GRAM on the Green - WKTV Journal

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

Molly performs with After Ours on the first GRAM on the Green concert set for July 21. (Supplied)

Concerts return to downtown Grand Rapids this summer with the popular GRAM on the Green, a series that features some of the best local, regional and national acts.

The free summer concert series returns from 6-9 p.m. Thursday (July 21) in front of the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

“For over a decade, the Grand Rapids Art Museum has brought free summer concerts to the heart of downtown Grand Rapids,” said GRAM Communications Manager Elizabeth Payne in a release.

“In partnership with WYCE, we’re excited to continue our tradition of creating accessible arts experiences for our entire community to participate in and enjoy.”

The outdoor music events also include hands-on artmaking, food trucks and a cash bar.

Organizers added that you can “come for the music, and stay for the art, as the Museum is also open late for Meijer Free Thursday Nights.” Admission is free from 5-9 p.m.

2022 GRAM on the Green Lineup:

July 21: Molly + After Ours (Soul + Electronic Jazz)

July 28: Andrea Von Kampen + Brie Stoner (Indie Folk + Alternative Noir Pop)

August 4: The Music That Raised Us (History of Black Music – Spirituals, Motown and Modern Soul)

August 11: The Rachel Brooke Band + The Reverend Jesse Ray (Retro Rockabilly + Western Swing)

Artists are equally excited about the return of GRAM on the Green

“I have played at the art museum many times over the years with different groups, but GRAM on the Green has always had a special vibe to it because of the synergy between WYCE and the GRAM in getting people out to party on a Thursday night,” said Molly, who kicks off the series with mostly original tunes from her EP (available at mollymollymolly.bandcamp.com) and her forthcoming full-length record.

“We’re also thrilled to be sharing the evening of music with our South Bend, Indiana friends the very talented duo, After Ours.”

WYCE-FM (88.1), a non-profit, independent community radio station, is excited to partner with GRAM. And reps are excited to show off some great entertainment.

“The lineup this year offers up a diverse array” of talent, said WYCE music director and series curator Shane German.

“Whether it’s indie-folk, jazz, retro Americana, or a celebration of Black voices in music, we’re thrilled to welcome these incredible artists this year. There are really be something for everyone. We can’t wait to see everyone at the shows this summer!”

Learn more about the series at artmuseumgr.org/gram-on-the-green.

Learn more about GRAM at artmuseumgr.org.

Learn more about WYCE at wyce.org.

By Alison Clark, Clark Communications

West Michigan will have its last chance to experience The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM)’s annual free summer concert series, GRAM on the Green, on Thursday, Aug. 22. The GRAM and WYCE 88.1FM will close out the series with folk and soul artists Cameron Blake and Samuel Nalangira.

The summer-long series has featured some of the best local and regional talent Michigan has to offer. And for one last night, guests of all ages are invited to relax on the Museum’s outdoor terrace and enjoy free live music, dancing, food trucks, free museum admission, art-making activities, and a cash bar.

Admission to the Museum is free during GRAM on the Green evenings from 5-9 pm, as part of Meijer Free Thursday Nights.

Concert guests are invited inside the galleries to explore the exhibitions on view during the summer months: Maya Lin: Flow, Melanie Daniel: Only Four Degrees, Self, Symbol, Surrogate: Artist Portraits from GRAM’s Collection and the newest works on view in the Permanent Collection.

Support for GRAM on the Green is generously provided by Bank of America, WYCE 88.1FM, and the Meijer Foundation.