The Big List (Dec. 9-15): Chevelle, Oak Ridge Boys, Marcy Playground, Sons of F.U.N.K., Damien Escobar, Jackyl, Old 97’s

Mid-December also heats up with May Erlewine, Dalmatian Stone, Wayland, Mary Gauthier, Brother Elsey, A Winter’s Tune, Tuba Christmas and more. And win tickets to shows at The Pyramid Scheme.

 

THE BIG LIST: Dec. 9-15

 

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.

 

---

MONDAY

JOHN BERRY: CHRISTMAS SONGS & STORIES
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Tickets: $35
Where: Williams Auditorium, 630 S. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids

Kick off your week with some seasonal fare, courtesy of John Berry, who brings his 23rd annual Christmas tour to Michigan, which he dubs “Christmas Songs and Stories.” The country singer-songwriter first made a splash in the 1990s with singles such as “Your Love Amazes Me” and “Standing on the Edge of Goodbye,” and his holiday tours have become a tradition. This is his only Michigan stop on this tour.

There’s also an additional $25 VIP option for this concert that includes a meet-and-greet with Berry and more. Get tickets and details online here.

TUESDAY

CHEVELLE
CONVEY
THE BAND ROYALE
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Tickets: $33-$59.50
Where: 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids

This is 97.9 WGRD’s “Binge Before Christmas” show featuring Illinois alt-rock/post-grunge/nu metal band Chevelle, which first entered the scene in the mid-1990s but made its biggest splash with the albums “Wonder What’s Next” (2002) and “This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In)” (2004) and singles “Send the Pain Below” and “Vitamin R (Leading Us Along).”

Also on the bill for this Grand Rapids tour stop: Convey and The Band Royale. Get tickets online here.

WEDNESDAY

DAMIEN ESCOBAR
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Tickets: $35-$85
Where: 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids

There’s no one quite like Damien Escobar, aka Dame Esco. The crossover violinist (once part of Nuttin’ But Stringz) melds classical music with jazz, pop, R&B, electronic music and hip hop, a style exhibited on releases such as 2018’s “Bermuda Triangle,” 2017’s “Boundless” and 2016’s “Get Up and Dance.”

The acclaimed New York musician is crisscrossing the country on his “Elements of Love” tour. Get tickets and details online at 20monroelive.com.

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

They’re back at SpeakEZ Lounge:  Dalmatian Stone could be considered a West Michigan super-group led by singer Diego Morales, delivering soulful funk-rock “laced with a little jazz fusion and a whole lotta love.” The band creates a dance party wherever it plays its “mystephonic” music.

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.

WAYLAND
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Tickets: $15
Where: The Mint inside The Intersection, Grand Rapids

Now, this is something different for Grand Rapids-area hard-rock band Wayland and its fans. Billed as “an intimate storytellers’ experience,” the group is playing a few acoustic sets to help promote official release of the new single, “I’m Not Alright” (a song about mental health and the stigma surrounding mental illness).

The band played a sold-out show in a hometown show at Gun Lake Casino over the weekend. Get details about the intimate Intersection show online at sectionlive.com.

THURSDAY

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Tickets: $39-$67
Where: Holland Civic Center Place, Holland

This is a “Down Home Christmas,” featuring the country music vocals of the Oak Ridge Boys, who’ve sold more than 41 million records over the years. The Grammy- and Dove-winning band presents its holiday show on this tour, filled with Christmas classics, “new favorites and many of the hits that shaped the career” of the group.

Get tickets online here.

SONS OF F.U.N.K.
When: 9:30 p.m. Thursday
Admission: Free
Where: Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids

Featuring members of George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Sons of F.U.N.K. rolls out classic P-Funk hits for an old-school night that aims to fill the dance floor. The band features Rico Lewis, Billy Nelson, Nate Turley, Bennie Patterson, Raymond Watson, DeShawn Alexander and Michael Batts.

Get more info at foundersbrewing.com, where you can also get details about Saturday’s eRoy show.

FRIDAY

MARY GAUTHIER
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $27
Where: Listening Room, Grand Rapids

Grammy Award-nominated New Orleans native and folk artist Mary Gauthier has released a sheaf of albums since 1997, including 2018’s “Rifles & Rosary Beads,” which won album of the year honors at the International Folk Music Awards.

Opening for Gauthier, 57, who’s now based in Nashville where’s she’s appeared regularly on “Grand Ole Opry,” will be Austin folk-rock/Americana artist Jaimee Harris, touring behind her debut album, “Red Rescue.” Get tickets online here.

JACKYL
TRU-BURN
STEVIE REIDZ & CO.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $20 advance, $23 day of show
Where: The Intersection, Grand Rapids

Georgia-bred hard-rock/Southern metal outfit Jackyl has long made The Intersection a stop on its U.S. tours and once again thunders into GR with an arsenal of rafter-rattling hits (“The Lumberjack,” “Down on Me,” “When Will It Rain”). Opening will be West Michigan’s own Tru-Burn and Stevie Reidz & Co.

Get tickets online at sectionlive.com, where you can also get the lowdown on another metal show, this one taking place on Saturday: Born of Osiris, Oceano, Car Bomb, The Last Ten Seconds of Life and Hollow Front, 6:30 p.m. Saturday in The Stache, $18 advance, $20 day of show.

MAY ERLEWINE & THE MOTIVATIONS
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $15
Where: The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids

TICKET GIVEAWAY: Congratulations to readers Bryan and Cynthia Melville and Len Rinke. They were the first readers to email john@localspins.com with “MAY ERLEWINE” in the message field and won a pair of tickets to Friday’s Pyramid Scheme show. Check The Big List every week for your chance to win concert tickets.

Much-beloved northern Michigan singer-songwriter May Erlewine and her soulful band The Motivations have made these “Holiday Dance Parties” a December tradition, playing venues across the state with an upbeat, engaging, retro-soul, community-building approach. (The band plays The Old Art Building in Leland on Saturday and Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake on Dec. 21.)

Get tickets and details about Friday’s show at pyramidschemebar.com. (The band is also featured in the 2020 Local Spins Calendars.)

FREE HAT
I BELIEVE IN JULIO
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Admission: Free
Where: Creston Brewery, Grand Rapids

So this is dubbed the “Inaugural Balls to the Wall Holiday Ball” with sets by Grand Rapids punk faves I Believe in Julio and cutting-edge rock band Free Hat (which boasted a No. 1 album on the Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart earlier this year).

Oh, and Michael the Accordionist is also on the bill. Get more info here, where you can also get the lowdown on Sunday’s 5 p.m. show featuring singer-songwriter Sam Corbin.

OLD 97’S
CASEY MAGIC
RHETT MILLER
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $30 advance, $35 day of show
Where: Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Café, Kalamazoo

Renowned Texas alt-country faves the Old 97’s bring their December “Holiday Extravaganza” to Kalamazoo, with Casey Magic and Rhett Miller (frontman for Old 97’s playing a special acoustic set). The band did release “Love the Holidays” in 2018 so there’s a seasonal hue to the group’s so-called “loud folk.”

Get tickets and more details online at bellsbeer.com; doors open at 7 p.m.

SATURDAY

MARCY PLAYGROUND
When: 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $39
Where: Listening Room, Grand Rapids

Performing two special acoustic sets for this Grand Rapids tour stop, ’90s alternative rockers Marcy Playground recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the band’s self-titled debut album (featuring the hit single “Sex and Candy”).

This will mark their first performances at the new downtown Listening Room. Get info and tickets at listeningroomgr.com.

BROTHER ELSEY
FURTHER CLOSER
SETH BECK
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $12 advance, $14 day of show
Where: The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids

TICKET GIVEAWAY: Congratulations to reader Anastasia Peterke. She was the first to email john@localspins.com with “BROTHER ELSEY” in the message field and won a pair of tickets to Saturday’s show. Check The Big List every week for your chance to win concert tickets.

Since making the move from Detroit to the Grand Rapids area a couple of years ago, Brother Elsey has captivated fans and fellow musicians with the trio’s rootsy, harmony-propelled, folk-rock. The band of brothers – Jack, Brady and Beau Stablein – recently released a new single and will hit Chicago before powering up Grand Rapids with help from Jake Kalmink’s Further Closer and Seth Beck.

Read more about the band later this week at Local Spins. Get tickets and details about Saturday’s all-ages show online here. (The band is also featured in the 2020 Local Spins Calendars.)

HANK MOWERY & THE HAWKTONES
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $5
When: Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill, Grand Rapids

Blues harp player and singer Hank Mowery with his band The Hawktones have not only made a splash regionally, but they’ve attracted attention nationally for Mowery’s music/recordings and their dynamic live performances. They return this weekend to one of their favorite haunts, the West Side’s Tip Top, unleashing everything from Chicago blue standards to West Coast swing.

Get info and tickets online here. (The band also plays Kalamazoo on Sunday. Scroll down to Under-the-Radar Picks below for more details.) The Tip Top follows this on Sunday with the “Troubadour Showcase” featuring Eric Edwin, Sadie J. Tucker, Corey Leonard and Mule in the Mine.

SUNDAY

A WINTER’S TUNE
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $12
Where: Listening Room, Grand Rapids

For years, Grand Rapids singer-songwriter J. Oscar Bittinger hosted what he called “A Winter’s Tune” concerts featuring fellow artists who would perform their versions of classic holiday tunes “in the round” along with new original seasonal songs they created just for this event.

Well, he’s resurrected the tradition – calling it “A Winter’s Tune Rebooted” – so he can unfurl it amid the cozy confines of Grand Rapids’ new Listening Room, with the likes of West Michigan’s Lexi Adams, Ralston Bowles, Hannah Rose Graves, Robin Connell, Josh Rose, John Sanger, Justin “Stovepipe” Stover, Kyle Rasche, OctoberDay and The Far Shore slated to participate. Read more about this unique show later this week at Local Spins; get tickets online at listeningroomgr.com.

TUBA CHRISTMAS
When: 3 p.m. Sunday
Admission: Free
Where: Fountain Street Church, Grand Rapids

If you’ve never seen or heard an orchestra of tubas and euphoniums kicking out classic Christmas carols, you don’t know what you’re missing. This fun “heavy metal” tradition continues (similar concerts take place in cities across the country in December) with low brass players gathering for this seasonal concert coordinated by Karen Dunnam and directed by Matt Palmieri.

Get details here, and if you’re a tuba/euphonium/baritone horn/sousaphone player who wants to get in on the action, registration is at 12:30 p.m, with a rehearsal starting at 1 p.m. A great way to kick some brass for Christmas.

UNDER-THE-RADAR PICKS

Madball playing The Stache inside The Intersection, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, $16 advance, $19 day of show – New York hardcore band Madball (“Set It Off”) rolls into Grand Rapids for a show that also features Kharma, Bitter Truth and Life Loss. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for this all-ages show.

Kaitlin Rose Duo and The Out of Favor Boys playing the Loaves and Fishes charity concert at Old Dog Tavern in Kalamazoo, 6 p.m. Thursday, $5 – Two of Kalamazoo’s most beloved acts play this event that benefits Loaves and Fishes (Kalamazoo’s primary food assistance provider) with a raffle and dozens of prizes.

Tucker Beathard playing The Stache inside The Intersection, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $9.37 – Country’s Tucker Beathard (“Better Than Me”) plays this B93-sponsored show as part of the “Monster Energy Outbreak” tour with local support from Conestoga. Doors for the all-ages show open at 6:30 p.m.

Nicholas James Thomasma playing Rockford Brewing in Rockford, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, free – Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma (who also fronts Nicholas James & The Bandwagon) plays homey Rockford Brewing, which then hosts The Marsupials at 8:30 p.m. Friday. Thomasma also plays Hilliard’s Corner Lounge in Wayland on Sunday. (He’s also featured in the 2020 Local Spins Calendars.)

Turkuaz playing Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo, 8:30 p.m. Thursday, $18 advance, $20 day of show – Brooklyn’s Turkuaz brings a blend of funk, rock, R&B, alternative music and psychedelia to Bell’s. Paris Monster opens the show.

Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish playing Trail Point Brewing in Allendale, 6 p.m. Friday, free – This is billed as a “Rockin’ Christmas Party” featuring the Grand Rapids rockabilly/blues duo Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, which released album “Love & Luck” earlier this year.

The Music of Queen, “A Night at the Opera,” at Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, $33-$53 – This tribute to Queen and the rock band’s “A Night at the Opera” album is part of the “Classic Albums Live” concert series that has musicians performing iconic albums in their entirety.

Michigan Mark DePree & Friends playing the Wealthy Theatre Annex at 1110 Wealthy St. SE in Grand Rapids, 7 p.m. Saturday, $15 (discounts for seniors, students) – The Grand River Folk Arts Society’s Acoustic Saturday Nights series this week features guitarist-singer Michigan Mark DePree with harmonica whiz Harmonica Buzz, saxophonist John Gist and bassist Mike Vanderhorst (with a special guest appearance by Roger Plaxton), playing folk, pop and original music.

A Johnny and June Christmas playing Park Theatre at 248 S. River Ave. in Holland, 8 p.m. Saturday, $20 advance, $25 day of show – The Illinois-based Johnny Cash and June Carter tribute act, June’s Got the Cash, has performed classics by the country music icons for more than 10 years. This special Christmas edition is part of what’s become a popular traveling musical theater show.

That Beatles Thing playing Shots on the River, 5760 W. River Drive, Belmont, 9 p.m. Saturday, free – The region’s most popular Beatles tribute band revs up familiar tunes at Shots on the River.

ERoy, Pause and Koala Bear playing Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids, 9:30 p.m. Saturday, $5 – Grand Rapids electronic music innovator eRoy returns to the Founders stage, this time with Pause and Koala Bear.

King Biscuit Trio playing One Trick Pony in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Saturday, free – This shapes us as a night of sizzling blues fusion courtesy of West Michigan’s King Biscuit Trio featuring Chris Collins, Andy Ogrodzinski and Craig “Griff” Griffith.

Hank Mowery & The Hawktones and Big Trouble playing Shakespeare’s Lower Level in Kalamazoo, 2 p.m. Sunday, donations — The Kalamazoo Valley Blues Association’s fund-raising Winter Blues Series kicks off with a pair of West Michigan favorites in the blues genre.

Strapping Owls playing Salt of the Earth at 114 E. Main St. in Fennville, 6 p.m. Sunday, $20 – Yes, another Sunday tuba show. Experience the unique tuba-based, blues power trio that is the Strapping Owls in this weekend-ending show in Fennville. Make reservations by calling 269-562-7258.

THE REALLY BIG LIST PLUS SHOWS ON THE HORIZON

Monday, Dec. 9
Drew Phoria & The Boys, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
John Shea, Rockwell Republic
Tom Duffield (5 p.m.), Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
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
Walt Gutowski & the Bridge Street Trio, Fratelli’s Kitchen & Bar
Brandon Ward, JT’s Pizza & Spirits, Cascade
Bluewater Kings, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
The New Standard, Dee-Lite Restaurant & Bar, Grand Haven
Dylan Tolbert, Hops at 84 East, Holland
Devon Yeider & Friends, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Ben Schmidt-Swartz/Matt Landon/ John Hébert, O’Duffy’s Pub, Kalamazoo

Wednesday, Dec. 11
Dalmatian Stone: Local Spins Wednesday, SpeakEZ Lounge
Damien Escobar, 20 Monroe Live
Wayland, The Mint @ The Intersection
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
Gabrial James, Potter’s Lounge, Four Point Sheraton, Kalamazoo
Canopy Space: Jaycees Freedom Festival Fund-raiser, The Mitten Bar, Ludington

Thursday, Dec. 12
CANCELED – Drew Nelson & Hwy. 2/Escaping Pavement, Listening Room By Studio C, Studio Park
Via Mardot/The Ooze & Oz: GR Live WYCE Live Radio Show, Listening Room, Studio Park
Tucker Beathard/Conestoga, 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 & the Priaparus Effect, 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/Kaitlyn Rose (Kalamazoo Central Feeds Kazoo benefit), Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Andy Peck & Gateway, 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
Jackyl/Tru-Burn/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
Free Hat/I Believe in Julio/Michael the Accordionist, Creston Brewery
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 Accordionist, 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
Polourias/Banda Lamento Show, Agave Sports Lounge
Pete “Big Dog” Fetters, Shots on the River, Belmont
Signal Trip, Caledonia Family Tavern, Caledonia
17 Degrees South, EB Coffee & Pub, Caledonia
Frankengarry, Bier Distillery, Comstock Park
Tony Reynolds, Bostwick Lake Inn, Rockford
The Marsupials, 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, Douglas
Matt Gabriel Trio, New Holland Brewing’s Pub on 8th, Holland
Rich Burkholder, Our Brewing, Holland
Bitter Desire, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Carl Webb, Hops at 84 East, Holland
Rich Burkholder, The Kirby House, Grand Haven
The Jetts, Grand Armory Brewing, 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, Hilliards Corner Lounge, Wayland
All In, McDuff’s Bar & Grill, Wayland
Upcoast Kin/Red Carpet Riot, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
DC-90, Liquid Note Brewing, Otsego
Allie Garland, JB’s Whiskey Old Style Grill, Springfield
Matthew Borr/Static of a Stranger/Lisa and 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’s Holiday Extravaganza featuring Casey Magic & Rhett Miller, Bell’s Eccentric Café, Kalamazoo
Oski/Heady Boi/Babz B2B Stratz/Anserz/N, Papa Pete’s, Kalamazoo
Cross Roads Blues Band, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Carter Lezman, Potter’s Lounge, Four Points Sheraton, Kalamazoo
Gregory Stovetop, The Riviera Theatre, Three Rivers
Lukas Pederson, The Dock at Bayview, Richland
Delilah DeWylde, Paw Paw Brewing Company, Paw Paw
Pajamas, The Livery, Benton Harbor
The Bergamots, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
The Duffield-Caron Project, Harbor Light Brewery, South Haven
Sean Miller/Caroline Barlow/Kevin Johnson: Christkindlmarkt Concert, Red Sky Stage, Bay Harbor
Steven Curtis Chapman: Acoustic Christmas Concert, Mt. Zion, Clarkston

Saturday, Dec. 14
Marcy Playground, Listening Room by Studio C, Studio Park
Brother Elsey/Further Closer/Seth Beck, The Pyramid Scheme
eRoy/Pause/Koala Bear, Founders Brewing Co.
Born of Osiris/Oceano/Car Bomb/The Last Ten Seconds of Life/Hollow Front, The Stache @ The Intersection
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 DePree & 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
Jay Daniels Band, Back Forty Saloon
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
Bucket O Maybes, Village Inn Pizza Sports Bar & Grill (44th St.)
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
SOLD OUT 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
Dylan Tolbert, Hops at 84 East, Holland
Dunegrass, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Luke Gitchel, Ridge Cider Co., Grant
Whiskey Bound, Catch 120 Grill, Howard City
The Miller Boys/Ed Santerelli & Lee Shipman/Rob Kotecki/The LACA String Band, (Daryl Crowley/Steve Bachleda/Tucker Roberts/Dave Preston/Jeane Williams)/ Baldwin Public Schools Choir (Julie Sherlock, director): “We’ll Be Home for the Holidays,” Ludington Area Center for the Arts, Ludington
Steeple Hill, Hennessy’s Pub, Muskegon
Steven Curtis Chapman: Acoustic Christmas Concert, L.C. Walker Arena, Muskegon
Logan White, Pigeon Hill Brewing Co., Muskegon
Three’s A Crowd, The Kirby House, Grand Haven
Allegan Brass Collective, Griswold Auditorium, Allegan
John Sanger/Sushi Roll, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
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
The Birdseed Salesmen, Martini’s, Kalamazoo
Kit LeBlanc & Bob DeYoung, Potter’s Lounge, Four Points Sheraton, Kalamazoo
Michael Lowe, Paw Paw Brewing Company, Paw Paw
Gator Boys, The Sandhill Restaurant, Marshall
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)
Eric Edwin/Sadie J. Tucker/Corey Leonard/Mule in the Mine: 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
Conestoga/Mustang/Blue Jay Bridge/Country Current (Toys for Tots benefit), Twisted Bull
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
St. Joe Jack, Pigeon Hill Brewing Co., Muskegon
Nicholas James Thomasma, Hilliards Corner Lounge, Wayland
Crooked Root, Gun Lake Casino, 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
Mark Lavengood + Mike Struwin: Earthwork Music Sunday Showcase, The Livery, Benton Harbor

ON THE HORIZON

Monday, Dec. 16
The Gasoline Gypsies, Michigan Mondays with Local Spins, Listening Room
@ Studio Park
BassBin: Willy Wompa/Bread N Butter, Billy’s Lounge
John Shea, Rockwell Republic
Drew Phoria, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Dave Proulx/Mary Rademacher/Fred Knapp/Rob Hartman: West Michigan Jazz Society Holiday Party, Watermark Country Club (reservations required by Dec. 9)
Truth in Jazz Orchestra, 920 Watermark, Muskegon

Tuesday, Dec. 17
SOLD OUT B-Side Sessions: Festivals, The Listening Room by Studio C @ Studio Park
Walt Gutowski & the Bridge Street Trio, Fratelli’s Kitchen & Bar
The New Standard, Dee-Lite Restaurant & Bar, Grand Haven
Dylan Tolbert, Hops at 84 East, Holland
Devon Yeider & Friends, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo

Wednesday, Dec. 18
Full Cord: Local Spins Wednesday, SpeakEZ Lounge
Leland Blue, Listening Room, Studio Park
CityState/Wholeheart/Silence & Solace/Vela: “Heavy Holidays,” The Pyramid Scheme
Grand Rapids Symphony: Cirque de Noel, DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 18-19)
SOLD OUT New Orleans Jazz, Brass Ring Brewing
Fred Knapp & Friends, The Old Goat
Tom Hagen Trio featuring Rick Reuther, Noto’s, Cascade
The Carl Webb Band, Cedar Springs Brewing, Cedar Springs
Devin & the Dead Frets/Wayland, Lucky’s Roadhouse, Wayland
Matthew Fries/Keith Hall/ Andrew Rathbun, O’Duffy’s Pub, Kalamazoo
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Kalamazoo State Theatre, Kalamazoo
Out of Favor Boys, O’Duffy’s Pub, Kalamazoo
“The Elf on the Shelf Christmas Musical,” The Mendel Center @ Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor

Thursday, Dec. 19
Stephen Kellogg, Listening Room by Studio C, Studio Park
Pink Sky/Mark Lavengood/LVRS/Fruit Punch (Dogtown Studio benefit), The Pyramid Scheme
Emo Nite LA/Craig Owens, The Elevation @ The Intersection
Nociception/Dirt Nap Dogma/Constellation Ophiuchus, Mulligan’s Pub
Scott Veenstra Trio: Prohibition Music Series, Creston Brewery
The All American Funk Parade, Founders Brewing Company
Grand Rapids Symphony: Cirque de Noel, DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 18-19)
Mary Rademacher Reed & Co., Ganders Restaurant
Nate Holley, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Chudd Spangle/Tim./Convenient Trash/Perren, Park Theatre, Holland
Steve Talaga Trio, Sandy Point Beach House, West Olive
Andy Frisinger & the Priaparus Effect, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Chudd Spangle, Park Theatre, Holland
WMU Combo Night, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, Handel’s “Messiah,” Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Petoskey (Dec. 19-20)

Friday, Dec. 20
Cantor Noel!: West Michigan Opera Project, Listening Room by Studio C, Studio Park
Whitey Morgan/Them Dirty Roses/Myron Elkins & the Dying Breed, The Intersection
Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys/Melophobix/The Legal Immigrants/Mark Lavengood/Elijah Russ Music/Zack Volkers Music: Christmas at Critter’s, Elevation @ The Intersection
Tiffany/Three’s A Crowd/DJ Armando, Ultimate 80s Party, 20 Monroe Live
The American Hotel System (album release)/Jake Riley & the Social Workers/Matt Gabriel/Chandler Reed & the Sticky Keys, The Pyramid Scheme
Dalmation Stone, Billy’s Lounge
Packy/Ajax Stacks/Razz Na$T/Marcus Ryan/DJ Dean Martian, Mulligan’s Pub
The Far Shore, Creston Brewery
Tammi Savoy & The Chris Casello Combo/The Susie Parr Trio Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Project 90, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Mark Sala, Bob’s Brewery At The B.O.B.
Off The Ledge, Bobarino’s At The B.O.B.
Grand Rapids Symphony/Grand Rapids Ballet: “The Nutcracker,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 13-15 & Dec. 20-22)
Blue Jay Bridge, Flanagan’s
Tomas Esparza Blues Band, The Iron Well
Dale Zieger: Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Concert, “Holiday Classics,” Grand Rapids Public Museum (Dec. 20-21)
Sonimanic, River City Saloon
Entourage, JW Marriott
John Shea Trio, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Clif Metcalf Trio, Forty Pearl
Centerstage, Twisted Bull (Dec. 20-21)
Bar Code, Shots on the River, Belmont
Sara VE, Bier Distillery, Comstock Park
Mike McIntosh, Bostwick Lake Inn, Rockford
Roosevelt Diggs: 7th Anniversary Party, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Par-llo Connection, Lake Michigan Sports Bar, Walker
Borrowed Time, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming
OTC, Reds, Middleville (Dec. 20-21)
Lone Caravan/Bobby Jacobs & the Willoughby Band, Unruly Brewing, Muskegon
Nate Dill, 18th Amendment, Muskegon
Michael Boxer, Pigeon Hill Brewing Co., Muskegon
Audra Erb: Christmas Music, Smash Wine Bar & Bistro, Muskegon (Dec. 20-21)
Feeding Grizzlies, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Rich Burkholder, The Kirby House, Grand Haven
Jess & Jesse, New Holland Brewing’s Pub on 8th, Holland
Brad & Jordan (of Vinylicious), Our Brewing, Holland
Easy River Band, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Nate Holley, Hops at 84 East, Holland
Glow in the Park: Merry Bassmas, Park Theatre, Holland
Delilah DeWylde, Tripelroot, Zeeland
Dave & Connie D, Saugatuck Brewing Company, Douglas
Jack Leaver/Global Village, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Vertical Smile, McDuff’s Bar & Grill, Wayland
Gabrial James, Hilliards Corner Lounge, Wayland
Jeff Mueller, Louie’s Trophy House, Kalamazoo
Jordan Hamilton/Modern Adventures/Temporary Arrangment, Bell’s Eccentric Café, Kalamazoo
Gator Boys, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
The Birdseed Salesmen, Martini’s, Kalamazoo
Robert Rolfe Feddersen, Paw Paw Brewing Company, Paw Paw
Celtic Woman: “The Best of Christmas,” Little River Casino, Manistee
May Erlewine & the Motivations: Holiday Dance Party, The Livery, Benton Harbor
The Spaniels Forever: A Very Doo Wop Christmas, Box Factory for the Arts, St. Joseph
Classical Blast: “Dark Side of the Yule,” Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, Handel’s Messiah, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Petoskey

Saturday, Dec. 21
Sum 41/Broadside, 20 Monroe Live
Mega 80s Christmas, The Intersection
Earth Radio/Flexadecibel, Founders Brewing Co.
Sullivan King/Yakz/Grabbitz/Flats Stanlie, Elevation @ The Intersection
Hexing/Greet Death/AntiGhost/okaycool, The Pyramid Scheme
DJ Omega Supreme/Jodi Dro/DJ R2C2, Billy’s Lounge
Brena, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Grand Rapids Symphony/Grand Rapids Ballet: “The Nutcracker,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 13-15 & Dec. 20-22)
Tweed & Dixie, Back Forty Saloon
Project 90, River City Saloon
Edye Evans Hyde, JW Marriott
Entourage, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
The New Standard, Forty Pearl
Silent Bark, The Log Cabin
Centerstage, Twisted Bull (Dec. 20-21)
Conklin Ceili Band, Quinn & Tuite’s Irish Pub
Trailblazer, Rocky’s Bar & Grill
The Guiness Brothers Band, Shots on the River, Belmont
John Shea, Noto’s, Cascade
Cheryl Wolfram, Bier Distillery, Comstock Park
Blue Jay Bridge, Rogue River Tavern, Rockford
Decades, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming
Monroe Moon, Smyrna Bar & Restaurant, Belding
OTC, Red’s Sports Bar and Grill, Middleville
Theatre of Night (1:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.), Park Theatre, Holland
Holland Doctors of Jazz (A Jazzy Christmas to You), Great Legs Winery Brewing Distillery, Holland
Perfect Storm, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
The Bri Baron Band, Hops at 84 East, Holland
May Erlewine & the Motivations Winter Dance Party, Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
JGJ, The Kirby House, Grand Haven
Jack Leaver, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Chad Flores/Bari Lee Band, The Rusty Spoke, Muskegon
Chris Michels Band, Unruly Brewing, Muskegon
Audra Erb: Christmas Music, Smash Wine Bar & Bistro, Muskegon (Dec. 20-21)
John Sanger, McDuff’s Bar & Grill, Wayland
Steffan Copenhaver/The Hip Pocket, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
The Outliers, The Music Factory, Battle Creek
“Sing: An Irish Christmas,” Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo
Duffield Caron Project (5 p.m.)/Missing Generation (9 p.m.), Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
The Birdseed Salesmen, Martini’s, Kalamazoo
House of Boogie/DJ Hardbargain/DJ Steely Dan, Bell’s Eccentric Café, Kalamazoo
Midwestern Lull, Paw Paw Brewing Company, Paw Paw
Breathe Owl Breathe/Donya Kiana, Frog Holler Farm, Brooklyn
Harbor Country Opera: “Christmas at The Acorn,” Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Paul Mow & Friends Holiday Show, The Livery, Benton Harbor
Luke Winslow-King, The Mitten Bar, Ludington
Naturally 7, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Petoskey
Boundarywater Trio/Dr. Goodhart’s Home Remedy/The Solstice Singers: Blissfest Winter Solstice Celebration, Red Sky Stage, Bay Harbor
Seth Bernard, Short’s Brewing Company, Bellaire

Sunday, Dec. 22
The Ryne Experience/LeMec/Revival, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Grand Rapids Symphony/Grand Rapids Ballet: “The Nutcracker,” DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 13-15 & Dec. 20-22)
Randy Marsh & Friends, SpeakEZ Lounge
Sammy Ruckspin, The Peoples Cider Co.
Mike Frost & Mike Hyde (10 a.m.), JW Marriott
Bierkeller Boys Oompah Band (noon), New Holland Brewing’s The Knickerbocker
Jim Spalink (noon), Cedar Springs Brewing, Cedar Springs
Audra Erb & Ashley Kooistra: The Nutcracker Suite Brunch (1 p.m.), Smash Wine Bar & Bistro, Muskegon
Delilah DeWylde, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Schrock Brothers Band, Salt of the Earth, Fennville
Dean Allrick, What Not Inn, Fennville
Kristen Kuiper, Hilliards Corner Lounge, Wayland
Asamu Johnson, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
May Erlewine & the Motivations, Bell’s Eccentric Café, Kalamazoo
Paul Mow & Friends Holiday Concert, The Livery, Benton Harbor
Adam Knudsen: Annual Mitten Club Christmas, Mitten Bar, Ludington
Seth Bernard, Iron Fish Distillery, Thompsonville

Copyright 2019, Spins on Music LLC</em