Young and old fans alike were able to meet Grand Rapids Gold basketball players at a recent Fan Appreciation Night on March 30.
GR Gold players wrapped up the 2023-2024 season with a game against Capital City Go-Go at the Van Andel Arena.
(Courtesy, Matthew Reed)
Fans received a free Gold pendant on a chain, presented by Founders Brewing Co. during their Gold Chain Giveaway.
After the game, Gold players lined up down the length of the court and signed autographs for fans.
Join the Gold excitement!
The Official NBA G League Affiliate of the Denver Nuggets, GR Gold provides ample opportunities for fans to enjoy the excitement of basketball. Fans can purchase tickets through a variety of options including season ticket memberships, 6-game plans, group packages and single-game tickets.
(Courtesy, Matthew Reed)
GR Gold also hosts an annual summer camp, the Grand Rapids Gold Basketball Academy, for interested youth. Registration for the 2024 summer camp can be found here.
For more Grand Rapids Gold information and events, click here.
We celebrated Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo, which were so much fun. And this weekend is the beginning of a beautiful stretch of weather as the forecast calls for 80-degrees next week.
We may as well keep the party going.
Lucky are the hundreds who will be attending this weekend’s sold out Taco & Tequila Festival at LMCU Ballpark. I was just asked to be a judge, so you know I’ll be having a good time.
What else is going on? Let’s run down my Top 5 picks, which you can find exclusively on WKTV Journal.
Gonzo’s Top 5
The Stray Cafe, located at 4253 Division Ave., Wyoming, is where the WKTV Voices’ Storytelling Project will take place on Feb. 24. (Supplied)
5. WKTV Voices Storytelling Night at The Stray Café
Do you love stories? Hanging out with friends? Meeting new people? Tonight is the return of the WKTV Voices Storytelling Night at The Stray Café in Grand Rapids. We have several people already signed up to tell their story. In 6 minutes they will share a tidbit about their lives. It could be funny, inspiring or compelling. It’s up to the storyteller. We’re also taking last-minute signups at the event. It’s free to attend. Come on out. I’ll be there. The event begins at 7 tonight (May 6) at The Stray, 4253 Division Ave S Suite A. More info at https://wktvvoices.org/voices-storytelling-at-the-stray/.
Brooks & Dunn perform at Van Andel Arena. (Photo by Gage Skidmore)
4. Van Andel Arena Concerts
Two big shows are on tap this weekend:
Brooks & Dunn return tonight (May 6) with a boot, scootin’ boogie good time with opening acts Jon Pardi and Tyler Booth. With 20 No. 1 hits stretching back to 1991, you’ll know all the songs, including “Believe,” “My Maria,” “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” and many more.
Sting is back for a show on Saturday (May 7) with special guest Joe Sumner. I’m not sure what to say. It’s Sting! That means every song is memorable. According to press material, Sting’s “’My Songs’ concert is an exuberant and dynamic show featuring his most beloved songs written throughout the 17-time Grammy Award winner’s illustrious career, both with The Police and as a solo artist.” That also means classics such as “Fields of Gold,” “Roxanne,” “Every Breath You Take,” “Message In A Bottle” and many more.
Good news, “Star Wars” Fans. Even if you forgot to wear your favorite shirt on May the 4th (I know two people who did that), you can still celebrate this weekend with a special event on Saturday (May 7) at John Ball Park Zoo in Grand Rapids. Organizers said: “Dress as your favorite character from the Star Wars saga to come learn about the creatures in our galaxy and if you’re lucky, you might just see Luke Skywalker roaming the Zoo.” Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. for Star Wars Day at the Zoo! More info at https://www.jbzoo.org/starwarsday.
2. Tulip Time Festival
It’s time to celebrate Dutch heritage, and tulips, in Holland as Tulip Time returns over eight days with activities in different locations, most within a 4-mile radius of downtown Holland. Tulips can be seen for no charge in public parks and along downtown streets. Overall, more than six million tulips are blooming throughout the city and area attractions. Several ticketed events also are planned, too. Plus, they have parades! To see a complete schedule go to https://www.tuliptime.com/. It runs through May 15.
Stephen Christopher Anthony as Evan Hansen and the North American touring company of “Dear Evan Hansen.” (Photo by Matthew Murphy)
1.“Dear Evan Hansen”
Yes, it’s contemporary, which means references to social media, viral videos, the Internet, chats, etc. But to me, this show is about the basic human nature to be loved, needed and valued as a person. It’s the story about a teenager, Evan Hansen, who doesn’t fit in at school or at home. He struggles mightily. And he gets caught up in a spiral of events that could be his breaking point. In an interview with Meghan Distel of Broadway Grand Rapids, which is presenting the show through Sunday (May 8) at DeVos Performance Hall, she said the musical drama has a “lasting impact” on you. She’s spot on. Even if you can’t attend, find someone who did. Do some research. Stream it on TV. Someone out there needs you. It could be you. Learn more about the show at broadwaygrandrapids.com.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Finally it feels like Spring, and just in time for Earth Day.
This weekend’s Top 5 includes theater, rock ‘n’ roll, a book sale and a special Earth Day Party with Quillbur?
Want to learn more? Check out my Top 5, which you can find exclusively on WKTV Journal.
Gonzo’s Top 5
Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish (Courtesy Photo/Paul Jensen)
Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish
Grand Rapids rock, blues and rockabilly duo Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, celebrates the release of a new album with a show Saturday at Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids. The new, self-titled album “is quite different from other releases as it has more instruments and attitude,” Jesse Ray said in an interview on John Sinkevics’ localspins.com. “Where (2016’s) ‘Angry’ was just angry for the sake of a young man’s anger, the new record is more complicated and emotional with the occasional outburst.” The bill also includes Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps and The Local Commuters. Tickets are $15 and available online. Doors open at 7 p.m. More info on the Facebook event page.
Van Andel Arena
Downtown Grand Rapids is going to be busy this weekend with a couple big shows at Van Andel Arena. Comedian Katt Williams ( “The House Next Door; Meet the Blacks 2,” “Meet the Blacks”) performs at 8 p.m. Saturday (April 23) and rock band Shinedown performs at 7 p.m. Sunday (April 24). More details at vanandelarena.com.
Both KDL Kenwood and Wyoming libraries are hosting book sales this Saturday.
Friends of the Library Used Book Sale
TheKent District Library Kentwood Branch and Wyoming Branch both feature book sales from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday (April 23) where book enthusiasts will find bargains galore. The Kentwood Branch is located at 4950 Breton SE. The Wyoming Branch is located at 3350 Michael Ave. SW. More details at kdl.org.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Master Arts Theatre in Grand Rapids is presenting “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” with shows April 21-23, April 28-30 and May 5-7. Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. According to Master Arts, “Peter Parnell’s new book embraces story theatre and features verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel.” Learn more at www.masterarts.org.
Blandford Nature Center hosts a birthday party for Quillber, a North American Porcupine. (Supplied)
Blandford Nature Center – Earth Day
As part of Earth Day Week, Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids is having a Birthday Party for two of its wildlife ambassadors – Archimedes, who is a long-eared owl, and Quillber, a North American Porcupine. In a program from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, you’ll hear their stories and learn about what makes each of them special. Organizers said you can “snap a close-up of silly Archimedes before heading out on the trails to take Quillber for a birthday stroll through the woods.” Admission is free this month to Blandford, but admission to the party is $7 for members, $10 for non-members and free to those ages 2 and younger. You can register at https://www.blandfordnaturecenter.org/events/earth-day-birthdays/?occurrence=2022-04-23.
Blandford Nature Center is located at 1715 Hillburn Ave NW. Learn more about Blandford nature trails an http://blandfordnaturecenter.org/
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe Easter weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour comes to the Van Andel Arena this weekend, Jan. 28 and 29.
For two nights, 40 of the best bull riders in the world, such as Canada’s Brock Radford, will be part of the live sporting event. The Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour is known for playing a key role in riders reaching the top levels of competition in professional bull riding.
Tickets start at $15 in advance with prices going up $5 on event day. Other ticket packages are available that include a question-and-answer presentation with some of the top bull riders and stock contractors. For more information visit ticketmaster.com or PBR.com or call 1-800-732-1727.
I think we’re all ready for Spring Break or even Mid-Winter Break.
At least we have MLK Day (Monday, Jan. 17), which is a Federal holiday, but more than just a day off.
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr’.s birthday, and ideals, it is meant to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”
We all need that.
In the meantime, let’s look at things to do this weekend in my Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.
5. Pop Up Disc Golf
It might be 40 degrees. It might be below zero. Who knows this time of year? Well, if you’re a disc golf enthusiast, you don’t care too much. You love being outdoors. That’s why you might want to know about a Pop Up Disc Golf event from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 29) at Covenant Park, 3724 Shaffer Ave. SE, in Kentwood. This is a fun, nine-hole disc golf course. There is no cost to participate, but you must bring your own discs. Restrooms will be available in the clubhouse. This event was supposed to be this weekend, but was changed because of the frigid temperatures. Presented by City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department. More info on the Facebook event page.
4.Maple Hill Golf – Huge Golf LIquidation Sale
Speaking of a different kind of golf, the one where I yell “Heads Up” all the time, golf lovers can head out this weekend to the DeltaPlex in Walker for this huge liquidation sale. Presented by Maple Hill Golf, more than $2 million worth of equipment will be for sale. This year’s event marks the 22nd year of the sale, and the first year at the DeltaPlex. Hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $5. Ages 12 and younger free. More info at www.deltaplex.com.
3. Public Skate at Van Andel Arena
If you have missed free skating at Rosa Parks Circle this winter, it’s back this weekend. No, the construction project is still going on, but thanks to the city’s parks and recreation department, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI) and Van Andel Arena, free skating is available on Sunday (Jan. 16) at Van Andel Arena. You must reserve a skating time, but walk ups are an option. Each session is 90 minutes and open to 150 skaters. (100 skating spots are reservable, with the remaining 50 available for walk-up skating on a first-come first-served basis.) Go online to reserve up to six skaters at a time, HERE. Group reservations should only be made with people in the same household as the registrant. Visitors may bring their own skates. Rentals are available. Hockey equipment, such as hockey sticks and pucks, are not allowed on the ice. Hours are 2-3:30 p.m., 4-5:30 p.m., and 6-7:30 p.m.
By the way, the Grand Rapids Griffins are in town Friday and Saturday. Games are at 7 p.m. each night. More info at https://www.vanandelarena.com/events.
We are all jumping for joy that theater has returned. “Hairspray” comes to DeVos Performance Hall this week. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)
2. “Hairspray”
Despite postponing opening night because of COVID concerns among the touring cast, the Broadway production of “Hairspray” opened Wednesday night to great reviews. Fans loved the show, as well as the return of major tours to Grand Rapids. It’s been nearly two years since Broadway Grand Rapids has been able to present a show. “Hairspray” continues through Monday, Jan. 17 at DeVos Performance Hall. (Monday’s show is the rescheduled date for the Jan. 11 postponement.) For ticket information and showtimes, go to devosperformancehall.com.
As part of its Martin Luther King Jr. Day community service project, the city will be collecting donations for its Little Free Pantry locations. (Supplied)
Unity Walk to Honor MLK
The City of Kentwood was supposed to host a unity walk in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. at 9 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 15), but it has been changed “due to the frigid temperatures forecasted for this weekend, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone Saturday’s Unity Walk. We will share information about the rescheduled event once details are finalized.”
Organizers had hoped to help Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry with collecting canned goods after the walk. In a Facebook post, they said: “We hope you’ll still help stock Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, which began in 2017 as an MLK Day community service project. We’re accepting canned goods and other non-perishable items at the Kentwood Activities Center 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. More information, including a list of suggested donations, is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.”
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Bassnectar is bringing Freakstyle 2019 Day of the Dead Dark Parties to SMG-managed Van Andel Arena for two unique sets in the dark Nov. 1-2, 2019, at 7pm. Friday, Nov. 1 will also feature Kursa, Stylust, and SuperDre, and Saturday, Nov. 2 will feature J:Kenzo, Aztek, and Distinct Motive.
Two-day passes will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Sept. 6 at 12pm.
Passes are general admission and will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices as well as online at Ticketmaster.com. See Ticketmaster for all current pricing and availability.
In keeping with the traditions of this special Mexican Holiday, Bassnectar will be setting up a Remembrance Altar, to honor those lost but still cherished in our hearts — in doing this one can sense an even deeper respect for life, and for all the radiant beauty of the present moment.
Aaaaaaannnnnnnd: party-goers are encouraged to paint their faces — feel free to share inspiration with one another, and for those who don’t arrive in face paint, the Bass Network will set up face-painting stations!
Get ready for the unexpected, the strange, and downright weird… freestyle, darkstyle, wildstyle, FREAKSTYLE!!!
This is an 18+ event
About Bassnectar
By combining sound and force with weight, the Bassnectar experience engulfs the senses. The experience of Bassnectar is more visceral than auditory, as the music sets any stage for an adventure without rules or limitations. On Bassnectar’s stage, there is no hesitation in fusing the familiar with the strange or the classic with the cutting edge.
Bassnectar is the brainchild of Lorin Ashton, and his open-sourced musical project is as diverse as it is imaginary, as raw as it is meticulous, and as fierce as it is stunning. Spanning the spectrum of sonic style, the music draws inspiration from every genre imaginable and supplies a synthesis of intense, wobbling basslines and hypnotic soundscapes for a devout international audience that desires the beautiful and the bestial in the same breath.
Tickets for the hilarious actor/comedian go on sale Friday, June 14 at 10am
Charismatic actor and comedian Cedric ‘The Entertainer’is best known for his crowd-pleasing performances in hit films and television shows such as Barbershop, Be Cool, and Madagascar, and now he’s bringing his talents to Grand Rapids for a show at SMG-managed DeVos Performance Hallon Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, at 8pm.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, June 14 at 10am. Tickets will be available at the DeVos Place® and Van Andel Arena® box offices and online at Ticketmaster.com. See Ticketmaster.com for all current pricing and availability.
Cedric’s universal appeal, versatility and tremendous career success spanning film, live performances and television have solidified his standing as one of the premier entertainers in the world. In July of 2018, Cedric received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Other notable accolades Cedric has been honored with are The AFTRA Award of ‘Excellence in Television Programming,’ the NAACP Image Award for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actor’ for The Proud Family, record-breaking four consecutive NAACP Image Awards for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actor’ for The Steve Harvey Show, and The Richard Pryor ‘Comic of the Year Award.’
On the big screen, the multi-talented funnyman has consistently co-starred alongside some of the most renowned film actors. He was most recently seen in the comedy features Why Him?, Barbershop: The Next Cut, Top Five, and many more. Additionally, Cedric has displayed tremendous voiceover talent in the beloved family features Disney’s Planes, Charlotte’s Web, Madagascar and various sequels. Currently, Cedric co-stars with Tracy Morgan and Tiffany Haddish in the new hit TBS comedy series, The Last OG., as well as The Neighborhood, a new TV comedy series on CBS.
As a philanthropist, Cedric founded The Cedric the Entertainer Charitable Foundation, which provides college scholarships and outreach programs to enhance the lives of inner-city youth and their families in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. The foundation has awarded hundreds of scholarships and countless incentives and plans to extend its reach to a national level.
Multi-platinum rock band Shinedown has announced new fall tour dates on their 2019 Attention Attention World Tour, produced by Frank Productions, with a stop in Grand Rapids at SMG-managed Van Andel Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019, at 6:15pm. Shinedown has been selling out arenas and receiving rave reviews during their tour, backed by their biggest, most eye-popping production yet.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, May 17 at 10am. Tickets will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place® box offices and online at Ticketmaster.com. A purchase limit of eight (8) tickets will apply to every order. For all current pricing and availability, visit Ticketmaster.com.
Shinedown’s chart-topping album Attention Attention, out now via Atlantic Records, simultaneously hit #1 on Billboard’s Alternative, Top Rock and Hard Rock Albums Charts, debuted Top 5 on the Billboard 200 and spawned current Top 10 Active Rock hit Monsters, #1 Active Rock hit Devil, and the rousing track The Human Radio, in addition to Get Up.
After building overwhelming anticipation, GRAMMY®-nominated multi-platinum powerhouse trio—Jonas Brothers—announce the details for their 40-city Happiness Begins Tour this summer and fall with special guests Bebe Rexha and Jordan McGraw. The announcement coincides with the launch of the pre-order for the band’s highly anticipated comeback album Happiness Begins, as well as the launch of their official merch store online.
Pre-order Happiness Begins (Republic Records) HERE. For exclusive items from the newly launched official merchandise store visit HERE.
Produced by Live Nation, the Happiness Begins Tour presented byAmerican Airlines and Mastercard kicks off Aug. 7th in Miami, FL before making a stop in Grand Rapids at SMG-managed Van Andel Arena on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, at 7:30pm. This marks the first headline tour for the Jonas Brothers in almost a decade.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, May 10 at 10am. Tickets will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place® box offices and online at Ticketmaster.com. See Ticketmaster.com for all current pricing and availability. A purchase limit of eight (8) tickets will apply to every order.
The Jonas Brothers have also partnered with Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan platform to ensure tickets get in to the hands of their fans, not scalpers or bots. Fans can register now through Monday, May 6th at 10pm ET HERE for the Verified Fan presale. Registered fans who receive a code will have access to purchase tickets before the general public from Wednesday, May 8th at 10am local time through Thursday, May 9th at 10pm local time.
Additionally, TIDAL subscribers will also have access to an exclusive presale beginning Thursday, May 9th at 10am local time through 10pm local time. TIDAL members can find details for purchasing tickets on TIDAL.com/JonasBrothers or via the TIDAL mobile, web and desktop apps.
Jonas Brothers VIP packages will be available and sold exclusively through HOST VIP. VIP package details will be announced on Friday, May 3rd prior to all ticketing pre-sales. VIP packages will be available for purchase on May 10th. A limited number of LaneOne Premium Packages will also be available, including amazing seats in first 5 rows, GA First On Floor, B-Stage VIP Bar area, transportation, preferred entrance and more. CheckLaneOnefor details.
The Happiness Begins pre-order will include instant gratification downloads of the band’s hit singles Sucker and Cool, produced by GRAMMY® Award-winning songwriter, producer, and lead singer of the multi-platinum band One Republic, Ryan Tedder. The third instant gratification titled Only Human, produced by GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Shellback, will follow. Not only will this be the group’s first album since 2009, but it stands out as one of 2019’s most anticipated records.
These announcements set the stage for the boys to light up the Billboard Music Awards tonight with what promises to be a blockbuster performance. The band is expected to perform their first #1 hit at Top 40 radio Sucker, which has just clenched its second consecutive week at #1. Be sure to tune in to NBC at 8pm ET. Next up, you can catch them on Saturday Night Liveon May 11.
Tickets are available at the Van Andel Arena® and DeVos Place® box offices and online at Ticketmaster.com. A purchase limit of eight (8) tickets applies to every order.
The Avett Brothers made mainstream waves with their 2009 major label debut, I and Love and You, landing at #16 on the Billboard Top 200 and garnering critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, Paste, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Time. In 2012,The Carpenter hit #4 on the Billboard Top 200, while People,USA Today, and American Songwriter lauded the album.
The group appeared on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE! twice in a few months’ time. During their second performance, the Brooklyn Philharmonic joined to pay homage to Brooklyn with I and Love and You at Mr. Kimmel’s request. Their eighth studio album, Magpie and the Dandelion, debuted at #5 on the Billboard Top 200. They performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, and accompanied Chris Cornell for a Pearl Jam tribute on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The band supported The Rolling Stones in Raleigh during 2015’s Zip Code Tour.
True Sadness achieved The Avett Brothers’ highest career debut to date and dominated multiple charts. The Rick Rubin-produced album hit #1 on Billboard’s Top Albums Chart, #1 Top Rock Albums Chart, #1 Digital Albums Chart, #3 on the Billboard Top 200 and scored two Grammy nominations.
The Avett Brothers were inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2016. In 2018, HBO premiered May It Last: A Portrait of the Avett Brothers, a documentary co-directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio. Days after this debut, True Sadness launched to #3 on the iTunes Album Chart and #1 on the Rock Albums chart. The Avett Brothers debuted a new song, Roses and Sacrifice, live on Late Night with Seth Meyers in October 2018. The song was released in November 2018, with Rolling Stone calling it a “joyous sing-along.”
Also in November 2018, the band headlined the Concert for Hurricane Florence Relief in Greenville, North Carolina, raising $325,000 to help those affected by Hurricane Florence. The Avett Brothers continue to be revered as one of the top folk-rock acts in the country.
Tickets for the Sept. 19th Miranda Lambert’s ‘Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars’ tour (with very special guests Elle King, Pistol Annies, and Caylee Hammack) go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, April 12 at 10am.
Tickets will be available at the Van Andel Arena® and DeVos Place® box offices and online at Ticketmaster.com. A purchase limit of six (6) tickets will apply to every order. See Ticketmaster.com for all pricing and availability.
What: Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars tour (Miranda Lambert with very special guests Elle King, Pistol Annies, and Caylee Hammack)
The Black Keys have confirmed their extensive, thirty-one-date arena tour of North America — and the “Let’s Rock” Tour will hit Grand Rapids at SMG-managed Van Andel Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019, at 7pm. Special guests Modest Mouse will provide support on all dates, and Jessy Wilson will also open the Grand Rapids show.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, March 22 at 10am. Tickets will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place® box offices and online at Ticketmaster.com. A purchase limit of eight (8) tickets will apply to every order.
Citi is the official presale credit card of The Black Keys — “Let’s Rock” Tour. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning Tuesday, March 19 at 11am local time until Thursday, March 21 at 10pm local time through Citi’s Private Pass program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com/.
Fans on Van Andel Arena’s email list will also have access to a presale beginning Thursday, March 21. To gain access, sign up to the arena’s email list here by Wednesday, March 20 at 3pm local time.
Formed in Akron, Ohio in 2001, The Black Keys have released eight studio albums: their debut The Big Come Up (2002), followed by Thickfreakness (2003) and Rubber Factory (2004), along with their releases on Nonesuch Records, Magic Potion (2006), Attack & Release (2008), Brothers (2010), El Camino (2011), and, most recently, Turn Blue (2014). The band has won six Grammy Awards and headlined festivals including Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Governors Ball.
Chris Stapleton will continue his extensive, sold-out “All-American Road Show” through 2019 with newly confirmed performances this summer and fall. The shows will kick-off July 9 at Allentown’s PPL Center and will makes its way to SMG-managed Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on Friday, August 16, at 7 p.m. Guest openers include Brent Cobb and The Marcus King Band.
Stapleton Fan Club pre-sales will begin Tuesday, January 29 at 10 a.m. local time. For more information visitwww.stapletonfanclub.com.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place® box offices, online at Ticketmaster.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. A purchase limit of four (4) tickets will apply to every order. See Ticketmaster.com for all pricing and availability.
Fans on Van Andel Arena’s email list will have access to a presale on Thursday, January 31 at 10:00 a.m. In order to receive access, sign up to the list by January 30. Sign up for the email list here.
Citi is the official presale credit card of Chris Stapleton’s “All-American Road Show” tour. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets for U.S. dates beginning Tuesday, January 29 at 10:00 AM local time until Thursday, January 31 at 10:00 PM local time through Citi’s Private Pass Program. For complete presale details visitwww.citiprivatepass.com.
The newly confirmed shows follow yet another monumental year for Stapleton, who is nominated in three categories at the 61st GRAMMY Awards: Best Country Album (From A Room: Volume 2) and Best Country Solo Performance (“Millionaire”) as well as Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for his performance on Justin Timberlake’s “Say Something.” Additionally, last year, Stapleton won Male Vocalist of the Year (for the fourth-straight year), Single of the Year (“Broken Halos”) and Song of the Year (“Broken Halos”) at The 52 Annual CMA Awards, Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year (From A Room: Volume 1 as both artist and producer) at the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards, Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist and Top Country Album (From A Room: Volume 1) at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards and Best Country Album (From A Room: Volume 1), Best Country Song (“Broken Halos”) and Best Country Solo Performance (“Either Way”) at the 60th GRAMMY Awards.
Released in December 2017 on Mercury Records Nashville, From A Room: Volume 2 takes its name from Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A (the capital “A” in “From A Room”) where it was recorded with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb. Along with Stapleton on vocals and guitar and Cobb on acoustic guitar, the album features Morgane Stapleton on harmony vocals as well as longtime band-members J.T. Cure on bass and Derek Mixon on drums.
In addition to his work as a solo artist, Stapleton is also featured on Justin Timberlake’s “Say Something.” The music video—which was filmed in a single shot at L.A.’s historic Bradbury Building—has been viewed over 287 million times. Watch here.
Country Music Hall of Famer Alan Jackson will bring a night of hits to Michigan with a concert at SMG-managed Van Andel Arena on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, at 7:30pm.
Tickets and information are available at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices or by visiting alanjackson.com/tour, where you can find information about Alan, his tour schedule, music and more.
Alan Jackson’s concerts find the country icon performing hits that have gained him legions of longtime fans, songs that continue to draw new crowds as a younger generation discovers his music. Jackson’s repertoire stands the test of time; it has impacted a field of artists who cite Jackson as an influence. It’s these same songs – many written by Alan – that earned him his place alongside country music’s greatest names and cemented his place in its history with membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Recently inducted to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Jackson’s membership among music’s all-time greats is part of a long line of career-defining accolades that include three CMA Entertainer of the Year honors, more than 25 years of membership in the Grand Ole Opry, a 2016 Billboard ranking as one of the Top 10 Country Artists of All-Time, induction to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Heritage Award as the most-performed country songwriter-artist of ASCAP’s first 100 years.
The man from rural Newnan, GA has sold nearly 60-million albums worldwide, ranks as one of the 10 best-selling male vocalists of all-time in all genres. He has released more than 60 singles – registering 50 Top Ten hits and 35 #1s (including 26 Billboard chart-toppers). He has earned more than 150 music industry awards – including 18 Academy of Country Music Awards, 16 Country Music Association Awards, a pair of Grammys and ASCAP’s Founders and Golden Note Awards. Jackson is one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music.
He is in the elite company of Paul McCartney and John Lennon among songwriters who’ve written more than 20 songs that they’ve recorded and taken to the top of the charts. Jackson is one of the best-selling artists since the inception of SoundScan, ranking alongside the likes of Eminem and Metallica. He’s also the man behind one of Nashville’s most-popular new tourist stops, AJ’s Good Time Bar, a four-story honky-tonk in the heart of downtown (along a stretch of Broadway known as the “Honky Tonk Highway”) featuring daily live music and a rooftop view of Music City.
The first Grand Rapids show Kenny Chesney announced for April 6 at SMG-managed Van Andel Arena on his Songs for the Saints 2019 Tour sold out quickly. So quickly that a second show for Sunday, April 7, has been added.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, January 18 at 10:00 AM. Tickets will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place® box offices, online at Ticketmaster.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. See Ticketmaster.com for all pricing and availability.
After playing 19 major stadium concerts, breaking 11 records and playing to over 1.3 million members of No Shoes Nation, Kenny Chesney decided to scale things back, head to where the fans are and create a more intimate concert experience. Though known for his high impact shows, Songs for the Saints 2019 Tour is going to bring all the energy, all the intensity and all the songs to select markets.
“I wanted to bring the music to the people, knowing how many members of No Shoes Nation travel to see our stadium shows,” the man the Los Angeles Times hailed “The People’s Superstar” said of his 2019 tour. “To me, making the rooms a little smaller, coming to where the fans live, we’re changing the dynamic – and I think it’s going to be pretty cool. It’s a lot of people’s hometowns, and that’s always awesome energy.”
Joining the songwriter/superstar on Songs for the Saints 2019 Tour is good friend and hard country icon David Lee Murphy. Murphy’s feel good faith in the universe “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” became his second and Chesney’s 29th No. 1 – and scored the pair the 2018 CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year.
With “Better Boat,” Chesney’s duet with Mindy Smith from the deeply personal Songs for the Saints climbing the charts, the 8-time Entertainer of the Year is turning his attention back to the fans, the music and the road. Profiled in The New York Times in early November for his intersective approach to music through sports, the man from East Tennessee believes in the power of music to heal people wherever they are.
“One thing people who’ve been coming to see us know is that every night, I tell people, ‘Whatever your problems are, I want you to leave them out there… and for one night, I want you to forget about it, and have the time of your life,’” he explains. “It’s not that we don’t have serious songs, or heartbreak songs, but I want people to feel what they need to feel, sing as loud as they can and have the kind of night everybody needs to feel the best part of being alive.”
Earlier this year, The New YorkTimes further recognized that power, offering, “Everything country learned from arena rock is in the mix…the music gives him heroic, wide-open spaces,” while the Cleveland Plain Dealer offered, “Chesney makes you feel better, better about yourself, better about life,” and Variety noted, “Country Music’s only true long-term stadium act.”
“To me, songs are personal. That is until you play them for others. Now when I hear the audience singing along on “Noise,” or “Get Along,” or “American Kids,” it’s their song every bit as much as it’s mine. They throw so much light and heart on everything, even a sad one like “Anything But Mine,” the songs shine. So for us, getting out there and hearing these songs again just reminds us how powerful they are. And getting to take them to some places we’ve missed, playing some rooms where we can really see all the faces? That’s really awesome, too.”
Mike Epps is generating an extraordinary amount of buzz among his peers for being not only one of the funniest comic actors in town, but also for his burgeoning dramatic talent. Now Epps will bring his talents to Grand Rapids for one show at SMG-managed Van Andel Arena on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 8pm. The show will also feature Rickey Smiley, DC Young Fly, Earthquake, and Lavell Crawford.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Nov. 16 at 10am. Tickets will be available at the DeVos Place® and Van Andel Arena box offices, online atTicketmaster.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. See Ticketmaster for all current pricing and availability.
Epps steadily climbed his way up the stand-up comedy ranks when he was recognized by a national audience in 1995 for appearing on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam (which, years later, he would go on to host). During a performance at LA’s Comedy Store, Epps caught the attention of Ice Cube. This led to the first of three feature films they would do together: the cult hits “Next Friday,” “Friday after Next,” and “All About the Benjamins.”
In 2011, he was awarded an NAACP Image Award for “Best Supporting Actor” for his role in the Sony Pictures film, “Jumping the Broom.” He continued to receive critical praise for his dramatic turn in 2012 with “Sparkle,” opposite Whitney Houston and Jordan Sparks. In 2016, he further pursued his dramatic side with two important roles: starring opposite Forest Whitaker and Anthony Mackie in the Lionsgate thriller, “Repentance,” being released through Lionsgate/Codeblack Entertainment, followed by the independent Nina Simone biopic, “Nina,” starring Zoe Saldana.
Mike was seen in three seasons of the Starz series “Survivor’s Remorse” produced by LeBron James and Mike O’Malley, and he won a 2016 NAACP Image award for “Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series” for his portrayal as Uncle Julius. On TV he can be seen opposite Queen Latifah in Fox’s “Star,” and he produced the first BET Social Media Awards which aired February 11. On March 28, Harper Collins released his autobiography called Unsuccessful Thug, written by Mike about his life and childhood.
After an epic and storied 45 year career that launched an era of rock n roll legends,KISS has announced that they will launch their final tour ever in 2019, appropriately namedEND OF THE ROAD. The initial announcement was made a month ago on NBC’sAmerica’s Got Talentwhich sent the internet into overdrive with fans hoping their city would get one final KISS show.
The band has announced the first set of dates and cities in North America, produced by Live Nation. The tour will stop at SMG-managedVan Andel Arenain Grand Rapids onSaturday, March 9, 2019 at 7:30pm. KISS will be offering VIP experiences and special KISS Army fan presales.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Nov. 2 at 10am. Tickets will be available at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, online atTicketmaster.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. A purchase limit of eight (8) tickets will apply to every order. SeeTicketmaster.com for all pricing and availability.
KISS Meet & Greet Experiences will be available beginning Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 10am local time throughkissonline.com. KISS Army fan club presales will begin Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 10am local time also through kissonline.com. Citi is the official presale credit card for the End of the Road World Tour. As such, Citi card members will have access to purchase U.S. presale tickets beginning Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 12pm local time until Thursday, November 1 at 10:00 PM local time through Citi’s Private Pass program. For complete presale details visitcitiprivatepass.com.
The venue presale will run on Thursday, Nov., from 10am-10pm. The presale will be offered online atTicketmaster.comonly while supplies last. To receive the presale code, be sure to sign up to the Van Andel Arena e-mail list atVanAndelArena.comby Tuesday, Oct. 30.
Known for their trademark larger-than-life blistering performances, KISS has proven for decades why they are hands down the most iconic live show in rock n roll. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers who have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide have said this tour is devoted to the millions of KISS Army fans.
“All that we have built and all that we have conquered over the past four decades could never have happened without the millions of people worldwide who’ve filled clubs, arenas and stadiums over those years. This will be the ultimate celebration for those who’ve seen us and a last chance for those who haven’t. KISS Army, we’re saying goodbye on our final tour with our biggest show yet and we’ll go out the same way we came in… Unapologetic and Unstoppable,” said KISS.
After returning this summer with their first extensive North American tour since 1981, Jeff Lynne’s ELO is set to bring their outstanding live show to even more audiences with a 20-date summer 2019 tour. The trek, produced by Live Nation, will travel to SMG-managed Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 8pm.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Monday, Oct. 29 at 10am. Tickets will be available at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, online at Ticketmaster.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. A purchase limit of six (6) tickets will apply to every order. See Ticketmaster.com for all pricing and availability.
Anticipation was at an all-time high surrounding their 10+ date North American tour this summer, with fan and critical acclaim pouring in:
“Jeff Lynne’s ELO revives ‘70s symph-pop greatness… a brilliant catalog returns to U.S. stages and gives the strings-starved people what they want. The ELO catalog speaks for itself… and it was a glorious thing to behold… in a 19-song set that reprised the closest thing to truly Beatle-level pop the 1970s had to offer.” – Variety
“Jeff Lynne’s ELO proves timeless & spectacular… When Lynne came out with the group, the crowd went wild. The show was loaded with virtually every top hit the band recorded. Every musician on stage was fantastic while the arrangements and sound quality almost made the audience forget they were watching a live performance and not listening to their old LP records.” – Glide Magazine
“Jeff Lynne, ELO deliver night of magic memories… the band’s 20-song set proved to be well worth the long wait… Lynne led his band through some 90 minutes of glorious Electric Light Orchestra classics in front of a sold-out crowd. ELO’s music still sounds light years ahead of most of the bands heard on pop music radio today.” – San Jose Mercury News
“Jeff Lynne’s ELO prove that spacy pop rock is still a livin’ thing… one of the most flawless and visually stunning arena shows I’ve seen in a long time. Complete with monstrous lights, lasers and the mandatory ELO spaceship hovering behind the band on video screens, the show was as grand and engrossing as a blockbuster movie — a ’70s blockbuster movie, that is.” – LA Weekly
“Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra put on a dazzling display chronicling a war chest of classic rock hits for a sold out crowd.” – Martinez Tribune
“Jeff Lynne’s ELO is practically a religious experience for rock ‘n’ roll disciples.” – Houston Press
“For all the gifted musicians that helped achieve Lynne’s perfectionist vision, ELO was always his creation, a neon-hued Frankenstein’s monster built from bits of early rock-and-roll, symphonic themes, Beatles harmonies, and disco beats. All of those pieces came together flawlessly… played to perfection.” – The Philadelphia Inquirer
Known as one of the most iconic forces in music history, Jeff Lynne’s ELO has spent the last two years with a critically acclaimed and chart-topping album, a sold out run of UK and European shows, as well as an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band has always been known for their epic live shows and with a distinct style that seamlessly and innovatively blends rock, pop and classical, ELO has had more than 20 Top 40 Hits across the U.S. and the U.K., making Lynne’s sweeping productions some of the most recognizable music of the last forty years and helping sell over 50 million records worldwide.
Widely agreed upon as one of the greatest record producers in music history, Lynne was a co-founder and member of The Travelling Wilburys together with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty, as well as a producer and collaborator with some of the biggest names in music including The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Joe Walsh, and most recently, Bryan Adams.
Columbia Artists Management and the Ministry of Culture of The People’s Republic of China continue their ongoing collaboration to present the Chinese Warriors of Peking. This new production is filled with high-intensity martial arts and breathtaking acrobatics, set during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), to tell the tale of two rival martial arts disciplines competing in the ancient Chinese capital of Peking. Under the direction of Qui Jian, the Chinese Warrior of Peking provides a culturally enriching experience filled with juggling, acrobatics, weapons handling, and live stage combat. The cultural show comes to Grand Rapids for a live performance on Oct. 30, 2018 at 7:30pm in DeVos Performance Hall.
Tickets are available at the DeVos Place® and Van Andel Arena® box offices, online at Ticketmaster.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. See Ticketmaster for all current pricing and availability.
The company of the Chinese Warriors of Peking was founded in 1958 as a group of Chinese acrobats and martial artists. The Chinese Warriors of Peking have been on many tours in the past two decades. Most recently, the company performed in Denmark for six months in 2011 and in Britain for ten months in 2013. In 2016, the company’s performance of Pagoda of Bowls was selected by the American UniverSoul Circus to tour around the United States with the circus for more than ten months. The company’s Slack Wire act was picked by Cirque du Soleil and has toured with Cirque du Soleil around the world.
The company acts have won many awards throughout the years as well. In July 2005, its Bicycle and Slack Wire performance won first place, Ring Diving and Spinning Plates routine won 2nd place and Diabolo and Feet Juggling won 3rd place at the 3rd Shandong Provincial Acrobatics and Magic Competition. In 2010, at the 4th Shandong Provincial Acrobatics and Magic Competition, the company’s Bicycle routine won first place and the Diabolo and Swinging Poles routine won 2nd place. In 2012, at the 5th Shandong Provincial Acrobatics and Magic Competition, the troupe’s Stacking Chairs and Swinging Poles routine won first place. Most recently, the troupe’s Spinning Plates routine won 2nd place at the 6th Shandong Provincial acrobatics and Magic Competition in July 2016.
The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the most electrifying athletes on the planet, will bring their spectacular show to Grand Rapids during their 2019 World Tour. The famed team will feature a star-studded roster that includes Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm.* The Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. The Globetrotters will play at Van Andel Arena on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019 at 2pm.
Every game will showcase incredible ball-handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. Prepare to be amazed as the Globetrotters showcase basketball’s first 4-point line, located 30 feet from the basket — 6 feet, 3 inches beyond the top of the NBA’s current 3-point line. You won’t want your family to miss it — buy your tickets today.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 10am. Tickets will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, online at Ticketmaster.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. See Ticketmaster for all current pricing and availability.
The Harlem Globetrotters® are legendary worldwide, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills for the past 92 years. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 123 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience.
Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans — among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents — over nine thrilling decades. The American Red Cross is the official charity of the Harlem Globetrotters. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit the Globetrotters’ official website, and follow them on Twitter @Globies.
*Rosters will vary in each city and are subject to change.
After a career that has spanned more than 50 years, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band will hit the road for one last time on their final tour. More dates are being added to Seger’s previously announced dates, giving fans one more opportunity to see Seger and the band live. The Travelin’ Man tour kicks off on Wednesday, November 21 in Grand Rapids at SMG-managed Van Andel Arena.
Tickets for the Grand Rapids date will go on sale Friday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place® box offices, online at Ticketmaster.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. A purchase limit of four (4) tickets will apply to every order. SeeTicketmaster.com for all pricing and availability.
Bob Seger fan club members will have special access to purchase tickets in advance of the scheduled on-sale dates. To become a Bullet Club member, visit BobSeger.com/bulletclub. For additional information on Bob Seger, please visit BobSeger.com. Stream your Bob Seger favorites, here.
The one and only Cher is set to hit the road with the HERE WE GO AGAIN Tour beginning Jan. 17, in Ft. Myers, FL. The tour will visit Grand Rapids at Van Andel Arena on Wednesday, May 8, at 8 p.m.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, Sept. 14 at noon. Tickets will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place® box offices, online at Ticketmaster.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. A purchase limit of eight (8) tickets will apply to every order. See Ticketmaster.com for all pricing and availability. U.S. and Canadian residents who purchase tickets online will be able to redeem (1) physical or digital copy of Cher’s new album “Dancing Queen.” All albums must be redeemed by May 19, 2019.
Citi® is the official presale credit card for the HERE WE GO AGAIN Tour. As such, Citi® card members will have access to purchase U.S. presale tickets beginning Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday, Sept. 13 at 10 p.m. local time through Citi’s Private Pass®program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.
Following the recent global success and rave reviews for Cher’s role in the Mamma Mia 2 – Here We Go Again film, the multi-award winning singer, actress and show-stopping performer will be crossing the U.S. for the first time in five years. Cher is expected to perform many of her hits along with some new songs from the Dancing Queen album – Cher’s tribute to the music of ABBA – out September 28th. Dancing Queen is currently available for pre-order. The Oscar, Emmy, Cannes Film Festival and Grammy Award winning icon is scheduled to be honored at the Kennedy Center later this year. She is also co-producer of The Cher Show, the upcoming Broadway musical opening December 3rd and is currently touring Australia and New Zealand. Cher is currently doing a series of residencies in Las Vegas.
On Thursday, May 31, Canopy by Hilton, Hilton’s lifestyle hotel brand, along with Michigan-based Lodgco Hospitality and Olsen Loeks Development, celebrated the groundbreaking of Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown. Slated to open in summer 2020, the property will provide a comfortable stay for guests in search of thoughtfully-local experiences in the energetic Downtown Grand Rapids neighborhood.
The 155-room hotel, which includes 2,400 square feet of meeting space as well as a transfer lounge where guests can relax, change their clothes or store luggage in lieu of an extended check out, is located at 131 Ionia Ave., SW, at the corner of Ionia Avenue and Cherry Street in downtown Grand Rapids. The rapidly expanding area is set to be popular destination with an exterior piazza, a nine-screen Studio C! movie theater, apartments, retail and office space as well as a parking ramp in the first phase. Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown, which will employ up to 90 local residents, will sit as the southwest anchor of the larger development of Studio Park, which is being developed by Jackson Entertainment, an offshoot of Celebration! Cinema Group.
“Grand Rapids Downtown is an ideal neighborhood for our Canopy by Hilton brand,” said Gary Steffen, global head, Canopy by Hilton. “The community is both a business hub and recreational destination with attractive shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities. We are confident that our hotel will reflect the best of the neighborhood through locally-inspired design, partnerships and food and drink.”
As with all Canopy by Hilton hotels, Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown is inspired and influenced by its local surroundings. The hotel’s design will reflect the old warehouse buildings previously in the neighborhood with oversize aluminum windows in the guest rooms and use of exterior brick. A two-story glass façade along Ionia Street provides fantastic daylight to public areas. The interior design concept will have a touch of mid-century modern design which has deep roots in the Grand Rapids area.
The property will be home to a café, known as Canopy Central, featuring a casual menu offering, as well as a bar serving local breweries. The hotel will also include an upscale, intimate local biergarten-themed rooftop bar with a view of the city, open air seating on balconies with a fire pit and will be open to the public. This bar will allow guests and patrons to experience the local neighborhood through locally themed food, craft beers, as well as locally-themed aesthetics. Canopy by Hilton properties also offer Wi-Fi and a local artisanal breakfast included in the room rate.
“We wanted to be able to share this ground-breaking ceremony with the community, this is going to be a hub of activity for the neighborhood and travelers will be able to experience the local vibe of Grand Rapids,” said Lodgco Hospitality PresidentAnn Kelly.
Due to changing industry trends and consumer buying patterns, SMG-managed venues DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids will implement new box office hours beginning next week on Monday, May 7. The box offices at both venues will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday on non-event days under the new schedule. Additional evening and weekend hours will vary in accordance with the venues’ event schedules.
Fans will still be able to purchase tickets online via Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000 outside of the venues’ box office hours. Additionally, each venue has a free mobile app for Apple and Android devices with a full list of upcoming events and direct links to Ticketmaster purchase pages, the only verified source of tickets online for the venues.
“With the growing prevalence of digital and the around-the-clock service that it provides, we feel now is a good time for these new box office hours,” said SMG Regional General Manager Richard MacKeigan. “Fans can still buy tickets online 24/7, and we are happy to continue offering the in-person touch point during our daily box office hours.”
The current line up of the Eagles includes Don Henley, Deacon Frey (Glenn Frey’s son), Joel Walsh, Vince Gill and Timothy B. Schmit
Due to the overwhelming response for the announced Eagles’ 2018 tour dates, 13 more “An Evening with the Eagles” concerts have been added to the band’s 2018 tour, which kicks off on March 12 in Indianapolis, Indiana, and comes toVan Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on Thursday, March 15, at 8 p.m. In addition, a stadium concert has been added on Friday, June 15 in Houston, Texas at Minute Maid Field with Chris Stapleton sharing the bill.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. Ticket prices are $99.50, $229.50 and $399.50 (VIP) and will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place® box offices, online at Ticketmaster.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. A purchase limit of eight (8) tickets will apply to every order and prices are subject to change.
American Express® Card Members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public beginning Monday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m. through Thursday, Dec. 14, at 10 p.m. local time. Additional presale opportunities will be available beginning Thursday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m., including the venue presale.Click here to join the Van Andel Arena e-mail list for access to the venue presale information. For complete ticket information, visit Eagles.com.
Media have raved over recent concerts –
“…this recent tour’s set list has leaned heavily on the group’s mighty catalog of familiar and, based on the crowd’s wildly enthusiastic response, beloved singles.” – Rolling Stone
“…as expected, musically it was almost perfect throughout the night.” – Forbes
“…impeccable harmonies and musicianship all night long…” – Elmore Magazine
“…the powerful performance felt like a proper celebration of Frey and the legacy of one of the most successful bands of all time.” – Time Out
“The Eagles understand that getting fans to fall in love with a band …requires songs that make listeners believe they belong too.” – Los Angeles Times
The EAGLES are one of the most influential and commercially successful American rock bands of all time. With their profound lyrics, harmonies and country-tinged melodies, they created a signature Southern California sound. The Eagles have sold more than 120 million albums worldwide, have scored six #1 albums and have topped the singles charts five times. The band has been awarded six GRAMMY® Awards. The Eagles have performed sold-out concert tours worldwide throughout their career. The band’s 2014 History of the Eagles Tour broke numerous U.S. box office records and included five sold-out concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY and six sold-out concerts at the Forum in Inglewood, California. The Eagles were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 in their first year of eligibility and received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2016.
Every four years, the Winter Olympics not only give us a chance to celebrate and revel in our favorite athletes, but also to discover some incredible new breakout stars. Ardent fans of figure skating have become familiar with U.S. National Champion Nathan Chen, but by the time the 2018 Winter Olympic Games are over, the world will be as well. Chen, the first skater to land five different quadruple jumps in a single competition program, will be a key member of an immensely talented U.S. Figure Skating Team looking to grab Gold at the Olympics. He will also be the centerpiece of the “2018 Stars on Ice” tour that will feature many of the skaters vying for a medal for the U.S. in the 2018 Winter Olympics. The Tour will arrive in Grand Rapids Friday, May 4, for a 7:30 p.m. performance at Van Andel Arena.
This year’s “Stars on Ice” tour will put American fans front and center to experience the best of the U.S. Figure Skating team that will compete in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Joining Chen will be Olympic medal hopefuls including; three-time National Champion and 2016 World Silver Medalist Ashley Wagner, two-time Ice Dance National Champions and three-time World medalists Maia & Alex Shibutani, 2017 U.S. Ladies Champion Karen Chen, as well as National Champion, and huge crowd favorite,Jason Brown. The Emmy Award-winning production will also feature U.S. Olympic royalty, Ice Dance Gold Medalists Meryl Davis & Charlie White.
Tickets for the “2018 Stars on Ice” tour will go on sale Friday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m. Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.starsonice.com, Ticketmaster.com, the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place® box offices, and by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Limited on-ice seating is available upon request. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. Please visit www.starsonice.com for the most up to date information and show announcements. Ticket prices are subject to change. Additional fees will apply.
The smoking area during events at Van Andel Arena will be relocated from the plaza in front of the building to outside the southeast corner of the venue for all events, effective immediately. The relocation will allow more efficient access for patrons coming and going from the arena as well as better flow on the front plaza.
The new smoking area will be accessible from the concourse by the stairs located at the southeast end of the arena. Fans with accessibility needs can use the elevator at the southeast corner of the concourse to access the smoking area outside of the employee entrance and will be wrist banded for re-entry.
The smoking area will be available for fans beginning with the opening of doors until 30 minutes prior to the end of a show or midway through the final period of sporting events.
Continuing SMG’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure facility, security staff will continue to be present in the smoking area at all times.
Additions to security protocol have been implemented at one of Grand Rapids’ premier entertainment venues this summer. SMG, the worldwide venue management company that manages Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place and DeVos Performance Hall, has incorporated new security procedures at Van Andel Arena that patrons will want to be aware of before they head downtown for their next concert or hockey game.
In order to help create a safe and secure environment for all employees and guests, Van Andel Arena has implemented a new security screening policy, including a visual inspection and metal detection screening of all patrons, vendors and contractors entering the venue on game and event days. This means that the pass through metal detectors that you may have seen if you have attended an event at the arena recently will be in use for all events going forward.
A purse or bag can not exceed 14x14x6 inches.
In addition, a new bag policy is in place for all guests attending events. The arena’s updated bag policy requires that bags must be 14” x 14” x 6” or smaller in order to be brought inside the venue. This is the size of a mid-size purse. On event days, staff, vendors and guests entering the front of the building to access the Box Office or administrative office will have all bags screened and tagged prior to entry into the facility. Backpacks are not permitted, and diaper bags and medical bags will be permitted only following search and full security screening. A full list of prohibited items can be found on the Van Andel Arena website.
“The safety and security of our guests and employees continues to be a top priority at Van Andel Arena,” said SMG Regional General Manager Richard MacKeigan. “We will continue to look for further ways to enhance our security measures in an effort to provide both a safe and enjoyable guest experience.”
One of rock’s most legendary and defining bands, THE WHOannounced today that they will return to Grand Rapids to perform at Van Andel Arena for one night only on July 25, at 7:30 p.m. The London Souls will open the show.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, March 24 at 11:00 AM. Ticket prices are $39.50, $59.50, $82 and $139.50 and will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place® box offices, online at Ticketmaster.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. VIP packages will be available via Ticketmaster. A purchase limit of eight (8) tickets will apply to each order and prices are subject to change.
Fans can expect the band to take them on an ‘Amazing Journey’ through their entire career from the days of ‘The High Numbers’ to classic albums such as ‘Who’s Next’ ‘Tommy,’ ‘Quadrophenia,’ ‘My Generation’ and ‘Live at Leeds’ up to the present day.
Fans making their way to Van Andel Arena for the Stevie Nicksconcert on Wednesday night will notice something bright and shiny on the front of the arena.
The holiday season has arrived once again which means Van Andel Arena will have itself wrapped in more than just a busy schedule of events. A giant, red ribbon has been installed on the face of the arena to celebrate the holidays.
This will be the third season the ribbon, decked out in many red lights to shine a bright and stunning display throughout the night, has been installed on the arena. It is eight feet wide and spans across the front of Van Andel Arena, reaching 300 feet all the way across.
As it has the previous three years, the ribbon will remain displayed on the arena throughout the holiday season.
In lieu of a tree, arena staff decided to do something a little different to celebrate the holidays in 2014 by installing the ribbon. Christmas Décor by Lakeshore Lighting built the ribbon for the arena and installs it each year.
The Avett Brothers, Nov. 12, at Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Mi.
In an October interview prior to the band’s visit to West Michigan, Scott Avett said of the musical philosophy of The Avett Brothers band: “The fact that we run the gamut, that we are inspired by a lot of different types of music, that has always been us. That is always something that we just naturally do. We have never had to think about it.”
The truth of Scott’s words were clearly evident Saturday night during a 25-or-so song, 2-hour-20 set for a large, boisterous, appreciative but not-overwhelming or sold-out Van Andel Arena crowd – the band’s now decade-old set list runs from North Carolina bluegrass with a yodel or two thrown in, to straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll with lead guitarist Seth Avett up on a speaker shredding on his electric.
And, you know, it appears they did not have to really think all that much about it. The two hours just flowed by and the audience was left with a collective sigh and a feeling that they just heard a great band in their prime.
With no opening act – and none needed or desired – The Avett Brothers took the stage like men at work, opened with the banjo-focused “D Bag Rag” before sliding into the understated and melancholy “Down with the Shine” and then reaching full voice and stage presence with “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise.”
From there, with very little talk from the stage, the brothers took turns at the mic and at the forefront – with ample chorus and instrumental solo support from each other and from core band members bassist Bob Crawford and cellist Joe Kwon. Each brother also welcomed and encouraged audience sing-a-long on several more well-known tunes. They played their songs and played to their audience.
May I have more, please?
Highlights of the night, this being my first time seeing the band live and being a fairly new acolyte, was “Head Full of Doubt” early, “True Sadness”, “Ain’t No Man” and especially “Fisher Road to Hollywood” off their newest release, and a sweet, simple ode to the recently and dearly departed Leonard Cohen with “Hallelujah”.
And, of course, closing with “I and Love and You” — a perfect song to end a concert for family and friends — was a perfect encore ending.
It may be just grabbing for a lifeline in these troubling times, but it also struck me as I listened to “Head Full of Doubt” that I may be listening to the song which, 10 years down the American Road, will bring back the days of President Trump.
“There’s a darkness upon me that’s flooded in light/In the fine print they tell me what’s wrong and what’s right/And it comes in black and it comes in white/And I’m frightened by those that don’t see it”
Yes, the song was written almost a decade ago and released in 2009, so it was not and is not some political or social statement by the band. But that does not stop people from taking a current meaning from it — or the band giving a current meaning to it.
Van Andel Arena has been celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and the party is set to keep going. The venue is inviting the community to celebrate at the Halloween Open House on Sunday, Oct. 23 from 12–4 pm.
The event is free and open to the public as a way for Van Andel Arena to show gratitude for the support of the community over the past 20 years.
Plenty of activities and freebies are planned for the Halloween-themed event. The first 5,000 people through the doors will enjoy a free hot dog, popcorn, and Pepsi, and the first 2,000 people will be given a treat – a 20th birthday cupcake.
Other activities to enjoy are costume contests, a live DJ, trick-or-treating and bag decoration stations, Halloween photo stations, self-guided tours of the building, ticket giveaways, and more, including a chance to take a slapshot on the ice, shoot hoops on the basketball floor, and have your picture taken with a Zamboni.
The event will be a fun-filled, family-friendly day and guests are encouraged to show up in costume to get into the Halloween spirit.
The area’s witches and warlocks, princesses and ninjas will be heading down the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation’s annual Pumpkin Path Saturday, Oct. 8 at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. The event runs from 4 – 6 p.m. and features area businesses and organizations handing out treats and items to those who come by. The event is free to the public. For more, check out the story.
Celebrating the harvest
The City of Kentwood wraps up its famers market season with a very special event this Saturday, Oct. 8, a Harvest Celebration. Music and games will be part of the activities with the market’s usual vendors in attendance as well. Produce, flowers and homemade goods are some of the items you can expect to find. The event is from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the Kent District Library Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The event is free to the public.
Me and My Brother
Care Ballet kicks off its season with the Brothers Grimm classic “Hansel & Gretel.” No more than an hour in length, Care Ballet’s productions are a perfect way to introduce youngsters into the world of dance. The fall production is Saturday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 9, at 3 p.m. with all shows at the East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center, 2211 Lake Dr. SE. Tickets are $10/students and $15/adults and can be purchased through www.careballet.org.
Madame Overdone (Ariana Martineau) discusses her call girls with Lucio (Liam Purtle) in Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure.” Photo courtesy of GVSU University Communications.
For Good Measure
The production for this year’s Grand Valley State University’s Shakespeare Festival is the Bard’s darkest comedy “Measure for Measure.” The story tackles the twin evils of power and corruption with outrageous humor, giving hope to the hopeless and courage to the powerless. His city caught in a moral free-fall, the Duke of Vienna hands over power to Lord Angelo, who enforces long-dormant codes of chastity with zealous fervor. When Isabella, a pious young nun, pleads for the life of her condemned brother, Angelo’s response is surprisingly sensual — revealing a web of desire, deception, and hypocrisy that infects every corner of society. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Oct. 6 and 7 and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8 and 9 at GVSU’s Louis Armstrong Theatre, located on the Allendale Campus at 1 Campus Drive. Tickets are $14/adults, $12/alumni/seniors/faculty/staff, $6 students/groups. Call 616-331-2300.
Gerald Arpino’s “Light Rain” will be one of three works presented Oct. 7-9 by the Grand Rapids Ballet as part of its MoveMedia; Made in America program. (Supplied photo)
Two for the Money
Two other performances highlighted earlier this week are the “I Love the 90s” show set for Saturday, Oct. 8, at Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton. The show is in celebration of the Van Andel’s 20th year with ticket prices at $35 and $20. The show is at 7:30 p.m. For more, click here.
Also the Grand Rapids Ballet kicks off its season with “MoveMedia: Made in America,” Friday- Sunday, Oct. 7 – 9, at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth Ave. SW. Showtimes re 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. For more, click here for the story.
With his home repair show and “Dancing With the Stars,” it is hard to imagine that Robert Matthew Van Winkle, a.k.a. Vanilla Ice, has any time to do much else.
But the rapper best known for the nineties song “Ice Ice Baby,” has been touring the past few months in the “I Love the 90s” show featuring himself and Salt N Pepa with the Spinderella, Kid N Play, All 4 One, Rob Base and Tone Loc.
And since the Van Andel Arena was open in the nineties — Oct. 8, 1996 — the “I Love the 90s” show is perhaps the perfect one to celebrate the arena’s twentieth anniversary. So the arena will be reliving the nineties on Saturday, Oct. 8, at 7:30 p.m.
The entire night will have a 1990s theme to celebrate the Van Andel Arena’s 20th anniversary including a special $20 ticket price and 1996 concession stand prices.
Van Winkle made it big in the early 1990s with “Ice Ice Baby,” but by 1994 had taken a break from the music industry to become the No. 6 ranked sit-down Jet Ski racer earning a Kawasaki sponsorship.
In the mid-1990s, Van Winkle began to study real estate and started working on the side renovating and selling houses. In 2009, he started filming the reality television series “The Vanilla Ice Project,” which is on DIY Network. The show is now in its sixth season and lead to Van Winkle writing a book “Vanilla Ice Project — Real Estate Guide.”
Vanilla Ice with MC Hammer
Van Winkle continues to do a number of different things, including acting, along with performing. Most recently, he can be seen on the current season of “Dancing With the Stars” where in his first dance he performed a cha cha to “Ice Ice Baby.”
No word on whether he will do that cha cha at the Oct. 8 performance, but he will perform his hit “Ice Ice Baby.” Other nineties hits on the playlist are “Push It,” “Let’s Talk About Sex,” “Shoop,” featuring Salt N Pepa with Spinderella; Tone Loc’s “Funky Cold Medina;” Rob Base’s “It Takes Two;” “ and All-4-One’s “I Swear.”
Tickets are $20 and $35 and available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1-800-745-3000.
There are only four public luge tracks in the country, one of them is right here in West Michigan!
Even though some of us may not be big fans of the cold weather, winter plays host to some of West Michigan’s most fun activities. Coats and boots may be necessary, so pack accordingly! Whether you enjoy speeding down the slopes or taking your time to enjoy the snow covered outdoors, West Michigan will keep you more than entertained during these winter months.
The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex
For some unique winter fun, check out the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, located in Muskegon State Park. They have one of the only four publicly accessible luge tracks in the country! They also have snowboarding, skiing, and sledding on their five miles of groomed track. If you’re not interested in hitting the slopes, there is an ice rink and tracks for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Equipment is available for rent.
JW Marriott
The JW Marriott is helping you embrace and enjoy winter with the JW on Ice package! This package includes passes for ice skating at nearby Rosa Parks Circle, a holiday gift welcome amenity, and a complimentary breakfast from their delicious farm-to-table restaurant, six.one.six, to help you warm up.
Van Andel Arena & DeVos Place
Van Andel Arena will be home to the WCHA Final Five hockey championship on March 18. The men’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) is college hockey’s most historic, tradition-rich and successful conference and their premier conference tournament is coming to Grand Rapids. This two day event pits some the best college hockey teams in the region against each other. Visit the website for more ticket and group sale information.
Crystal Mountain
January is National Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month and Crystal Mountain has you covered with their professional instructors and special lift tickets offer all of January. For January only, Crystal Mountain is bringing you an amazing deal with a ski and snowboard rental and 1-hour beginner group lesson for only $20. Advanced reservations requested.
Don’t need a lesson? Then bring a friend and enjoy the day with a two for one deal on lift tickets! Offer valid Mondays through Thursdays for the month of January. Whether you’re a newbie looking to learn how to shred the slopes or an experienced rider, Crystal Mountain is the place to be.
Courtesy of @ShantyCreekResorts (instagram)
Shanty Creek Resorts
Shanty Creek, rated the “Midwest’s Best Downhill Terrain” by OnTheSnow.com, transforms themselves every year into a winter wonderland. There is something for every skill level from beginners to veterans who are always looking for a challenge. If the skiing and snowboarding doesn’t interest you, check out their tubing park, snowshoe trails, and cross-country trails. If you are interested in some snowy fun, Shanty Creek’s winter wonderland is calling to you.
Here in West Michigan we are lucky enough to experience all four seasons. This winter, get out and about and soak up the winter in a new way. The cold and snow isn’t going anywhere, might as well enjoy it while it’s here!
