Concerts Taking Shape in 2017
Building 429 performs Jan. 28 in ZeelandOnce again West Michigan's Christian concert scene began January with a winter blast – a Winter Jam blast, that is. The annual 10-band concert tour hit Van Andel Arena on Jan. 8 headlined by David Crowder.The tour also marked the Van Andel debut of young faith-based rapper Steven Malcolm, a Wyoming Park H.S. grad whose new album debuts Feb. 17. (see previous article)
Let's check the post-Winter Jam list and see what's ahead.
The Vertical Church Band stops at Christ Chapel of Cornerstone University at 7 p.m. Fri. Jan. 20. The worship ensemble (part of Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago) will also lead a workshop for worship leaders that afternoon.
Tickets for the concert are $15 advance, higher day of event. They are available via www.itickets.com or 800-965-9324 (worship leader session is ticketed separately).
After a successful visit to the W.O.W. series last summer in Grand Haven, the pop-rock Building 429 comes to Community Reformed Church in Zeeland at 7 p.m. Sat. Jan. 28. Special guest is Jamison Strain. Tickets are $12 general admission, $10 for groups of 10 or more. VIP tickets (which include early entry and a Q&A session with artists) are $25. Visit www.itickets.com, or 800-965-9324.
TURNING THE CALENDAR PAGE
Looking into February, comedian Mark Lowry brings along the trio Cana's Voice for his "Diapers 2 Depends Tour" at 6 p.m. Sat. Feb. 4 in Jenison Center for the Arts, 8375 20th Ave. Lowry was the "funny guy" in the Gaither Vocal Band for more than a decade. Cana's Voice features Jody McBrayer, a former singer with the group Avalon. Tickets range from $20 to $30, with group discounts and VIP tickets also available. Contact www.imcconcerts.com or order by phone at 616.667.3602.
Meanwhile there's an international flair with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, performing at 8 p.m. Sat. Feb. 18 at the Covenant Fine Arts Center at Calvin College. The South African male vocal group has several Christian songs in its repertoire, and came to prominence in the 1980s by contributing to Paul Simon's "Graceland" album. Also on the bill is the Calvin Gospel Choir.
Tickets are $30 and are available via the Calvin box office online or 616-526-6282.
You may not have heard of the band Colony House, but it contains two sons of an artist you have heard of. Caleb and Will Chapman, whose father is Christian music stalwart Steven Curtis Chapman, anchor the alternative rock band which performs Tues. Feb. 21 at The Stache, the front room at The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 day of show. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Hope College hosts singer-songwriter John Mark McMillan at 7:30 pm. Mon. Feb. 27 in Dimnent Chapel, Holland. McMillan wrote the tender worship anthem "How He Loves," a song popularized by David Crowder and commonly sung in contemporary worship settings. Also on the bill is Josh Garrells. A Q&A session with the artists follows the concert. Tickets are $32 and are available online or 616-395-7890.
MARCHING ALONG
Newsboys step into March by coming to L.C. Walker Arena in downtown Muskegon at 7 p.m. Thurs. March 2 on its "Love Riot" tour, featuring a special theatrical presentation "Rivals" (see preview ). Reserved tickets are $25, premium package $45, friends and family 4-pack $20 per ticket. Group rates also available. Tickets online or phone 800-585-3737.
The combination concert/mini-conference "Dare To Be" featuring singer Natalie Grant is set for 7 p.m. Thurs. March 2 in Kentwood Community Church, 1200 60th St. Ave. SE. Speaker/author Charlotte Gambill is a special guest. General admission tickets are $20, VIP passes (with special seating and artist Q&A) are $39. See the promotional video. Tickets online or 800-965-9324.
The Birdsongs, a family-based, pop-rock group performs at 7 p.m. Thurs. March 16 at Christ Chapel at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids. The concert is a fundraiser for the Alpha Family Center. General admission tickets are $15 and can be ordered via www.itickets.com or at 800-965-9324.
It's back to Van Andel Arena for the Grammy-winning Casting Crowns at 7 p.m. Thur. March 23. The band is featuring its latest album, "The Very Next Thing." Also on the bill are singer Danny Gokey and Unspoken. Tickets range from $20 to $77.50 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, the Van Andel/DeVos Place box office or 800-745-3000.
.....AND FARTHER ALONG
The spring and summer beckon with music events, many yet to be formally announced. Among those on deck are the major Christian music festivals: Big Ticket in Gaylord (June 21-24) and Unity in Muskegon (Aug. 9-12). We'll keep you posted!
