Our guide to events, goings-on and happenings all around West Michigan for the month of March.
4/6
Ira Glass
DeVos Performance Hall
303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
April 6, 8 p.m.
devosperformancehall.com
If you know NPR, you know Ira Glass. Join as Ira shares “Seven Things I’ve Learned,” a live performance that covers Glass’s career in seven points. The audience will get to hear stories and in-depth commentary on recent This American Life episodes, and the multimedia performance will include audio and video clips to make for a dynamic and engaging evening.
Omnium Circus
Miller Auditorium
1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo
April 6, 6 p.m.
millerauditorium.com
Omnium means “of all and belonging to all,” which certainly fits with this world-renowned comprehensively inclusive circus company, bringing excitement, thrills and joy to people of all ages as only a circus can! Step into a world of all things possible where we discover the power, the passion, and the perseverance of the human spirit within each of us.
4/9
Celtic Woman 20th Anniversary Tour
DeVos Performance Hall
303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
April 9, 7 p.m.
devosperformancehall.com
With 15 studio albums under their belt, Celtic Woman is ready to carry on their legacy of uplifting performances packed with breath-taking harmonies and instrumental virtuosity. The 20th Anniversary Tour will be delighting audiences with a fresh blend of traditional and contemporary Irish music that echoes Ireland’s rich musical and cultural heritage, while reflecting the vibrant spirit of the country today.
The Mountain Goats
404 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo
April 9, 7 p.m.
kazoostate.com
For decades, The Mountain Goats have enchanted the music world with their distinct blend of narrative songwriting and evocative melodies. At the helm is John Darnielle, a visionary artist whose lyrical prowess has garnered a passionate and devoted fanbase. The band’s ability to tell stories through music has set them apart in the indie rock genre, earning them not just fans but avid followers. This show is supported by indie songwriter Katy Kirby!
4/11
Brad Williams
GLC Live at 20 Monroe
11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
April 11, 9:30 p.m.
livenation.com
Brad Williams’ larger-than-life personality and razor-sharp wit make him a force to be reckoned with on stage—and he’s one of the most in-demand comedians working today, appearing on TV shows, in movies, and even with Cirque de Soleil. Come see his observations on pop culture, love, and his own experiences as a little person.Top of FormBottom of Form
4/12
Vintage Parlor Orchestra - Classical Brews
Creston Brewery
1504 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
April 12-13
vpogr.com
The Vintage Parlor Orchestra works to get orchestral music out of the concert halls and into the community. This month, they’re returning to Creston Brewery for two nights, so you can grab a beer and experience classical music like never before! The night will feature a relaxed atmosphere, clapping between all movements, a 35-member chamber orchestra, and some seriously tasty Creston brews.
4/14
AJR: The Maybe Man Tour
Van Andel Arena
130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
April 14, 7 p.m.
vanandelarena.com
The Met brothers—Adam, Jack and Ryan—make up AJR, an indie pop band who’s seen huge success lately thanks to incredibly catchy and relatable tunes. AJR make the kind of music that encourages you to keep going. For as much as their multi-dimensional soundscapes, theatrical delivery, and big screen-worthy vision provide an escape, the trio also manage to intimately empathize with listeners everywhere.
The Pineweird Derby
Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits
2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd, Kentwood
April 14, 5 p.m.
broadleafbeer.com
This ain’t your child’s pinewood derby. Calling all car, physics and woodworking enthusiasts! Join us April 14th. Broad Leaf is happy to host the first annual, no designs barred, Pineweird Derby. Maybe a Co2 cartridge would have pushed your design over the line all those years ago, and now is your chance to find out, with prizes running up to $100.
Grand Rapid Feminist Film Festival
Wealthy Theatre
1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
April 14, 2-9 p.m.
grfff.squarespace.com
It’s back! The 2024 Grand Rapids Feminist Film Festival (GRFFF) at Wealthy Theatre is a FREE one-day celebration dedicated to elevating voices and showcasing talent from historically underrepresented groups in mainstream media. Expect short films, panelists and performances
all day.
4/18
Craig Conant
Dr. Grins Comedy Club
20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
April 18-20
thebob.com
With an evergrowing following, Craig Conant was the standout “Unrepped New Face” at the prestigious Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal. He was born in Los Angeles to a Mexican mother and an angry white father, growing up with a lot of baseball and illegal fireworks. Conant is now sober, (“despite the look on my face”) and was also recently fired from Trader Joe’s, come find out why!
4/20
Bass Country 2024
The Intersection
133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Grand Rapids
April 20, 8:30 p.m.
sectionlive.com
Enjoy 4/20 with a community at Bass Country, THE local event for fans of house, drum and bass, dubstep and other electronic bangers. You’ll dance, you’ll wobble, you’ll wubwub—all across four different venues inside The Intersection.
Bridge St. Makers Market & Bar Hop
One Bourbon
610 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids
April 20, 1-6 p.m.
iheartindiemarkets.com
I Heart Indie Markets is back for another fun spring market full of artists, makers and delicious cocktails! Join at Bridge Street Market, One Bourbon and Küsterer Brauhaus to shop local artists, makers and vintage vendors with a drink in hand. Products will be a wide variety of handmade and vintage goods including original art, home decor, clothing, paper products, metal working, jewelry, soap, candles, and a whole lot more!
4/24
The Gilmore Piano Festival
Kalamazoo
April 24-May 12
thegilmore.org
The Irving S. Gilmore International Piano Festival is a crown jewel in West Michigan’s arts scene. This bi-annual festival brings the greatest pianists and accompanying musicians from all around the world for newly commissioned world premieres, free community concerts, films, workshops, musical theater and so much more. It’s an astonishing undertaking we’re incredibly lucky to have here, an absolute must for anyone who considers themselves a fan of music or the arts at large.
4/27
Suzanne Vega
Midtown at Studio Park
123 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
April 27, 7:30 p.m.
themidtowngr.com
Widely regarded as one of the foremost songwriters of her generation, Suzanne Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk revival of the early 1980. Since the release of her self-titled, critically acclaimed 1985 debut album, she has given sold-out concerts in many of the world’s best-known venues. Known for performances that convey deep emotion, Vega’s voice has been described as a cool, dry sandpaper-brushed near-whisper by The Washington Post.
