As someone who’s been an audience member, performer and house show operator, I feel Grand Rapids has a fantastic music scene. However, I believe there are still music lovers who find themselves bored on weekends because they are unaware where to find sweet jams at a reasonable, or free, price. No matter what genre you prefer, there’s definitely a spot in Grand Rapids you’ll love. Reflecting on my experiences at various venues, I’ve put together a short list of my favorite music places in Grand Rapids.
This venue is perfect if you need a cheap, energetic and safe night out. Skelletones often has metal, hardcore and punk performances, but occasionally will showcase rap artists, indie performers and grunge bands. My favorite part about Skelletones is its atmosphere. The green, blue and purple lights spill into every corner of the room, making the space feel comfortable, yet energetic. The employees and attendees are always extremely nice, and the place feels very youthful, which can be a positive or negative depending on who you ask. Many high school students and young adults come to shows, and as a result, I find the crowd’s energy that much more exciting. However, because the venue is all ages, it does have one major downfall in my opinion– they do not serve alcohol. With all that being said, if you’re looking to let loose and headbang, head over to Skelletones.
If moshing and headbanging aren’t your thing, don’t worry! The Stray has got you covered, as it’s both a cafe and music venue. They serve specialty drinks and food, in addition to hosting musicians every weekend. The Stray’s menu is diverse, as well as the music they showcase. There could be a string ensemble playing traditional Irish music, and the next day you might see a local emo band screaming their throats out. However, the most common genre played is probably acoustic folk. There are booths, bar tops and even comfy recliners to sit down at and enjoy the atmosphere. They also showcase art and merchandise from both the bands and other local artists that are available for purchase. If you’re a music lover looking for a relaxing night, this is the spot for you!
House shows
Last but not least– house shows. This is where it all starts. This could be a band’s first performance, a show in someone’s basement or have bad sound production with really good vibes. Likely, multiple of those traits at once. I’ve had the privilege of attending, conducting and performing in house shows and trust me, you’re missing out if you haven’t been to one. House shows are my favorite way to enjoy local music for a variety of reasons. The DIY aspect of the venues makes everyone feel connected in a familial way, even if the person dancing next to you is a total stranger. The love of music is strongest in this environment, and that’s what makes it so special. While I won’t specifically name any house venue because, after all, they are private homes, I will advise you to ask around and look on social media. I find many performance locations on Instagram. From there, you can usually directly message account owners for details such as the address and show’s time.
