March is typically when the Grand Rapids music scene starts to come out of hibernation. Many bands gear up for summer festivals and album releases with tours, a few of which will be stopping downtown this month.

Tonight the Intersection will host Mutemath. This Grammy nominated, four-piece rock group comes from New Orleans is supporting their newest album “Odd Soul.” Although difficult to categorize, some Mutemath songs could be described as a marriage between the Black Keys and the Foo Fighters. An interesting sound and an acclaimed show, highly recommended.

If a smaller room sounds more inviting, head to Billy’s in Eastown. Tonight several bands will hit the stage including LOMOBB. LOMOBB was debuted last month during the Dead Prez concert and got a more than favorable reaction. A popular mix of blues, rock and hip-hop is what listeners will receive from this brand new group.

For fans not satisfied with local or national groups tonight, head to the Pyramid Scheme. The Twilight Sad, a Scottish band featuring heavy accents and an accordion will be bringing their international flavor to Grand Rapids. The music is best described as unique and catchy, an experience not easily found.

Guitar fans and students will want to try to get to Founders on Saturday to check out Fareed Haque’s new band Mathgames. The music will be a mix of jazz and funk with influences from across the board. This might be the most fundamentally talented scheduled to play in Grand Rapids in March.

March also marks the return of Jane’s Addiction to Grand Rapids. Anyone doubting their contribution to music just needs to look at lead singer Perry Ferrell’s brainchild Lollapalooza and the influence that summer tour has had on tours and festivals all over the US. Supporting their newest album, “The Great Escape Artist,” Jane’s Addiction opened their tour last month in Detroit playing many of the songs that have been popularized over the last 27 years. A few tickets are still available to see the classic bound band at the DeVos Hall on March 21.

A group that makes Jane’s Addiction’s life span seem short is hitting the Orbit Room’s stage this month. Jefferson Starship, the remains of Jefferson Airplane will be bringing true classic rock to Grand Rapids on March 9.

Deemed as one of the first bands to combine the sounds of punk and metal, Corrosion of Conformity formed a sound in the 80’s that is still relevant today. Although not a household name, Corrosion of Conformity has had multiple top 20 songs and continues to gain support from critics. They will be playing at the Pyramid Scheme on Tuesday.

Fans of all things improvised will want to go back to the Pyramid Scheme on the 24th to see the Ragbirds being supported by Funktion. The Ann Arbor-based Ragbirds have a folk, jam, Celtic and bluegrass feel paired with an impressive female lead singer. Funktion, from Kalamazoo, is the most up to date version of funk. Both bands always satisfy crowds and will most likely be out of the state for most of the summer doing the festival circuits, so fans will want to make sure they make it to the Pyramid Scheme while they can.

Life Size Ghost will be bringing their unique rock sound to Billy’s on the 22nd. This band has played most of the stages in town but always put a little extra into their Billy’s shows. Their last Grand Rapids show at Founders was a testament to their rapidly growing popularity.

Possibly the most anticipated show of the month will be at the Van Andel arena on March 18. The Black Keys are touring with the Artic Monkeys supporting the Keys’ newest album “El Camino.” Some tickets are still available but this show will most likely sell out.

As always, this is just a few of the hundreds of shows that will be performed in Grand Rapids this month. Every night of the week some band is playing on some stage, waiting to be seen.

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