GV Artist-Faculty Series Kicks Off

This evening, Pablo Mahave-Vegilia, an associate professor of music at Grand Valley State University, will exit the classroom and enter the stage. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Van Solkema Recital Hall in the Performing Arts Center on the Allendale Campus, Mahave-Vegilia will be performing the complete Beethoven cello sonatas. Tonight’s show is free and open to the public. This concert is the first in a series of three, the other two of which will be held on Jan. 5 and March 23.

Full Mugs and Open Mics

Between all of the venues scattered throughout the city, Grand Rapids pulls in hundreds of big-name musicians to perform each year. While these renowned artists can most definitely make for a memorable show, local, lesser-known performers truly are just as capable of providing that same experience. Each Tuesday, Founders Brewing Co. in downtown Grand Rapids hosts an open-mic event, allowing just about anyone to steal the spotlight to share a few of his or her works. The show kicks off at 9 p.m. each evening and is free and open to the public. For those interested in playing their music, it’s best to arrive around 8 p.m. to sign up and reserve a time slot. Doors are only open to those ages 21 and older. To check out what Founders’ open-mic night is all about, go to foundersbrewing.com/open-mic-night.

Arts at Noon Series Continues

While most students will be walking, running or biking to class as usual this week, a few might catch themselves tangoing their way around. That’s because on Wednesday, the 37^th season of the Arts at Noon concert series continues with a performance by the Crispin Campbell Quartet. The group is comprised of cellist Crispin Campbell, internationally known flutist Nancy Stagnitta, bassist Marion Hayden and guitarist Angelo Meli. They plan to perform pieces from a range of musical genres, including jazz, tango, samba and blues improvisations with a chamber music tinge. The show begins at noon on Wednesday in the Cook-DeWitt Center on the Allendale Campus. All concerts in the series are free and open to the public. To view a full schedule of the series, visit gvsu.edu/music/arts-at-noon-197.htm.

Put On For Our City

Even for those who don’t claim the title of hip-hop head, there’s a good chance that they’ve still heard a few of Young Jeezy’s tracks. The Atlanta-based rapper has collaborated with everyone from Fat Joe to Big Boi and has been featured on a handful of top-40 hits such as Kanye West’s “Amazing” and Akon’s “Soul Survivor.” On Thursday, the rapper is set to perform at The Intersection in downtown Grand Rapids as part of his “Seen It All Tour.” While he is likely to drop a few new tracks, concertgoers can expect to also hear classics such as “Put On” and “Go Getta.” The show is open to ages 16 and older and begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the performance. For more about the show and to purchase tickets, visit sectionlive.com/events/jeezy.