matthew Borr/Static of a Stranger/Lisa & Ryan, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Stormy Chromer, Final Gravity Brewing Co., Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo Symphony, “Sounds of the Season,” Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo
Jeff Mueller, Louie’s Trophy House, Kalamazoo
Old 97/Casey Magic/Rhett Miller, Bell’s Eccentric Café, Kalamazoo
Oski, Papa Pete’s, Kalamazoo
Cross Roads Blues Band, The Union Cabaret & Grille
The Bergamots, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Pajamas, The Livery, Benton Harbor
Steven Curtis Chapman: Acoustic Christmas Concert, Mt. Zion, Clarkston

Saturday, Dec. 14
Marcy Playground, Listening Room by Studio C, Studio Park
Brother ElseyFurther Closer/Seth Beck, The Pyramid Scheme
eRoy/Pause/Koala Bear, Founders Brewing Co.
Hank Mowery & the Hawktones, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
The Hip Pocket, Billy’s Lounge
Novice/Desiring Dead Flesh/Beyond Order/Slimewatch, Mulligan’s Pub
Grand Rapids Symphony/Grand Rapids Ballet: “The Nutcracker,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 13-15 & Dec. 20-22)
Michigan Mark De Press & Friends/Roger Plaxton: Grand River Folk Society, Wealthy Theatre Annex
Tell Yo Mama, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Astro Jackson, The Iron Well
Wind Ensemble, “Sleigh Ride to Tinsel Town,” Covenant Fine Arts Center, Calvin University
Rocket Fuel Haulers, River City Saloon
In The Blue (1 p.m.), Von Maur, Woodland Mall
Neil Gordon, JW Marriott
Mary Rademacher Reed Trio, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Whiskey Fixx, Twisted Bull
That Beatles Thing, Shots on the River, Belmont
John Shea, Noto’s, Cascade
Music Mike, Bier Distillery, Comstock Park
Saving Rhonda, Rogue River Tavern, Rockford
Rogue Fraternity, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
OTC, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming (Dec. 13-14)
Right Side Up, Red’s Sports Bar and Grill, Middleville
Carter Lezman, Tripelroot, Zeeland
Holland Symphony: “Season’s Greetings” with Mario Diaz-Moresco (3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.), Dimnent Chapel, Hope College, Holland
Peat In The Creel, Great Legs Brewery Winery Distillery, Holland
June’s Got The Cash: “A Johnny & June Christmas,” Park Theatre, Holland
Pretty Rage, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Billy Dalton, Ridge Cider Co., Grant
Steeple Hill, Hennessy’s Pub, Muskegon
Steven Curtis Chapman: Acoustic Christmas Concert, L.C. Walker Arena, Muskegon
Three’s A Crowd, The Kirby House, Grand Haven
Allegan Brass Collective, Griswold Auditorium, Allegan
The Distractions, Liquid Note Brewing, Otsego
The Bootstrap Boys/Deerfield Run, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Narrow Arrow/Moss Jaw/Lucius Fox/Pooshka, Shakespeare’s Pub Lower Level, Kalamazoo
“A Steamed Nutcracker,” The Mendel Center, Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor
Deep Fried Pickle Project, The Livery, Benton Harbor
Freebird (Lynard Skynard tribute), Acorn Theater, Three Oaks

Sunday, Dec. 15
Grand Rapids Symphony/Grand Rapids Ballet: “The Nutcracker,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 13-15 & Dec. 20-22)
Troubadour Showcase, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
J. Oscar Bittinger: A Winter’s Tune Rebooted, Listening Room, Studio Park
Sam Corbin, Creston Brewery
Randy Marsh & Friends, SpeakEZ Lounge
Tuba Christmas (12:30 p.m. musician registration & rehearsal; concert 3 p.m.), Fountain Street Church
Nancy Stagnitta, flute & Bob James, piano (2 p.m.), Sunday Classical Concert Series, Grand Rapids Art Museum
Wuzee & Samil/Almight Foot Clan, The Peoples Cider Co.
Greg Miller (10 a.m.), JW Marriott
River Rogues Jazz Band, Harmony Hall
Toby Bresnahan, Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs
St. Joe Jack, Pigeon Hill Brewing Co., Muskegon
Joni Norwood, Smash Wine Bar & Bistro, Muskegon
Strapping Owls, Salt of the Earth, Fennville
Dean Allrick, What Not Inn, Fennville
Nicholas James Thomasma, Hilliard’s Corner Lounge, Wayland
Shelby O, Liquid Note Brewing, Otsego
A Brass Celebration of Christmas, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, Kalamazoo
Hank Mowery & the Hawktones (3 p.m.)/Big Trouble (5 p.m.): Kalamazoo Valley Blues Association Festival Fund-raiser, Shakespeare’s Pub, Kalamazoo
Max Lockwood + Mike Sturwin: Earthwork Music Sunday Showcase, The Livery, Benton Harbor

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