The Big List (Nov. 27-Dec. 3): Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Over The Rhine, Brett Young, UV Hippo, Tommy Emmanuel, Guttermouth

The week also features the Brad Mehldau Trio, Fall Flannel Folk Fest, Kris Delmhorst, the return of The Outer Vibe, Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues and much more.

 

THE BIG LIST: Nov. 27-Dec. 3

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

FALL FLANNEL FOLK FESTIVAL
When: 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Tuesday
Admission: Suggested $10 donation
Where: SpeakEZ Lounge, Grand Rapids

This long-running annual festival moves to a new location with a fresh cause. The Fall Flannel Folk Festival featuring six Grand Rapids singer-songwriters is part of “Giving Tuesday,” with funds raised going to support WGVU public media. Kyle Rasche, Benjamin Riley, Michael Riley, Josh Rose, Olivia Rivera and Lucas Wilson will perform in a “listening-room, singer-in-the-round” fashion, taking turns performing on stage and talking about their songs.

Attendees, of course, are encouraged to wear flannel and should be prepared to be impressed by the music they hear. Read more about this one-day fest in this Local Spins feature story, with details also available online here.

LOCAL SPINS WEDNESDAY:
EARTH RADIO +
SPECIAL MYSTERY GUEST
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Admission: Free
Where: SpeakEZ Lounge, Grand Rapids

Local Spins Wednesdays follows up last week’s incredible show on the busiest bar night of the year (Hannah Rose & The GravesTones and Olivia Mainville regaled a jam-packed house) with another show for the ages: The debut of Grand Rapids super-group Earth Radio with a special mystery guest opening the show who is guaranteed to knock your socks off … or at least blow your mind a little bit.

Featuring bassist Justin Avdek, keyboard player Dutcher Snedeker, singer-keyboardist Hannah Laine, drummer Mario Copeland and guitarist Travis Swanson, Earth Radio brings a cutting-edge quality to music that exudes influences of jazz, hip hop, neo-soul, rock, metal and funk.

To kick off the evening, Local Spins will host an opening semi-acoustic set by an outstanding well-known regional favorite — our special unnamed mystery guest — guaranteed to launch the evening in vastly entertaining style. (Try to guess who the mystery guest might be in the comments below or on Local Spins’ Facebook page.  If you’re right, the first one with a correct answer who steps up to the Local Spins table at SpeakEZ Lounge at the show will win a special “mystery” prize.”)

As always, Local Spins Wednesdays are presented by Local Spins, SpeakEZ Lounge and WYCE, with Michigan beer specials on tap and free parking in the Monroe Avenue NW lot kitty-corner from SpeakEZ Lounge.

NEW CITY KIDS PRESENT
“THE RED GUITAR”
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Admission: Free
Where: 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids

An after-school center and teen life internship program that offers music classes and homework assistance to Grand Rapids students, New City Kids is a youth leadership development program where 100 percent of alumni graduate high school and go to college. Their Christmas bash presentation of “The Red Guitar” is billed thus: “Feel the wonder, see the joy and experience the transformative power of New City Kids. You’ll be moved and inspired by the music, stories and incredible youth of New City Kids: Grand Rapids” in “the most inspiring, fun and free benefit performance of the season.”

RSVP and get more details online here.

BRETT YOUNG
CARLY PEARCE
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Where: The Intersection, Grand Rapids

Sold out. That tells the story of California country-pop singer Brett Young’s rising popularity. The one-time college baseball pitcher released his full-length debut album, “Brett Young,” earlier this year, and three tracks that appear on the No. 2-charting album have soared into the Top 10 of the U.S. Country chart (“Sleep Without You,” “In Case You Didn’t Know” and “Like I Loved You”).

This radio station B93-sponsored show on the “Caliville Tour” also features Carly Pearce. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

BRAD MEHLDAU TRIO
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Tickets: $38
Where: St. Cecilia Music Center, Grand Rapids

There is almost no telling where a really great jazz pianist can take an audience, and Brad Mehldau has a reputation as one of the best. He has collaborated with the likes of jazz royalty Pat Metheny and saxophonist Joshua Redman.

With his trio-mates Larry Grenadier on bass and Jeff Ballard on drums, Mehldau turns music from the likes of Radiohead and Gershwin into inspired jazz performances amid an array of his own compositions. The trio’s “Blues And Ballads” recording was issued last year. As of Monday, tickets were still available for both the show and the 6:30 p.m. pre-concert wine reception, at $15, online at scmc-online.org.

THE OUTER VIBE
LIPSTICK JODI, MELOPHOBIX
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Tickets: $10 advance, $15 day of show
Where: The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids’ own The Outer Vibe swings back for a hometown show that also features two fast-rising stars of West Michigan’s music scene: The indie-rock/pop/garage-rocking Lipstick Jodi and funk-rock’s Melophobix. The Outer Vibe relocated to Nashville but continues to unfurl audience-pleasing, pop-hued rock with its own distinctive,  Michigan-bred vibe. These self-described “musical adventure guides” are touting a new song, “Dreamland,” performed live during the 2017 solar eclipse, and follow up their Grand Rapids show with a concert on Friday at The Blind Pig in Ann Arbor.

Get more details and tickets online at pyramidschemebar.com, where you can also get details about Friday’s big 1997 Tribute Show featuring an all-star cast of local musicians playing albums from The Spice Girls, Third Eye Blind, Bjork, Radiohead and Blink-182, $10 advance, $15 day of show.

TOMMY EMMANUEL
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $39.50-$49.50
Where: State Theatre, Kalamazoo

THIS WEEK’S LOCAL SPINS TICKET GIVEAWAY: Congratulations to Local Spins reader Gary Rasmussen. He was the first person to email john@localspins.com with “TOMMY” in the message field and won a pair of tickets to Friday night’s concert. Come back to The Big List every week for your chance to win concert tickets.

Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel is a virtuoso who does things that amaze audiences every time he performs. His mastery of the acoustic guitar is legendary, and this particular “Christmas tour” show boasts a full set of his solo classical acoustic tunes featuring his stunning fingerstyle technique and a full set of Christmas favorites with Pat Bergeson, John Knowles and Annie Sellick.

The award-winning one-man band’s show makes for an invigorating holiday spectacle. Doors open at 7 p.m.; get tickets and details online here.

ULTRAVIOLET HIPPOPOTAMUS
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Tickets: $12 advance, $15 day of show
Where: Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo

Not only is this show a big deal because it’s this beloved West Michigan jam band Ultraviolet Hippopotamus’ first stage appearance in a while around here, but they’re also bringing along Chicago guitar phenom Fareed Haque for the ride (plus an opening set by Lazara). Anyone who caught Haque sitting in with UV Hippo at last summer’s Cowpie Music Festival knows what we’re talking about: It was a singular musical experience that showed off the best of UV Hippo’s wide-ranging assault – from Southern rock to funk to jazz to livetronica to space rock to reggae to prog-rock.

Get details and tickets online at bellsbeer.com.

ASAMU JOHNSON &
THE ASSOCIATES OF THE BLUES
When: 9:30 p.m. Friday
Admission: $5

When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Admission: $5
Where: Billy’s Lounge, Grand Rapids

This is billed as “Blues and Grooves at Billy’s Lounge,” with award-winning blues band Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues leading a night of fun hosted by The Red List, with special guests such as Blue Soul Express, FrivolousShara and DJ Dwight. Asamu and his band will also feature Laura Bennett, Tyler Bennett, Ben Soper and Randall Goble in their set, and the evening will include prizes for attendees.

Two days later, the band hits the Billy’s Lounge stage again – along with Blue Soul Express, Benton St. Blues Band and the Weezil Malone Band (which will represent the region at the International Blues Challenge) – for a Sunday afternoon show benefiting the West Michigan Blues Society. More information about the winter fundraiser online here and get info about joining the society here.

And tune in to Local Spins on WYCE (88.1 FM) at 11 a.m. Friday, when Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues will be the in-studio guests.

OVER THE RHINE
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $20
Where: Calvin College Chapel Sanctuary, 3201 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids

For years, the eclectic, Ohio-based indie-folk duo Over The Rhine has served as Calvin College’s “house band,” returning regularly to thoroughly entertain audiences with Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist’s well-crafted, genre-spanning music.

And many would agree that these two have released some truly inspiring Christmas music over the years. This show is part of the duo’s “Acoustic Christmas” tour. Get tickets and details online at calvin.edu/sao.

TOM WAITS TRIBUTE NIGHT
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $15
Where: Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Café, Kalamazoo

This evening paying tribute to legendary songwriter Tom Waits is billed as “Brawlers, Bawlers and Bastards” and features an impressive lineup of Michigan bands and solo artists: Jack & The Bear, Olivia Mainville & The Aquatic Troupe, Libby Decamp, Chris Newman And Phantom 309, Jessica In The Rainbow, Brian Koenigsknecht, Abe Savas, Bob English, Corey Eno Ruffin, Chris Miroslaw, Mike List, Nate Hartmann and Buck Merill. All in all, the night will boast 12 different musical performances.

Doors for this 21-and-older show open at 7:30 p.m. Get tickets online at bellsbeer.com.

KRIS DELMHORST
JEFFREY FOUCAULT
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $35-$45
Where: Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake

Massachusetts-based singer-songwriter Kris Delmhorst is billing this as the CD-release show for her new “The Wild” album, which officially was released in September. And appropriately, she shares the stage on this “special split bill” with Jeffrey Foucault, who’s featured on the new recording. Although they’re married, “The Wild” is the first time they’ve collaborated in the studio together. Catch them in this special show in an intimate setting.

Get tickets online here, along with info about Friday’s 8 p.m. concert starring Brian Dunne and Caroline Spence.

GUTTERMOUTH
KOFFIN KATS
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $20 advance, $25 day of show
Where: Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill, Grand Rapids

As the band itself puts it, Guttermouth is “still on the go,” nearly three decades after the punk group formed in California. It’s even touring behind a new EP, “Got It Made,” that roars out of the gates like a runaway freight train.

Pairing up with Detroit punk/psychobilly act The Koffin Kats makes this a must-attend affair, not to mention that Virginia’s Gallows Bound and California “surf stomp” act The Atom Age are also on this bill. Get tickets and more details online here, but make it quick because this show is filling up fast.

Love that whole punk vibe? Well, then, check out the Day Jobs EP-Release Show at the Tip Top on Friday night with Bike Tuff, 78 Revolutions Per Minute, Rick Johnson Rock n Roll Machine, and Sunday afternoon’s matinee with The Beggars, Slumlord Radio, Moto and Switch Pit. Details here.

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
When: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $48.50-$78.50
Where: Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids

They’re back once again for their annual holiday spectacle (just a little bit earlier than usual in the season for their Grand Rapids show).

Members of Trans-Siberian Orchestra have wowed audiences for years with their chest-pounding symphonic rock, laser light show and bombastic special effects, all celebrating the Christmas season. TSO’s “Ghosts of Christmas Eve Tour” makes a Grand Rapids stop with two shows featuring “new awe-inspiring effects and staging.” Presented by WLAV-FM, a portion of every ticket sold will benefit select local charities. Folks can help the cause and win tickets to TSO by donating non-perishable food items to benefit Kids’ Food Basket and God’s Kitchen. Now through Nov. 30, help TSO and Grand Rapids Harley Davidson “Jam the Van” by dropping off non-perishable food items to their Hudsonville location. All who donate will be entered to win Trans-Siberian Orchestra tickets and a $100 gift certificate to The B.O.B.

Details and tickets available online here.

UNDER-THE-RADAR PICKS

John Shea playing Rockwell Republic and Brad Fritcher’s MOODS playing Long Road Distillers in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Monday – Start off your week with some bracing jazz: Pianist John Shea playing his regular gig at Rockwell Republic or Brad Fritcher’s MOODS playing “Jazz & Gin Mondays” at Long Road. Either way, you’re in good hands. (And if you live closer to the lakeshore, there’s the Monday night Jazz Jam at What Not Inn outside Fennville.)

Will Springsteen playing Cedar Springs Brewing in Cedar Springs, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, free – St. Ignace native Will Springsteen rolls out a deep catalog of rock, folk and country covers, including everything from Dave Matthews to Kenny Chesney to Neil Young to Johnny Cash to Jazon Mraz.

The Insane Theatre playing the music of The Doors at Harmony Hall in Grand Rapids, 7 p.m. Thursday, free – As the band puts it, The Insane Theatre “conjures up the aura of The Doors unlike any other,” with lead singer Chris Kemler channeling “the spirit of Jim Morrison in his voice and stage presence.”

Xavier Jara playing Grand Rapids Community College’s International Guitar Series at the Linn Maxwell Keller Recital Hall at 142 Ransom Ave. NE in Grand Rapids, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $15 adults, $10 students/seniors – This series continues with American classical guitarist Xavier Jara who won first prize in the 2016 GFA International Concert Artist Competition. The Minnesota native has won other competitions, too. Get tickets online here.

Cassidy Bisher CD-release show at The Stache inside The Intersection in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Friday, $8 – Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Cassidy Bisher’s version of rock is inventive, insightful and compelling as demonstrated on his new EP, “Skin.” He performs as part of a CD-release show that will also feature sets by Grand Rapids’ Novice and On the Line.

1997 Tribute Show and Heart of Michigan United Way Benefit at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Friday, $10 advance, $15 day of show – This special show features an all-star cast of local musicians (Jes Kramer, Naomi Brown, Dan Fisher, Dustin Postema, Shane Tripp, Ben Weissenborn, Joe Wiltse, Paul Teft, Steve Sullivan, Steff Rosalez, Fiona Dickinson, Kurt VanWagoner, Lady Ace Boogie, Sam Andrade, Angela Teeple, Lena Trinket and more) playing albums from The Spice Girls, Third Eye Blind, Bjork, Radiohead and Blink-182. Details online here.

The Prince Experience playing 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids, 9 p.m. Friday, $15 – This tribute to the late Prince led by Gabriel Sanchez (who has been portraying The Purple One since 2002) uncorks “all of the greatest hits” from Prince’s catalog, which is sure to keep the dance floor hopping. This is an 18-and-older show.

Calvin College Oratorio Society presents “Handel’s Messiah” at 8 p.m. Friday & 8 p.m. Saturday at the Covenant Fine Arts Center Auditorium on the Calvin campus, $27-$33 — It’s Calvin College’s 98th performance of “Handel’s Messiah,” with strains sweeter than any seasonal tune you’ll hear overplayed on the radio this holiday season. The performances will display 130 singers directed by Sean Ivory. Guest soloists include Margot Rood, soprano; Martha J. Hart, mezzo; Miles Mykkanen, tenor; and Jonathan Ten Brink, baritone. Find the tickets page online.

Grand Rapids Symphony & Grand Rapids Ballet present “The Nutcracker” at DeVos Performance Hall, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday & 2 p.m. Sunday (also Dec. 8-10), $34-$150 — By the numbers: Tchaikovsky was commissioned to score the ballet, which debuted in 1892; it was performed only in Russia until 1927; became an American success in San Francisco in the 1940s; and caught on across the U.S. in the 1960s. Now, in the 21st century, while Washington D.C. mulls our relationship with the Kremlin, many American ballet companies earn 40 percent of their annual ticket income from this fantastical holiday import. The GRB version was re-designed by well-known illustrator-author Chris Van Allsburg, a native of Grand Rapids, in 2014. Find tickets online here.

Electric Tuna playing One Trick Pony, 136 E. Fulton St. in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Saturday, free — Electric Tuna always draws a crowd to this downtown dinner and music location, the sister venue next to the venerable Cottage Bar. The five local musicians each bring an eclectic twist to a unique mix of covers from The Black Keys to Dire Straits: Pete Bardolph, guitar; Dave Marsh, guitar; Chris Bardolph, keyboard & guitar; Mark VanderKolk, bass; Rick Devon, drums; and, heck, everybody sings.

The Fever Haze and Secret Grief playing Park Theatre at 248 S. River Ave. in Holland, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, $7 advance, $12 day of show – This is billed as The Fever Haze’s “farewell show,” with the Holland-area rock band that draws influences from the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Wilco and Big Star performing along with the emo/indie-rock group Secret Grief. Doors open at 8 p.m.

May Erlewine playing Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids, 9:30 p.m. Saturday, $5 – The last time Local Spins spotted singer-songwriter May Erlewine at Founders, she was catching a show by the up-and-coming The War & Treaty. This time around, she’ll be on the stage with her talented band, The Motivations, for a Winter Dance Party. This fall, Erlewine has been touring behind her highly touted new studio album, “Mother Lion.” Get details online at foundersbrewing.com, where you can also get the lowdown on Thursday’s free show featuring Grand Rapids’ Steve Hilger Band playing a benefit for Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary (with a $5 suggested donation).

Andrew Tyson, Gilmore Keyboard Festival Rising Stars Series, Wellspring Theater at 395 S. Kalamazoo Mall in Kalamazoo, 4 p.m. Sunday, $25 — Every piano should get the chance to stand alongside North Carolina native Andrew Tyson, 31. This award-winning pianist has a master’s degree from The Julliard School, and that just starts the resume. His latest recording, “Miroirs,” featuring works by Ravel and Scriabin, came out this year. Learn more and listen at his website.

The Muteflutes playing Salt of the Earth at 114 E. Main St. in Fennville, 6 p.m. Sunday, $15 – Grand Rapids indie-folk/rock band The Muteflutes recorded their most recent, compelling album in Minnesota, full of the insightful material that’s long marked this group’s music. Make reservations by calling 269-561-7258. (Earlier the same day, The Muteflutes play C3 in Grand Haven.)

J. Oscar Bittinger and Channing & Quinn playing the Songteller Sessions at Creston Brewery in Grand Rapids, 7 p.m. Sunday, free — The second installation of this singer-songwriter series hosted by Nicholas James Thomasma features three veteran songwriters and performers. Details online here.

Lady Ace Boogie’s “Happily Ever After Party” at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, 8 p.m. Sunday, $10 – Grand Rapids hip hop favorite Lady Ace Boogie celebrates the unity of Linda and Angelita with help from A.O.K., Mike G., DJ Dean Martian and Orlando from Bedrock.

ON THE HORIZON

Monday, Dec. 4
“Noel, Noel, Joyeux Noel: A Celebration of French Music for the Holiday Season,” Grand Valley State University Symphony Orchestra/University Arts Chorale/and more, Fountain Street Church
John Shea, Rockwell Republic
Brad Fritcher’s Moods, Jazz & Gin Mondays, Long Road Distillers
Steffan Copenhaver, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland
Western Michigan University Student Composers II, Dalton Center Recital Hall, Kalamazoo

Tuesday, Dec. 5
Grand Rapids Community College Fall Jazz Night: Jazz Combos, Jazz Orchestra, Shades Of Blue-Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Linn Maxwell Keller Recital Hall, Albert P. Smith Music Center
Grand Valley State University Choral Concert, Cook-DeWitt Center, Allendale
Western Michigan University Percussion Ensemble, Dalton Center Recital Hall, Kalamazoo

Wednesday, Dec. 6
Soul Patch, Jonathan Timm, Local Spins Wednesday at SpeakEZ Lounge
Gabrial James, 7 Monks Taproom
The Bootstrap Boys, Cedar Springs Brewing Co., Cedar Springs
Grand Valley State University Brass Quintet, Holiday Concert, Arts At Noon, Cook-DeWitt Center, Allendale
Grand Valley State University: Concert Band Concert, Louis Armstrong Theatre, Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale
Blue Veins Blues Jam, Shakespeare’s Pub, Kalamazoo

Thursday, Dec. 7
Katy Perry/Purity Ring, Van Andel Arena
Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers: The Yule Ball, 20 Monroe Live
Todd Barry, The Pyramid Scheme
Megalodon/Skism/Krimer/Attak/b2b/Cookn/Deadlock, The Intersection
Broccoli Samurai, Founders Brewing Co.
The Willeys, One Trick Pony
Decoy, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B
Grand Rapids Community College Instrumental Ensembles Winter Concert: Chamber Orchestra, Guitar Ensemble, Campus Band, Wind Ensemble, Instrumental Chamber Ensembles, Linn Maxwell Keller Recital Hall, Albert P. Smith Music Center
Calvin College Symphonic Band, Covenant Fine Arts Center Auditorium, Calvin College
Heartsick/Laurentian Tides/Greywalker, Mulligan’s Pub
Coty Bouchard, 7 Monks Taproom
Nicholas James, Rockford Brewing Co., Rockford
The Secret Sisters, Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
Chris Wiser & Andy Frisinger, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Deep Greens & Blues, Coppercraft Distillery, Holland
Lloyd & Pleasure P. With Nick LaVelle, Kalamazoo State Theatre, Kalamazoo
Scarface, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
Liz Story/Samite Mulondo/Sean Harkness: Windham Hill, Dogwood Center for Performing Arts, Fremont

Friday, Dec. 8
Lateralus (tribute to Tool), 20 Monroe Live
Grand Rapids Symphony/Grand Rapids Ballet, The Nutcracker, DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 1-3 & Dec. 8-10)
Jon Pardi/Runaway June, The Intersection
Trixy Tang, The Log Cabin, Grand Rapids
Juanita Stein, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
The Mainstays, Billy’s Lounge
Freight Train Rabbit Killer/Fangs And Twang/Black Cat Bone, Mulligan’s Pub
Star Wars Dance Party, The Pyramid Scheme
The Moonrays, Rocky’s Bar & Grill
Mix Pack, Grand Woods Lounge
Trixy Tang, Potter’s Log Cabin Bar
The Rock Show, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B
Wonder Lush, River City Saloon
Refurbished, Flanagan’s Irish Pub
Livin’ The Dream, Bostwick Lake Inn, Rockford
OTC, Reds, Middleville
Azz Izz, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming
Grand Rapids Community College: Christmas With Rockapella, Kent Philharmonic Orchestra, St. Cecilia Music Center
A Disney Christmas, Frauenthal Center For The Performing Arts, Muskegon
Plain Jane Glory, Pigeon Hill Brewing Co., Muskegon
Randy Marsh Trio, 18th Amendment Spirits Co., Muskegon
Left Paul Trio, Hennessy’s Pub, Muskegon
Product Of Society/Minus Two, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
Roger Day Family Holiday Concert, Dogwood Center for Performing Arts, Fremont
Paris Blue, Jack’s Waterfront Bistro + Bar, Spring Lake
Joe Pug/Juanita Stein, Red House Concert Series, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, Grand Haven
The Jetts, Kirby House, Grand Haven
Great Lakes Graham & The Fiddle Man, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Grand Valley State University: Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Louis Armstrong Theatre, Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale
Murphy’s Law, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Dingus, New Holland Brewing Pub On 8th, Holland
Delilah DeWylde, Tripelroot, Zeeland
New York Polyphony, Fontana Chamber Arts, Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo
Tab Benoit/Eric Johanson/Jake Kershaw, Kalamazoo State Theatre, Kalamazoo
Steve Pesch/The Out Of Favor Boys, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
The Doors Of Chicago, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Mister F, The Livery, Benton Harbor

Saturday, Dec. 9
Damien Escobar, 20 Monroe Live
Grand Rapids Symphony/Grand Rapids Ballet, The Nutcracker, DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 1-3 & Dec. 8-10)
Calvin College Wind Ensemble, “Swingin’ Sleigh Ride,” Covenant Fine Arts Center Auditorium, Calvin College
Suicide Boys, The Intersection
Freddy Todd, The Stache inside The Intersection
Mister F, Founders Brewing Co.
The Concussions/The Madeira/The Troubadors, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
The Dance Off Benefit For Well House, The Pyramid Scheme
Crawpuppies, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B
MOTO/Narc Out The Reds/Smart Alecs, Mulligan’s Pub
Trixy Tang, The Log Cabin, Grand Rapids
Three’s A Crowd, River City Saloon
Rebel Swain, Quinn & Tuite’s Irish Pub
OTC, Reds, Middleville
Tetrad, Rogue River Tavern, Rockford
Azz Izz, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming
Delilah DeWylde, Trail Point Brewing Company, Allendale
Grand Valley State University Varsity Men’s Glee Club Concert, Cook-DeWitt Center, Allendale
Ricardo Lugo & Martha Guth, Holland Symphony Orchestra, Holiday Concert, Dimnent Chapel, Hope College (matinee & evening performances), Holland
That Beatles Thing, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Brant Satala, Hops, Holland
Jim Spalink & Toby Bresnahan, Great Legs Winery Brewery Distillery, Holland
Whiskey Bound, The Pipeline Smokehouse & Bar, West Olive
Paris Blue, Jack’s Waterfront Bistro + Bar, Spring Lake
The Jetts, Kirby House, Grand Haven
Adrian & Meredith, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Muskegon Community College, Holiday Concert, Frauenthal Center For The Performing Arts, Muskegon
The Left Paul Trio, Hennessy’s Pub, Muskegon
Pop Fiction, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
Hard Times, McDuff’s Bar & Grille, Wayland
Blue Veins All-Star Jam, “Save The Stack” Fund-raiser, Shakespeare’s Pub, Kalamazoo
Nutcracker, Ballet Arts Ensemble/Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo (Dec. 9-10)
Home Free A Country Christmas Tour, Kalamazoo State Theatre, Kalamazoo
Less Is More, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
Messiah, Battle Creek Symphony, The Music Center, Battle Creek
4 Elf Party With Live Music, Dark Horse Brewing Co., Marshall
The Newports Holiday R&B Review, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Whiskey Myers, Streeter’s Ground Zero, Traverse City
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience, Four Winds Casino Silver Creek Events Center, New Buffalo
Tropidelic, The Livery, Benton Harbor

Sunday, Dec. 10
Christmas With Amy Grant And Michael W. Smith/Jordan Smith, Van Andel Arena
Grand Rapids Symphony/Grand Rapids Ballet, The Nutcracker, DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 1-3 & Dec. 8-10)
Spektral Quartet, “Brahms and Beyond,” Sunday Classical Concert Series, Grand Rapids Art Museum
Andreas Kapsalis, Creston Brewery
Los de Afuera, Founders Brewing Co.
Snails/Funtcase/Yultron/Squnto, The Intersection
Broadside/Carousel Kings/For The Win/We Were Sharks, The Stache inside The Intersection
HBS Jazz Trio, Harmony Hall
The Crane Wives, KDL Sunday Afternoon Live, Cascade Township Library
Toby Bresnahan, Cedar Springs Brewing Co., Cedar Springs
Grand Valley State University, Dan Graser Faculty-Artist Recital: The Solo Saxophone, Haas Center For Performing Arts, Allendale
Olivia Vargas, C3, West Michigan’s Inclusive Spiritual Community, Community Center, Grand Haven
Who Hit John?, Salt Of The Earth, Fennville
Dale Wicks, Hilliard’s Corner Lounge, Wayland
Tuba Christmas/Big | Brave, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
Western Michigan University Annual Holiday Concert: A Brass Celebration of Christmas, Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo
Milo/Scallops Hotel, Shakespeare’s Pub, Kalamazoo

Monday, Dec. 11
Chevelle/10 Years/Aeges, 20 Monroe Live
The Moonrays, Rocky’s Bar & Grill
John Shea, Rockwell Republic
Brad Fritcher’s Moods, Jazz & Gin Mondays, Long Road Distillers
Harvey Mason/Jim Alfredson/Lawrence Barris, Wealthy Theatre

Tuesday, Dec. 12
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Broadway Grand Rapids, DeVos Performance Hall
An Dro: RBC 5th Anniversary Party, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Rich Burkholder, Kirby House, Grand Haven
Melissa Etheridge, “Merry Christmas, Baby,” Kalamazoo State Theatre, Kalamazoo

Wednesday, Dec. 13
Brad Fritcher’s MOODS, Local Spins Wednesday at SpeakEZ Lounge
Matisyahu/Common Kings/Orphan, The Intersection
The Carl Webb Band, Cedar Springs Brewing Co., Cedar Springs
Patrick Nolan: RBC 5th Anniversary Party, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Wayland, Gun Lake Casino, Wayland

Thursday, Dec. 14
Grand Rapids Symphony, Holiday Pops, DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 14-17)
Boy From School/Conrad Shock + The Noise/Secret Forte/Bowery, The Pyramid Scheme
Charlesthefirst, The Stache inside The Intersection
People’s Blues of Richmond/Night Idea, Founders Brewing Company
Boy From School/Conrad Shock + The Noise/Secret Forte/Bowery, The Pyramid Scheme
Kathy Lamar, One Trick Pony
Brett Dame, 7 Monks Taproom
Steve Leaf and the Ex-Pats, Harmony Hall
Eric Engblade: RBC 5th Anniversary Party, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Nate Holley, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Bill Kirchen’s Honky Tonk Christmas, Park Theatre, Holland
My Thin Place, Sandy Point Beach House, West Olive
Chris Wiser & Andy Frisinger, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Tomb Of Teeth, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
Tom Duffield, O’Duffy’s Pub, Kalamazoo
Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Celebration, Firekeepers Casino, Battle Creek
Bonerama, The Livery, Benton Harbor

Friday, Dec. 15
Grand Rapids Symphony, Holiday Pops, DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 14-17)
Charles The Osprey (record release), Creston Brewery
Azz Izz, Potter’s Log Cabin Bar
Emo Night Brooklyn, The Intersection
Breathe Owl Breathe/Heavy Color/Saltbreaker, The Pyramid Scheme
The New Rule, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B.
Knives Are Quiet/Crooked Heart/Junkyard Horse, Mulligan’s Pub
Brass Monkey, Billy’s Lounge
Three’s A Crowd, Grand Woods Lounge
131 Band, River City Saloon
Dueling Pianos, Caledonia Family Tavern, Caledonia
Roosevelt Diggs: RBC 5th Anniversary Party, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Jim Shaneberger, Bostwick Lake Inn, Rockford
OTC, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming
Bar Code, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Kristin Kuiper, New Holland Brewing Pub On 8th, Holland
Oregon Dreamchild, Kirby House, Grand Haven
Turn Up The Bricks, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Drop 35, Jack’s Waterfront Bistro + Bar, Spring Lake
A Celtic Christmas, West Shore Symphony, Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon
Melophobix/Benjaman James, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
Joshua Davis Trio, Dogwood Center for Performing Arts, Fremont
Hattrick, McDuff’s Bar & Grille, Wayland
DC-90, The Union Cabaret & Grille, Kalamazoo
The Appleseed Collective, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
Ginuwine/Jon B./Hi Five/Ruff Endz/Adina Howard, Kalamazoo State Theatre, Kalamazoo
Paul’s Big Radio/Banjovee, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
The Bergamots, A South Shore Christmas, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
The Go Rounds, The Livery, Benton Harbor

Saturday, Dec. 16
Grand Rapids Symphony, Holiday Pops, DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 14-17) (matinee & evening performances, plus daytime family event)
Valentiger/Blanca Luz/Major Murphy/Mertle, The Pyramid Scheme
Granger Smith/Morgan Wallen, The Intersection
The Appleseed Collective, Founders Brewing Co.
Nachez Trace, One Trick Pony
Black Diamond, H.O.M.E. At The B.O.B
Olivia Mainville & the Aquatic Troupe/Jack & The Bear, Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
Hip Pocket, Billy’s Lounge
The Amber Tide/The Autumnatic/Hurry Home/The Great Indoors, Mulligan’s Pub
Azz Izz, Potter’s Log Cabin Bar
The Bittersweet Christmas Band, Grand River Folk Arts Society, Wealthy Theatre Annex
131 Band, River City Saloon
“A Christmas Carol,” Van Singel Fine Arts Center, Byron Center
\Hazy Past: RBC 5th Anniversary Party, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford
Triolgy, Rogue River Tavern, Rockford
OTC, Woody’s Press Box, Wyoming
Dunegrass/Catfish and the Man/Kristen Kuiper: Third Anniversary Party, Tripelroot, Zeeland
Decades, Itty Bitty Bar, Holland
Gabrial James, Great Legs Winery Brewery Distillery, Holland
Dave & Connie D, The Pipeline Smokehouse & Bar, West Olive
Logan White, Ugly Sweater Party, Pigeon Hill Brewing Co., Muskegon
Bari Lee Band, Unruly Brewing Co., Muskegon
Oregon Dreamchild, Kirby House, Grand Haven
Channing & Quinn, Grand Armory Brewing, Grand Haven
Yours Truly And The Funk, Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, Odd Side Ales, Grand Haven
Eric Hall & Scott Terry (Red Wanting Blue) and Tim Warren & Eric Donnelly (The Alternate Route), Seven Steps Up, Spring Lake
Drop 35, Jack’s Waterfront Bistro + Bar, Spring Lake
Glamhammer, McDuff’s Bar & Grille, Wayland
Frankie Ballard’s Country Christmas, Kalamazoo State Theatre, Kalamazoo
Desmond Jones (album release), Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo
Songs Of The Season: Music From The Movies With Sara Andon, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo
The Portager/Luxury Flux/The Dead Flames, Louie’s Trophy House Grill, Kalamazoo
Duffield-Caron Project/Sexy Toxins/Mushmen/Matt Wixson’s Flying Circus: Santacon, Old Dog Tavern, Kalamazoo
Kim Richey, Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Char Jones & Friends, The Livery, Benton Harbor
The Headbangers Ball With Hairmania, The Music Factory, Battle Creek
1000 Watt Prophets, The Mitten Bar, Ludington
Kenny G.: The Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour, Little River Casino, Manistee

Sunday, Dec. 17
Grand Rapids Symphony, Holiday Pops, DeVos Performance Hall (Dec. 14-17)
Stefan Koch, cello/Robert Conway, piano, “The Cello and Piano Music of Richard Stohr,” Sunday Classical Concert Series, Grand Rapids Art Museum
SOLD OUT Dustin Lynch/Ryan Hurd, 20 Monroe Live
Los de Afuera, Founders Brewing Co.
Dirtwire, The Stache inside The Intersection
River Rogues Dixieland Jazz Band, Harmony Hall
Randy Marsh, Cedar Springs Brewing Co., Cedar Springs
Kate Pillsbury & Emilie Petersmark (of The Crane Wives), C3, West Michigan’s Inclusive Spiritual Community, Community Center, Grand Haven
Rich Burkholder, Kirby House, Grand Haven
Schrock Brothers Band, Salt Of The Earth, Fennville
Nicholas James Thomasma, Hilliard’s Corner Lounge, Wayland
Kenny James & Rave On (Buddy Holly tribute), Acorn Theater, Three Oaks
Brenda Lee, Soaring Eagle Casino, Mt. Pleasant

Monday, Dec. 18
John Shea, Rockwell Republic
Brad Fritcher’s Moods, Jazz & Gin Mondays, Long Road Distillers

Tuesday, Dec. 19
Eyecandy/Antighost/Deadlight Holiday/Skinny Limbs, The Pyramid Scheme

Wednesday, Dec. 20
Speak Easy + Special Guests, Local Spins Wednesday at SpeakEZ Lounge
Lipstick Jodi, Cedar Springs Brewing Co., Cedar Springs

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