By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
The music will return to the front outdoor area of the Grand Rapids Art Museum as the organization recently announced it would host its free summer concert series GRAM on the Green.
In partnership with WYCE 88.1 FM, this will be the 12th year that GRAM has offered the annual free summer concert series, which will take place Thursday evenings from July 29 to Aug. 12.
“We’re thrilled for free summer concerts to return to the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s terrace this summer,” said GRAM Communications Manager Elizabeth Payne. “GRAM on the Green with WYCE 88.1F is part of the Museum’s ongoing commitment to provide free and accessible experiences for our community year-round.”
This year’s lineup brings three evenings of performances by local and regional talent to downtown Grand Rapids. Guests of all ages are invited to relax on the Museum’s outdoor terrace and enjoy free live music, food trucks, free museum admission, art-making activities, and a cash bar.
Kicking off the series July 29 is Diangophonique with Via & The Playboys. The performance will feature musical tribute of the Parisian Jazz Monouche style that was made popular by Sinit guitarist Django Reinhardt and his Quintette du Hot Club de France.
Aug. 5 is JROB + Bedrock with Hollywood Makeout. JROB + Bedrock is known for a mix of music hip-hop, rap, R&B, and techno music while Hollywood Makeout is a beloved local garage-rock band.
Wrapping up the series on Aug. 12 is Laura Rain & The Caesars, and R&B soul group from Detroit that is known to put their own unique twist to some of the classic recordings of the past.
“The lineup this year reflects not only the diversity of the music scene here in Grand Rapids, but across Michigan,” said WYCE Station Manager Jess Martin. “We can’t wait to see everyone at the shows this summer!”
Admission to the Museum is free during GRAM on the Green evenings from 5 – 9 p.m., as part of Meijer Free Thursday Nights.
Concert guests are invited inside the galleries to explore the exhibitions on view during the summer months, including “American Perspectives: Stories from the American Folk Art Museum,” “A Summer Potluck: Stephen Frykholm’s Picnic Posters,” “Design Highlights from the Permanent Collection,” and rotating works from the Permanent Collection.
