Grand Rapids post-hardcore standouts La Dispute plays The Pyramid Scheme May 25. The band was recently the subject of Tiny Dots, a 2015 independent documentary film. The band also joins California rockers Thrice on a nationwide tour in June, including stops in Detroit (June 22) and Chicago (June 23).
Also at The Pyramid Scheme this month is West Michigan veterans Small Brown Bike. The band plays its milestone 20th Anniversary show on May 14. The Marshall-based band and post-hardcore innovators first began in 1996 and have released albums on Florida punk label No Idea Records and California label Lookout! Records. The band celebrates its return to the stage here in Michigan alongside Lansing-based power pop champs Cheap Girls, Grand Rapids’ The Cardboard Swords and Kalamazoo’s Out.
Grand Rapids ska legends Mustard Plug plays two shows in West Michigan this month, May 13 at Bell’s Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo and May 14 at Founders Taproom. New York-based ska cover band Rude Boy George and Grand Rapids’ own “Skamericana” band The Sailor Kicks open both shows. Also at Founders this month, the brewery hosts its Ninth Annual Bob Dylan Tribute on May 21. The event features several area musicians paying tribute to the folk-rock icon.
Out near the lakeshore, nonprofit organization Buses By the Beach holds its annual Bus Benefit May 27-30 at Camp Blodgett in West Olive. The three-day camping, music and outdoor activity event raises money for The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Featured West Michigan performers include Nicholas James & the Bandwagon, Tony LaJoye, Fauxgrass, Brother Adams, Olivia Mainville & the Aquatic Troupe and Roosevelt Diggs.
Bell’s Brewery’s three-night Beer Garden Opener, set for June 2-4, has already completely sold out in advance. The annual event features Kalamazoo’s own Greensky Bluegrass. The popular Americana/jam band performs sets on all three nights before they head back out on the road.
Also, if you’re counting down to festival season, be sure to look for the annual Revue Music Issue and Festival Guide hitting stands next month.
