New Pornographers leader/songwriter A.C. Newman vividly remembers the last time his band was supposed to play in Grand Rapids. It was fall 2010 and the critically-adored indie-rock group had just released its Together LP. The band was scheduled to perform at Calvin College until protests came over the band’s name. Ultimately the show was cancelled.

Crooked Doors, the sophomore release from Atlanta-based rock connossieurs Royal Thunder, has been making quite a stir in the hard rock scene. Garnering the band comparisons to Led Zeppelin and being labeled a major step forward in their musical evolution, this album is sure to pique the interest of many; but to judge them based on their studio recordings alone wouldn't be fair. According to guitarist Josh Weaver, where they really find themselves at home is not the studio, but on stage.

Before he finished in the final four last month on NBC’s The Voice, Joshua Davis’ soothing, soulful voice was electrifying Michigan audiences as the lead singer of the roots rock ensemble Steppin’ In It and as a member of the bands Starlight Six and Shout Sister Shout. He’s flying solo this month on a victory lap, of sorts, and he settles into a July 8 gig at Bell’s Eccentric Café for an evening of covers and original tunes.

Pop icon Janet Jackson announced this morning the dates of The Unbreakable World Tour. The shows are in support of her upcoming album. One of the 36 stops is a Sept. 11 show at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, where the show starts at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $29.50 to $99.50 and go on sale to the general public Monday, June 22 at 10 a.m.