High-Flying Fun: Knee Deep Shag at Bell’s on Saturday. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
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The Jonas Brothers called Grand Rapids their hometown for the night at Van Andel Arena on Friday — and that “hometown” crowd responded in fervent fasion.
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With little brother, Franklin, opening the night, early arrivals got to experience the singer hopping over seats and weaving through fans while performing “Porch Swing.” He also gave a nod to our local scene, covering Michigander’s “Misery.”
And the Jonas Brothers had so much fun with Jesse McCartney as a surprise guest on the previous leg of this tour, they decided to bring him out as one of the openers this time around, with the packed crowd screaming along the words to every hit he played.
Robust Crowd: The Jonas Brothers pumping up fans at Van Andel Arena. (Fan Photo)
With a dramatic entrance from beneath the stage, the Jonas Brothers opened their set with “Love Me to Heaven,” then proceeded to deftly weave in new hits with familiar favorites and, of course, holiday music. (The stage was set as if fans were spending the evening in the Brothers’ holiday-adorned living room.)
Nick Jonas debuted a brand new solo song from his upcoming album, “Gut Punch,” which felt like a spiritual experience, with cinematic drum hits and vulnerable lyrics.
The Jonas Brothers also performed ”Love Bug” and “Burnin’ Up,” both with spectacular fireworks and pyro displays. Rounding out the show, they brought Jesse McCartney out for a performance of “Last Christmas” and little brother Franklin for “When You Look Me In The Eyes.”
The evening proved to be a nostalgic and cathartic affair for many in attendance — fans who sang along to their favorite tunes as loud as any that have filled the arena. – By Chelsea Whitaker
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Jonas Brothers declined Local Spins’ request for credentials to photograph Friday’s concert.
KNEE DEEP SHAG AT BELL’S
Kalamazoo’s Knee Deep Shag attracted a nearly sold-out crowd at Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe on Saturday night with two up-and-coming band from Kalamazoo, Payton & Annabelle and Zero Sun, opening the show.
Payton & Annabelle warmed things up with an incredible mix of songs, including a couple fresh tunes from an album that will be released in 2026 and teasers from the Simon & Garfunkel tribute show they’ll unfurl on Dec. 27 at Bell’s. (Get details and tickets, $15.92, online here.)
Zero Sun unleashed a number of brand new songs, this coming after the release of their debut album earlier this year.
Knee Deep Shag had the crowd singing and dancing along as if it were the mid-’90s again, ensuing a night of nostalgia that also featured Kalamazoo’s latest hitmakers. – By Derek Ketchum
On Friday, Grand Rapids’ Hot Girls (featuring two members of Desmond Jones) and Wilson Ave. made their debut at SpeakEZ Lounge in Grand Rapids for Local Spins’ Live Music Fridays series that had folks dancing, laughing and otherwise engaged in the Hot Girls’ unique antics.
And earlier this month, the Kalamazoo Academy of Rock brought several bands to Bell’s for their annual showcase of emerging talent.
PHOTO GALLERY: Knee Deep Shag, Zero Sun, Payton & Annabelle
Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe
Photos by Derek Ketchum
