Kicking off the month on Sept. 6 is the hardcore rock band August Burns Red, roaring into the Orbit Room with special guests, Of Mice and Men, The Color Morale and The Overseer. The band will complete their American tour before releasing their first-ever holiday album Oct. 9, “August Burns Red presents: Sleddin’ Hill, A Holiday Album.” Tickets are $20 in advance and $22 at the door.

Into a more relaxed sound? Deals Gone Bad, the soulful ska band from Chicago plays The Pyramid Scheme Sept. 8. After 18 years on the music scene, and many changes to their lineup, the septet is finally headlining in Grand Rapids alongside local bands, The Amoebas and Sailor Kicks. With a mix of high-energy punk, ska and alternative rock, the $8 show also doubles as a wedding reception for Jim Hofer, the trombone player for the Grand Rapids-native ska band, Mustard Plug.

For all those Nickelodeon fans floating around campus, get excited that Big Time Rush plays Van Andel Arena Sept. 9. The teen-pop band first formed as part of a television series for Nickelodeon in 2009 and is embarking on a nationwide tour to promote their third studio album. Single tickets range from $29.50 to $55, or $64 for a family 4-pack.

For the Lakers who want a heavier sound, head to The Intersection Sept. 14 for a Chiodos reunion show. After losing their lead singer Craig Owens for nearly 3 years, the band is back with their original lineup. Fellow rockers The Word Alive and I Am Kings will accompany the Michigan-based post-hardcore band on their Midwest tour. Regular tickets start at $23 and VIP packages that include a short acoustic set before the show are $42.50.

The rock sound continues Sept. 17 with the punk guys of Rise Against. They’re coming back to Michigan on tour with The Gaslight Anthem and Hot Water Music to fill the DeltaPlex. Tickets are $20 for general admission arena seating and $32.50 for floor.

Not into rowdy rock shows? Minus the Bear might be a better option. Catch the indie band at The Intersection along with special guests Cursive and Caspian. Minus the Bear, a progressive pop-indie band from Washington has released four LPs over the past 11 years and is touring to promote their new album, “Infinity Overhead,” released Aug. 28. Tickets are $20 in advance, $23 at the door.

Free shows are always great, especially as wallets start thin out. Typical Music is a new chamber music syndicate formed by three New York musicians and offers a new style to an older, classical sound. See pianist Vicky Chow, cellist Ashley Bathgate and violinist Todd Reynolds as part of Grand Valley State University’s Arts at Noon series Sept. 26 in the Cook-DeWitt Center.

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