The Big List (March 9-15): Irish on Ionia and Dermot Kennedy Postponed, Lauren Daigle, Killswitch Engage, Ladysmith Black Mambazo

St. Patrick’s Day revelry curtailed; Howard Jones, Of Montreal, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Fit for a King, Ajax Stacks and more for the fearless. 

 

THE BIG LIST: March 9-15

The Big List is attempting to keep readers apprised of the fast-moving changes to live music performances prompted by the state and national efforts to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Please send related information to liz@localspins.com.

Monday, March 16

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this morning closed bars and limited restaurants to take-out services only. She said she expects this will last “several weeks” and could be extended.

The number of Michigan cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus moved from 45 to 53, Whitmer said.

Sunday, March 15

The Kent County Health Department on Sunday limited bars, restaurants and entertainment venues to hosting 50 percent of their approved capacity in order to fight the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Adam London, KCHD administrative director, said at a Sunday evening press conference that the limits do not include employees. This order goes into effect at 10 a.m. Monday, expiring at 11:59 p.m. April 5.

“This means that a restaurant or bar with a normal occupancy of 150 will now be limited to 75 patrons in addition to employees,” London said.

Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington said that the city’s police and fire departments stand ready to enforce this public health order.

A fourth case of COVID-19 has been found in Kent County in a man in his 20s male who is recovering well at home, London said. Ottawa County also reported its first case of the coronavirus.

“We don’t take these actions lightly. We’re trying to walk a fine line betwen overreacting and underreacting,” he said. “This will present significant challenges for hundreds of businesses throughout the county.”

The 50-percent capacity rule also applies to casinos and to exercise facilities.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Sunday stopped short of shutting down bars and restaurants in Michigan to fight the spread of COVID-19 or creating a statewide capacity reduction.

During a Sunday evening press conference, Whitmer said she had been conferring with fellow governors, some of whom have ordered closures. “We’ll learn more about these next steps in the near future,” Whitmer said.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Michigan has gone from 0 to 45 this week, she said.

The governor called on the federal government, which has already declared a national emergency, to institute a national disaster, in order to open Federal Emergency Management Agency coffers for unemployment payments to the self-employed.

Whitmer said the Michigan Gaming Control Board is working with casinos to implement temporary closures, due to the number of people they attract and the close contact they have. Gun Lake Casino near Wayland announced its temporary closure on Saturday.

Earlier Sunday, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and state business leaders urged the establishments in the state to cut their capacity numbers in half.

Scott Ellis, executive director of the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association, and Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, urged businesses to follow the half-capacity request. 

“That’s going to be tough on establishments that rely on events like St. Patrick’s Day,” Ellis said. St. Patrick’s Day, one of the busiest days of the year for bars, is Tuesday.

But, Ellis said, he hoped that voluntary capacity cutting, which would allow patrons to maintain a distance from other people, would avoid an order to shut down bars and restaurants completely.

“The industry is on .the front line” for preventing spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, Winslow added. He urged restaurants to focus on take-out and delivery food orders. Nessel suggested that the public keep tipping as if they were eating in the establishment to help out servers.

Proprietors who violate Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order to limit gatherings to 250 people could face not only misdemeanor charges, but loss of their liquor licenses, Nessel said

“We believe most businesses are acting appropriately, and we believe they will continue to act appropriately,” Nessel said. 

Venue owners are responsible for knowing how many people are in their establisments, she said. Michigan State Police Col. Joe Gasper said that law enforcement is prepared to make sure the governor’s order is upheld.

Sunday, March 15

CANCELED Trout Steak Revival, Listening Room, Studio Park (March 14-15)
CANCELED Christian French/Upsahi, The Stache @ The Intersection
Peat in the Creel, Creston Brewery
CANCELED Maggie May, The Peoples Cider Co.
MOVED ONLINE Scalia-Ginsburg, Opera Grand Rapids, 1320 E. Fulton St. (March 14-15)
Fred Knapp & Friends, The Old Goat
CANCELED River Rogues Band, Harmony Hall
CANCELED Randy Marsh & Friends, SpeakEZ Lounge
Toby Bresnahan (noon), Cedar Springs Brewing, Cedar Springs
CANCELED Jon McLaughlin/Ryan Ahlwardt, Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
Dean Allrick, What Not Inn, Fennville
CANCELED Root Doctor, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Kristin Kuiper, Hilliards Corner Lounge, Wayland
Patty Pershayla, Liquid Note Brewing, Otsego
CANCELED Robert Cray Band, Kalamazoo State Theatre, Kalamazoo
CANCELED Filth/Second Death, Papa Pete’s, Kalamazoo
CANCELED Matthew Ball, Scott Club Concert Series, South Haven
RESCHEDULED TO OCT. 18 Canadian Brass, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Petoskey

Friday, March 13

The world pandemic coronavirus COVID-19 has turned The Big List and the entire West Michigan live music schedule into a tangle of cancellations and postponements.

On Friday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer banned gatherings of 250 or more people to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which had infected 25 Michiganders as of Saturday afternoon. This order has prompted the cancellation of many musical performances and even venue closures in Grand Rapids, the Lakeshore and Kalamazoo.

Some venues, such as The Intersection and Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, made decisions to close down completely. In other cases, such as Listening Room at Studio Park, bands are ending their tours even as the venue remains available.

But some smaller venues are open and hosting shows, sometimes with bands whose previous engagements were canceled, such as Top Top Deluxe Bar & Grill, where Myron Elkins & the Dying Breed are replacing Chirp on Saturday, March 14.

It’s a good idea to call ahead to check the current status of any show you might want to attend.

See the full story at LocalSpins.com, and keep an eye on The Big List as we update as quickly as possible. Updates posted on Thursday, March 12, are at the bottom of The Big List. Click here to view the updates.

TICKET GIVEAWAYS: The first two people to email john@localspins.com with “ESCAPING PAVEMENT” in the message field will win a pair of tickets to the March 16 Local Spins “Michigan Mondays” show at Listening Room in Grand Rapids. And scroll down to Tuesday’s listings here for info about another ticket giveaway. Check The Big List every week for your chance to win concert tickets.

View an expanded list of upcoming shows at West Michigan venues at The REALLY Big List at Local Spins. Have changes to shows due to the COVID-19 coronavirus? Have concert listings you think deserve to be spotlighted? Email details to liz@localspins.com.
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MONDAY

HOWARD JONES ACOUSTIC TRIO
When: 8 p.m. Monday
Tickets: $25-75
Where: 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids

This seated show at 20 Monroe Live features British synth-pop icon Howard Jones, who first made a splash in the early 1980s with “New Song,” “What Is Love?” and “Like to Get to Know You Well,” and who released a new electronic album, “Transform,” last year. This show is described as “an intimate, stripped-down trip” through his 30-year career, with Jones on electric piano, Robin Boult on acoustic guitar and Nick Beggs on Chapman stick.

Singer-songwriter Rachael Sage opens the show. Get details and tickets at 20monroelive.com.

OF MONTREAL
When: 8 p.m. Monday
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Where: The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids

Of Montreal sells out The Pyramid Scheme every time it makes a tour stop in Grand Rapids, and this week’s show is no exception. The Georgia-based psych-indie-pop band, led by Kevin Barnes, is touring behind its latest album, “UR Fun,” which includes the single (with video), “Get God’s Attention by Being an Atheist.”

Opening Monday’s all-ages show will be Lily & Iron Horse. Details here.

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TUESDAY

CHRISTONE ‘KINGFISH’ INGRAM
THE BLUE PINES
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Tickets: $22 advance, $25 day of show
Where: The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids

TICKET GIVEAWAY: Congratulations to reader Greg Elenbaas. He was the first person to email john@localspins.com with “KINGFISH” in the message field and won a pair of tickets to Tuesday’s show. Check The Big List every week for your chance to win concert tickets.

He’s only 21, but Mississippi guitarist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram has been opening eyes and ears with his soulful blues-rock music. He already has recorded with the likes of Keb’ Mo’, Buddy Guy, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Eric Gales and others. Ingram, who first hit the stage at age 11, has been described as “the future of the blues.” His Alligator Records debut album, “Kingfish,” was released in 2019 and he just released a new single, “Empty Promises.”

Come back to Local Spins on Tuesday morning for our interview with Ingram. Opening the Grand Rapids show will be West Michigan rock band The Blue Pines, recently featured at Local Spins. Get tickets and details about this all-ages show online here.

WEDNESDAY

FIT FOR A KING
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Tickets: $20 advance, $25 day of show
Where: Elevation inside The Intersection, Grand Rapids

Hailing from Texas, Christian metalcore heroes Fit for a King has released five full-length studio albums since 2011, with 2014’s “Slave to Nothing,” making the biggest splash, peaking at No. 49 on the Billboard 200 chart and No. 3 on the U.S. Christian Albums chart.

Joining the band for this “Dark Skies World Tour” stop will be Chelsea Grin, Crystal Lake and Alpha Wolf. Doors open at 6 p.m. for this all-ages show. Get tickets at sectionlive.com.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Tickets: $38-$59.50
Where: 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids

Massachusetts metalcore band Killswitch Engage burst onto the scene back in 2000 with its self-titled debut album. In August, band released its eighth album, “Atonement,” which soared to No. 13 on the Billboard 200 chart.

August Burns Red is also on the bill. Get tickets and information online here.

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

Kick off the week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day with one of Michigan’s premier Celtic music groups, An Dro. The West Michigan band featuring Jim Spalink, Carolyn Koebel, Michele Venegas and Carol Lieurance returns to the SpeakEZ stage for the Local Spins Wednesdays series just a few days after wowing a packed house at the Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival.
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Local Spins Wednesdays are presented by Local Spins, SpeakEZ Lounge, North Coast Guitar Company and WYCE, with Michigan beer specials on tap and free parking in the city lot kitty-corner from SpeakEZ on Monroe Avenue to the south, or in the Sixth Street Park lot to the north. An Dro also plays Rockford Brewing at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

THURSDAY

LAUREN DAIGLE
JOHNNYSWIM
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Tickets: $53.50-$123.50
Where: Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids

Singer Lauren Daigle (“You Say,” “Trust in You,” “Rescue”) has made her mark in the pop and contemporary Christian music fields, winning two Grammy Awards and seven Dove Awards along the way. The vocalist, with an Adele-like vibe, has released three studio albums since 2015, including her most recent recording, 2018’s “Look Up Child.”

Nashville folk/soul/pop duo Johnnyswim will open the concert. Tickets are available online at vanandelarena.com.

RESCHEDULED: JOE RUSSO’S ALMOST DEAD
When: Thursday, Sept. 3
Tickets: $39.50-$110.50
Where: 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids

This band tends to generate a buzz, uh, whenever it plays – especially when it comes to firing up Grateful Dead and jam-band fans, who are sure to be disappointed by this postponement. Formed in Brooklyn in 2013 by Further drummer Joe Russo, the group covers the Dead catalog with well-known musicians from other bands, including Marco Benevento, Scott Metzger, Dave Dreiwitz and Tom Hamilton. Joe Russo’s Almost Dead headlined the 2018 edition of Founders Fest in Grand Rapids. 20 Monroe Live suggests that you keep your tickets to use for the new September date.

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday
Tickets: $55
Where: Listening Room, Grand Rapids

It’s a legendary group playing an intimate 200-capacity venue. And they’re playing Listening Room two nights in a row.

South Africa’s Ladysmith Black Mambazo has won five Grammy Awards over the years, with the male vocal choir group that sings in the styles of isicathamiya and mbube first appearing on the scene in 1960. The touring band has been instrumental in promoting South Africa’s cultural heritage. (They also recently paid video tribute to late longtime member Joseph Shabalala.) Get tickets and more info online at listeningroomgr.com.

FRIDAY

POSTPONED: JOSHUA DAVIS
CHANNING & QUINN
When: Friday, May 1
Tickets: $25
Where: Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington Ave., Grand Haven

Northern Michigan singer-songwriter and longtime regional favorite Joshua Davis has cultivated a national fan base, thanks to his run on “The Voice” as well as his compelling recordings filled with insightful music. His latest album is “Live at the Robin.”

Grand Rapids indie-folk duo Channing & Quinn will open this concert hosted by the Tri-Cities Historical Museum and Red House Concerts. Get details and more online here.

POSTPONED: DERMOT KENNEDY
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Where: 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids

Announcement from 20 Monroe Live on Friday morning: Due to circumstances outside of our control, we regret to inform you that Dermot Kennedy has been postponed until further notice. Hang on to your tickets, we’ll email you (and post updates here) as soon as a new date is announced.

Irish singer Dermot Kennedy (“Power Over Me”) has experienced a meteoric rise internationally, considering his major-label debut album, “Without Fear,” was only released in October. His U.S. tour was planning to roll through Michigan this week with Wednesday’s concert at The Fillmore Detroit and Friday’s stop at 20 Monroe Live both sold out.

The pop/rock artist and left-handed guitarist has earned the most attention for his platinum-selling 2019 single, “Outnumbered,” which became a Top 10 hit in the United States, Ireland, Belgium and the United Kingdom. SYML had been slated to open for Friday’s all-ages show.

ALONE TOGETHER
ARCHIE & THE ONE HITS
SETH BECK, SILENT SPIRIT
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $8 advance, $10 day of show
Where: The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids

Local Showcase No. 34 hosted by The Pyramid Scheme gives West Michigan fans an eclectic mix of Grand Rapids bands and solo artists to embrace. Alone Together is the unique collaboration between singer Hannah Rose Graves and producer Ty Beat (Tyler Bennett) – a project that spans electronica, blues, hip hop, folk and more.

The evening will also include sets by Archie & The One Hits (described as band based in Grand Rapids and Detroit featuring “different musicians with their own song”), GR singer-songwriter Seth Beck and Grand Haven electronic music artist Silent Spirit. Get tickets and more here. (And tune in to Local Spins on WYCE at 11 a.m. Friday – 88.1 FM – when Seth Beck will be the in-studio guest.)

SATURDAY

POSTPONED: IRISH ON IONIA
When: To Be Determined
Tickets: $25, $65 VIP
Where: Ionia Avenue south of Fulton Street, Grand Rapids

There’s no bigger St. Patrick’s Day street party in the state of Michigan than this one. But with cases of the new coronavirus COVID 19 appearing this week in the Great Lakes state, IOI organizers Barfly Ventures said on Wednesday it has postponed the 10th anniversary bash for Irish on Ionia. 

“We are very proud of the hundreds of hours of prep put in by our amazing IOI team members and are disappointed that we have to put that work on hold,” according to a statement at the event website. “We will be postponing the street festival to late summer when we will reignite the party under hopefully much luckier circumstances. Details on the event will be released in the coming months at irishonionia.com.”

CANCELED: TWIN PEAKS
When: To Be Determined
Where: Elevation inside The Intersection, Grand Rapids

This Saturday show has been postponed by The Intersection’s decision to close through April 5 as part of Michigan’s defensive strategy against the coronavirus COVID-19. Chicago indie-rock/garage rock band Twin Peaks recently released a two-song EP/single (“Cawfee” and “St. Vulgar St.”), following up the group’s fourth studio album, “Lookout Low,” which came out in September. The band  – Cadien Lake, Clay Frankel, Jack Dolan, Colin Croom and Connor Brodner – had been planning to wrap up its Midwest tour in GR before heading to Australia in April.

Rookie and James Swanberg had been slated to open, but their s get the evening started. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for this all-ages show. Get tickets and other info online at sectionlive.com. (By the way, The Intersection has also postponed the planned performance of up-and-coming country singer Levi Hummon in The Stache inside The Intersection the same night.)

CANCELED: COMBO CHIMBITA
CABILDO, FREE HAT
Where: The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids

Audiotree Presents had been planning to bring the boundary-pushing music of Combo Chimbita to Grand Rapids on Saturday, with the group touring behind its latest album which “sees the visionary quartet drawing from ancestral mythologies and musical enlightenment to unearth the awareness of Ahomale, the album’s cosmic muse,” according to the New York band’s promotional publicity. The music is “comprised of Carolina Oliveros’ mesmeric contralto, illuminating storytelling and fierce guacharaca rhythms, Prince of Queens’ hypnotic synth stabs and grooving bass lines, Niño Lento’s imaginative guitar licks, and Dilemastronauta’s powerful drumming.”

Grand Rapids own Cabildo and Free Hat were going to open the show. 

CANCELED: LEIGH NASH
Where: Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake

Former Sixpence None the Richer singer Leigh Nash just released a new studio album, “Get Happy,” which DigitalJournal.com described as a “stunning” and “exhilarating” collection – one that includes a revamped rendition of the monster hit, “Kiss Me.” 

AJAX STACKS ALBUM-RELEASE
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $10 advance, $12 day of show
Where: Metro Grand Rapids, 1901 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids

Popular Grand Rapids hip hop artist Ajax Stacks — who now makes his home in Austin, Texas — is ready to unleash a new album, “Remembering Our Future,” and he’s getting a bunch of his talented musical associates to help him do it. Saturday’s release show at Metro Grand Rapids will also feature Lady Ace Boogie, Chubbaleano, K Huff, Michael Trae and Maliq Jordan, with doors opening at 8 p.m.

Get more information online here.

CANCELED: TROUT STEAK REVIVAL
When: Saturday and Sunday both canceled
Where: Listening Room, Grand Rapids

Bluegrass fave Trout Steak Revival hails from Colorado, but they have a strong West Michigan connection:  Banjoist Travis McNamara is a graduate of East Grand Rapids High School, and the band frequently performs in the Great Lakes State. (Read this week’s Local Spins interview with McNamara.) The band had been touring behind its latest album, “The Light We Bring.” Saturday’s show was sold out.

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SUNDAY

POSTPONED: JON MCLAUGHLIN
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $25-$35
Where: Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake

Pop-rock singer-songwriter and pianist Jon McLaughlin (“Beating My Heart”) has released eight attention-getting studio albums since 2007, including his latest recording, 2019’s instrumental “Moods.” He’s toured with Sara Bareilles and Kelly Clarkson in the past. Ryan Ahlwardt was slated to open the show.

POSTPONED: ROBERT CRAY BAND
When: To Be Determined
Where: State Theatre, Kalamazoo

Legendary blues guitarist Robert Cray and his band were planning to bring their award-winning music to State Theatre on Sunday. Cray – who earned the Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance in 2017 and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2011 – just released his 24th album, “That’s What I Heard.” Kalamazoo’s own Blue Veins was supposed to open the show. TicketMaster will automatically refund your purchases there; for purchases at the venue, check the ticket info section of the website at at kazoostate.com.

POSTPONED: CHRISTIAN FRENCH
When: To Be Determined
Where: The Stache inside The Intersection, Grand Rapids

Electronic music producer and dance music artist Christian French was once a medical school student and has now become, in the words of his official publicity machine, an “indie-pop prince.” The Indiana native has released a series of singles, including “By Myself,” “Love Ride” “Crowded Room” and “Bright Side of the Moon” (which also happens to be the title of this tour).

Special guest Upsahl was also on the bill for the sold out but now-canceled Sunday show.

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UNDER-THE-RADAR PICKS

Charlie Darling playing Harmony Hall in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Wednesday, free – Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Charlie Darling plays a mid-week show at Harmony Hall in Grand Rapids, with Celtic music’s An Dro performing at 8 p.m. Friday for the venue’s St. Patrick’s weekend celebration.

 

Jeff Plankenhorn playing Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids, 7 p.m. Wednesday, $10 – Austin singer-songwriter Jeff Plankenhorn has been described by AustinSongwriter.com as having “a larger-than-life presence” on stage. He brings his slide-guitar virtuosity and bluesy Americana music to Grand Rapids, with Tito Villareal opening the show.

Union Guns, The Bronk Bros., Brian Randall Band playing Twisted Bull Saloon, 3230 Eastern Ave. SE in Grand Rapids, 7 p.m. Thursday, free – This is billed as the “We Miss Conrad” party in tribute to former B93 radio station personality Dave Conrad (who left the station in January due to iHeartMedia restructuring). In addition to West Michigan country band performances, there will be “a Conrad appreciation table” on hand.

Elohim playing The Stache inside The Intersection in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Thursday, $16 advance, $18 day of show – Alt hip hop act Elohim brings her “Group Therapy Tour” to Grand Rapids with Bahari and Mehro also on the bill. Doors for this all-ages show open at 7 p.m. (Electronic act Blunts & Blondes plays The Intersection the same night, with SubDocta, Bawldy and Tyler Knighton also performing sets, $20 advance, $25 day of show.)

OM and Wovenhand playing The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Thursday, $20 advance, $23 day of show – San Francisco heavy metal band Om (formed from Sleep’s rhythm section) rolls into GR with Wovenhand opening the show.

CANCELED Lucki playing The Stache inside The Intersection in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Friday, $18 advance, $20 day of show – Chicago rapper and producer Lucki (Lucki Camel Jr.) was planning to make a stop in GR on his “The World Is Yours Tour.” 

CANCELED Refuel the Schools with Earth Radio and more at Park Theatre, 248 S. River Ave. in Holland, 8 p.m. Friday, donation of $10 or more at the door – Grand Rapids’ Earth Radio and Brandino Extravaganza and Holland’s Mojo were going to join forces for this fundraiser to help cover student lunch debt. The event was a partnership of Be Conscious Studios, West Mitten Media and Park Theatre.

CANCELED Protomartyr w/ Kelley Deal and Erik Nervous playing Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Café, 8 p.m. Friday, $18 advance, $20 day of show – Acclaimed Detroit rock band Protomartyr (with touring member Kelley Deal, formerly of The Breeders) plans to into Kalamazoo with Erik Nervous have been derailed. 

Ten Second March, Slumlord Radio and Warhand playing Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids, 9 p.m. Friday, $5 – Rocking the Tip Top to get the weekend started will be West Michigan punk/Celtic/hardcore favorite Ten Second March with help from Slumlord Radio and Warhand. By the way, Ann Arbor’s funky/proggy Chirp returns to Tip Top on Saturday with Blue Oddity, $5.

Thirsty Perch Blues Band playing Billy’s Lounge in Grand Rapids, 9:30 p.m. Friday, $5 – Get your dose of regional blues as this band returns to Billy’s stage. On Saturday, it’s the “2 Bright Guys” 7th anniversary bash, $10.

CANCELED Stone Clover and Bill Grogan’s Goat playing Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids, 9:30 p.m. Friday, $8 – Founders’ downtown Grand Rapids taproom closed at 5 p.m. Friday “until” Sunday, April 5. So this show is toast, along with the Saturday performance of jazz-meets-techno artist Mezerg with Tom Drones and Pause.

POSTPONED Old Dog Tavern’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration with Hired Hands Band, Rootstand, The Duffield/Caron Project, Branden Man, Friday and Saturday, $5 – Old Dog Tavern was going to get its Irish on this weekend, but shows have been nixed for both nights: Hired Hands Band and Rootstand on Friday and the Duffield/Caron Project and Branden Mann on Saturday.

The Conklin Ceili Band, Colin Tobin and Brendan Loughrey playing Quinn & Tuite’s Irish Pub in Grand Rapids, 1 p.m.-midnight, $5 — You wouldn’t expect Quinn & Tuite’s to throw in the towel so close to St. Patrick’s Day just because of a little global pandemic, would you? On Saturday, aka “St. Practice Day,” you’ll find Brendan Loughrey, of Donegal, Ireland, and more at this Northeast Side watering hole.

Peat in the Creel, Paddy’s Cure and more playing the Curragh Irish Pub at 73 E. 8th St. on Saturday in Holland, free until 7 p.m., then $5 – The Curragh’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration starts early with live music starting with Paddy’s Cure around noon, Irish dancers at 2 p.m., Moriath at 3 p.m., Pub Runners at 5 p.m., Peat in the Creel at 8 p.m. and DJ Van Hekken at 10:30 p.m.

The Willeys playing the St. Patrick’s Day party at One Trick Pony in Grand Rapids, 6 p.m. Saturday, free – It’s a longstanding tradition: Grand Rapids folk/Celtic mainstays The Willeys playing One Trick Pony to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day. Make reservations by calling 235-7669.

Paddy’s Cure playing Rockford Brewing in Rockford, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, $5 – Rockford Brewing celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with West Michigan Celtic music band Paddy’s Cure, which always creates a buoyant atmosphere at its shows.

CANCELED The Far Shore, J. Oscar & October Day playing Salt of the Earth at 114 E. Main St. in Fennville, 6 p.m. Sunday, $20 – For this Sunday show, Salt of the Earth had planned to present two Grand Rapids bands – the folk-rock of The Far Shore with Brant Satala and Rebecca Pfeiffer Wierks, and singer-songwriter J. Oscar Bittinger with a band featuring Mark Hugger, Chris Ranney and Brian Morrill. However, the Fennville venue has cleared off its show schedule. The next show is Jake Sanders and Youngman & Oldman on April 12. 

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THE REALLY BIG LIST PLUS SHOWS ON THE HORIZON

Monday, March 9
Howard Jones Acoustic Trio/Rachael Sage, 20 Monroe Live
Of Montreal/Lily and Horn Horse, The Pyramid Scheme
Liquid Thickness, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
BassBin: Chetty Machete & Friends, Billy’s Lounge
John Shea, Rockwell Republic

Tuesday, March 10
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, The Pyramid Scheme
Walt Gutowski & the Bridge Street Trio Fratelli’s Kitchen + Bar
Eli Roe, JT’s Pizza & Spirits, Cascade
Bluewater Kings Showcase, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
The New Standard, Dee-Lite Bar & Restaurant, Grand Haven
Dylan Tolbert, Hops at 84 East, Holland
Damn Handsome Devil Devon Yeider, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
Kyle Burgess/Kazuki Takemura/Josiah DeNooyer: Jazz Tuesday, O’Duffy’s Pub, Kalamazoo

Wednesday, March 11
An Dro: Local Spins Wednesday, SpeakEZ Lounge
Killswitch Engage/August Burns Red, 20 Monroe Live
Fit for a King/Chelsea Grin/Crystal Lake/Alpha Wolf, Elevation @ The Intersection
Charlie Darling, Harmony Hall
Jeff Plankenhorn, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Peat In The Creel, Brass Ring Brewing
Fred Knapp & Friends, The Old Goat
Tom Hagen Trio featuring Rick Reuther, Noto’s, Cascade
Jake & Jimmy Band, Cedar Springs Brewing Company, Cedar Springs

Thursday, March 12
POSTPONED TO SEPT. 3 DUE TO COVID-19 Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, 20 Monroe Live
Lauren Daigle/JOHNNYSWIM, Van Andel Arena
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Listening Room By Studio C, Studio Park (March 12-13)
Elohim/Bahari/Mehro, The Stache @ The Intersection
Blunts & Blondes/SubDocta/Bawldy/Tyler Knighton, The Intersection
Om/Wovenhand, The Pyramid Scheme
Gabrial James Lundy, One Trick Pony
Sun Beard, Founders Brewing Company
The Bronk Brothers/Brian Randall Band/Union Guns/Feathers N Fur: We Miss Conrad Party, Twisted Bull Saloon
Mary Rademacher Reed & Friends, Ganders at The Hilton
Ed Dublis/Greg Scheer, Euro Bistro
An Dro, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Nate Holley, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
My Thin Place, Sandy Point Beach House, West Olive
Andy Frisinger and The Priapus Effect, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Chirp/Saxsquatch & Bridge Band/Quantam Fleek/Woots, Shakespeare’s Pub, Kalamazoo
WMU Jazz Combo Night, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo

Friday, March 13
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Listening Room By Studio C, Studio Park (March 12-13)
POSTPONED (SOLD OUT) Dermot Kennedy, 20 Monroe Live
POSTPONED Alone Together/Archie & the One Hits/Seth Beck/Silent Spirit: Local Showcase #34, The Pyramid Scheme
CANCELED Lucki, The Stache @ The Intersection
CANCELED Stone Clover/Bill Grogan’s Goat, Founders Brewing Company
Ten Second March/Slumlord Radio/Warhand, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Edison Hollow/Black Heiron/Strange Flavors, Mulligan’s Pub
The Drifter Kings, Billy’s Lounge
Chris Clayton, Bob’s Brewery At The B.O.B.
The Timebombs, Bobarino’s Pizza at the B.O.B.
Jedi Mind Trip, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Randy Badour & The Redwoods, Twisted Bull
Decades, River City Saloon
John Shea, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
An Dro, Harmony Hall
Sonimanic, Log Cabin
The Moonrays, Rocky’s Bar & Grill
Sonora Tropicana/Grupo Bengala, Agave Sports Lounge & Restaurant
Nautic Bound, Caledonia Family Tavern, Caledonia
Melissa Dylan, Bier Distillery, Comstock Park
Easy Idle Band, The Fairway of Kent County, Lowell
Drew Behringer, Bostwick Lake Inn, Rockford
Strumble Head, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming (March 13-14)
Nate Holley (Perfect Storm is canceled), Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
CANCELED Earth Radio/Brandino/Mojo: Refuel the School, Park Theatre, Holland
The Cheap Dates, Hops At 84 East, Holland
Big Brother Jon, Our Brewing, Holland
RESCHEDULED TO MAY 1 Joshua Davis/Channing & Quinn, Red House Concert Series, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, Grand Haven
RESCHEDULED TO JUNE 12 Fool House, Odd Side Ales, Grand Haven
Tim Johnson and Co., Porto Bello, Grand Haven
Chirp, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
RESCHEDULED TO OCT. 23 Ken Yates, Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
CANCELED Sujari Britt, cellist/West Michigan Symphony, Frauenthal Center, Muskegon
Brena, Alley Door Club @ Frauenthal Center, Muskegon
JMM Jazz, 18th Amendment Spirits Co., Muskegon
The Night Caps, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
Jake Stevens/P.S. Dump Your Boyfriend, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Dave Williams, Hilliards Corner Lounge, Wayland
Kyle Jennings, Liquid Note Brewing, Otsego
Allie Garland, JB’s Whiskey Old Style Grill, Springfield
Laurentian Tides (album release)/For We Are Many/Let It Rot/Heart Of Jordan, The Music Factory, Battle Creek
CANCELED The Mound Builders/Andor/Cavalcade/Lucius Fox, Shakespeare’s Lower Level, Kalamazoo
Jeff Mueller (5 p.m.), Louie’s Trophy House, Kalamazoo
CANCELED Stylust/VCTRE/fendz/Buttonz/Xenon/PRIM/Mitch Mather/BOS Music/Sleephead, Papa Pete’s, Kalamazoo
CANCELED Hired Hands Band (5 p.m.)/Rootstand (9 p.m.), Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
CANCELED Protomartyr/Erik Nervous, Bell’s Eccentric Café, Kalamazoo
POSTPONED The Charlie Millard Band/Small Movie Festival, The Livery, Benton Harbor
Work In Progress, Czar’s 505, St. Joseph
CANCELED Crossbow, Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Manistee

Saturday, March 14
POSTPONED Arden Dance Academy/Wakefire/Crossbow/GVSU Irish Dancers/An Dro/Saved By The 90s: Irish On Ionia, Ionia Avenue South of Fulton Street
CANCELED SOLD OUT Trout Steak Revival, Listening Room, Studio Park (March 14-15)
CANCELED Mezerg/Tom Drones/Pause., Founders Brewing Company
The Willeys, One Trick Pony
CANCELED Twin Peaks/Rookie/James Swanberg, Elevation @ The Intersection
POSTPONED Levi Hummon, The Stache @ The Intersection
CANCELED Chombo Chimbita/Cabildo/Free Hat, The Pyramid Scheme
Pulphonics/Scary Women/Into The West, Mulligan’s Pub
Joni Norwood, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Rich Burkholder, Bobarino’s Pizza at the B.O.B.
MOVED TO ONLINE STREAMING Scalia-Ginsburg, Opera Grand Rapids, 1320 E. Fulton St. (March 14-15)
Whiskey Bound, Twisted Bull
Tomas Esparza Blues Band, The Iron Well
Peat in the Creel, New Holland Brewing’s The Knickerbocker
Sounds Familiar, River City Saloon
Astro Jackson, Back Forty Saloon
Myles Sergé vs Joshua Tree, Rocky’s Bar & Grill
Hattrick, Log Cabin
Ajax Stacks (album release)/Lady Ace Boogie/Chubbaleano/K Huff/Michael Trae/Maliq Jordan, Metro Grand Rapids
FlyLite Gemini Duo, Kava Kasa
Azz Izz, Shots On The River, Belmont
John Shea, Noto’s, Cascade
Second Chances, Bier Distillery, Comstock Park
POSTPONED Frank and the Danglers, Nick Fink’s Tavern, Comstock Park
Dale Wicks, Castle Brewing, Greenville
CANCELED Delilah DeWylde, Gallery Concerts, Lowell Arts, Lowell
CANCELED Paddy’s Cure, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Project 90, Rogue River Tavern, Rockford
Livin’ The Dream, Bostwick Lake Inn, Rockford
Strumble Head, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming (March 13-14)
Kyle Jennings, Trail Point Brewing, Allendale
Steeple Hill (noon)/Irish Bag Pipers (3 p.m.)/Bucket O Maybes (4 p.m.)/Conklin Ceili Band (9 p.m.), Hennessy’s Pub, Muskegon (Pub crawl still on)
The Barley Saints/The Tosspints/Ardan Irish Dancers/Mona Shores Fiddlers, Unruly Brewing, Muskegon
CANCELED Leigh Nash (of Sixpence None The Richer), Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
The Cheap Dates, The Kirby House, Grand Haven
Upcoast Kin, Porto Bello, Grand Haven
Robert Rolfe Fedderson, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
CANCELED Plain Jane Glory/Flexadecibel, Odd Side Ales, Grand Haven
CANCELED Tristan McIntosh/The Linda Ronstadt Experience (Linda Ronstadt tribute), Park Theatre, Holland,
Peat In The Creel, Curragh Holland, Holland
Acoustic Vagabondi (Krista Kolean Arendsen art reception), Great Legs Winery Brewery Distillery, Holland
Trixy Tang, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
The Bog Road (noon & 7 p.m.), Hops At 84 East, Holland
Wealthy Soul, Tripelroot, Zeeland
Steve Michaels, Waypost Brewing, Fennville
PleasureTown/P.S. Dump Your Boyfriend, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Chris Clayton, McDuff’s Bar and Grille, Wayland
Big Trouble Band, Liquid Note Brewing, Otsego
Redman-West Irish Music, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
POSTPONED Duffield-Caron Project (5 p.m.)/Branden Mann (9 p.m.), Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
CANCELED RockRx, Shakespeare’s Pub, Kalamazoo
CANCELED Ivan Akansiima Trio/Jim Cooper/ LMC Jazz Band with Robert Lunn: Chocolate, Wine & Jazz, Lake Michigan College, South Haven
CANCELED Hazeltree, The Riviera Theatre, Three Rivers
CANCELED Switchback, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
CANCELED Funkle Jesse (12:30 p.m.)/Blue Jay Bridge (8:30p.m.), Mitten Bar, Ludington
CANCELED Darcy Wilkin/Rick West/Ralston Bowles/Frank Youngman/Bunce & Tiyl/Brian Roman/Zak Bunce/Dan Wilson: Made in Michigan FUNdraiser: Gopherwood Concerts (some proceeds to be donated to Ralston Bowles Family Medical Relief Fund), 122 Mitchell St., Cadillac

 

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FROM FRIDAY, MARCH 13

The world pandemic coronavirus COVID-19 has turned The Big List and the entire West Michigan live music schedule into a tangle of cancellations and postponements.

On Friday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer banned gatherings of 250 or more people to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which had infected 25 Michiganders as of Saturday afternoon. This order has prompted the cancellation of many musical performances and even venue closures in Grand Rapids, the Lakeshore and Kalamazoo.

Some venues, such as The Intersection and Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, made decisions to close down completely. In other cases, such as Listening Room at Studio Park, bands are ending their tours even as the venue remains available.

But some smaller venues are open and hosting shows, sometimes with bands whose previous engagements were canceled, such as Top Top Deluxe Bar & Grill, where Myron Elkins & the Dying Breed are replacing Chirp on Saturday, March 14.

It’s a good idea to call ahead to check the current status of any show you might want to attend.

See the full story at LocalSpins.com, and keep an eye on The Big List as we update as quickly as possible. Updates posted on Thursday, March 12, are at the bottom of The Big List. Click here to view the updates.

 FROM THURSDAY, MARCH 12

RollingStone.com reported that Live Nation and AEG, the two biggest concert promoters in U.S., have agreed to postpone their major tours for two weeks.

At 20 Monroe Live, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, has been rescheduled for Sept. 3, “due to circumstances beyond our control.” Tickets for the March 12 event will be honored, “so hang onto your tickets.”

Friday’s sold-out Dermot Kennedy concert at 20 Monroe Live also is being postponed but a rescheduled date hasn’t yet been announced.

Red House Concert Series and Grand Haven’s Tri-Cities Historical Museum have moved the Friday, March 13 Joshua Davis show to May 1. Channing & Quinn remain as the openers.

Holland’s Park Theatre said it was heart-broken to postpone the following events: Friday, March 13, Refuel The Schools with Earth Radio, Brandino and Mojo; Saturday, March 14, Tristan McIntosh and The Linda Ronstadt Experience; Wednesday, March 17, St. Paddy’s Open Mic with Acoustic Vagabondi; Friday, March 20, Vintage Postcards; and Saturday, March 21, Tales of Cream. The nonprofit venue plans to re-open for its anniversary celebration on Tuesday, March 24. 

Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake is rescheduling the Friday, March 13 show with Leigh Nash and the Saturday, March 14 performance by Ken Yates.

The Michael Buble show set for March 31 at Van Andel Arena has been postponed, as has his entire tour. No new dates have been announced.

The Reba McIntire/Caylee Hammack show is being moved from Saturday, May 9 to Thursday, Aug. 6.

In addition, the Grand Rapids Symphony has canceled performances through April 11 at DeVos Performance Hall, St. Cecilia Music Center, Calvin University and Forest Hills Fine Arts Center. The symphony is encouraging ticket holders to exchange tickets for the canceled concerts for other performances later in the year.

The Saturday, March 14 Levi Hummon show at The Stache at The Intersection, has been postponed. No new date was announced, but your tickets will be honored. 

Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo has announced the cancellation of all musical performances through April 30. For credit card purchases, refunds will be processed over the new several days; for cash purchases, seek refunds at the cafe’s general store. For questions, contact concertinfo@bellsbeer.com. The cafe will remain open. 

The Friday, March 13 West Michigan Symphony performance with 17-year-old cellist Sujari Britt at the Frauenthal Center in Muskegon and Britt’s Saturday, March 14 recital at The Block are both being rescheduled. Your tickets will be honored on the new date, or exchange them for another event, according to Executive Director Andrew Buelow. All the symphony’s events through March 21 are canceled. Also in Muskegon, the St. Patrick’s Day parade and bar crawl have been canceled; however, pubs such as Hennessy’s Pub say they plan to carry on with Celtic music events.

The Playhouse at White Lake in Whitehall has canceled all events through March 30, including a March 21 show with Aoife Scott and Ben Bedford, and a March 28 concert featuring the popular West Michigan Tom Petty tribute band The Insiders.

Irish On Ionia organizers announced Wednesday that the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration in downtown Grand Rapids is being postposed till late summer. “All ticket purchasers may choose to save their tickets or request a refund. They can reach out to events@barflyventures.com for more information,” sponsors Barfly Ventures posted on the event website. 

The Gopherwood fundraiser planned for Saturday in Cadillac has been canceled. The music organization is considering an online sale for some of the items it had planned to auction at the event; watch the Gopherwood Facebook page.

Saturday’s Chocolate, Wine & Jazz, a fundraiser sponsored by Foundry Hall and Lake Michigan College at the school’s South Haven location, has been canceled.

The Michigan Irish Music Festival’s St. Patrick’s Day Party is canceled. It had been scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Bella Maria’s Event Center in Muskegon.

Western Michigan University has canceled the Southwest Michigan Vocal Festival for March 12. Watch the School of Music’s website for updates about other events, which “will be made on an ongoing basis.”

The Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Petoskey has rescheduled Sunday’s Canadian Brass performance for Oct. 18.

W-O Stock, the March 20-21 music festival organized by students at Holland’s West Ottawa High School to raise money to send computers to schools in Africa, has been canceled. Some 19 bands had been scheduled.

The Friday, March 13 performance by Celtic band Crossbow, planned for the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts’ Irish Night in Manistee, will be rescheduled for the summer. The Bach and Beethoven Experience, March 21, “is still on the schedule.”

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