Good morning, Grand Rapids.

As Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl, said, “If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.”

A quarter-century later, try to take a moment to remember those who survived and those lost during 9/11, while you are preparing for the weekend ahead.

~ Sara B.

Tech Convos

Together with: UNAPOLOGETIC PODCAST

On Monday, Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives will host “Tech Conversations: The Black Journey.”

This event is two hours of conversation, technical edge, and support for all, with a focus on journeys for people of color in tech.

Curious about connecting with local black founders, innovators, and creators?

This is an event you won’t want to miss. And seats are limited, so…

Register For Free Today

Interested in sharing your event or business message with 41,000+ Grand Rapids locals? Let me know why we should partner with you!

Business News

✅ New

Kid to Kid Wyoming is relocating to RiverTown Crossings, moving into the old Younkers space. Watch for their grand reopening date and new drop-off location next to Celebration Cinema.

❗ Updates

Between now and some undisclosed time (at least from what I could find), you can submit a name suggestion for Vivant Brewery’s new 200-person event venue space. Love those pretzels if you’re reading today, Jason.

Soul food staple Candied Yam in Kentwood begins accepting SNAP and EBT benefits, continuing to provide for the community she loves.

Playing for Change

Credit: Michigan Music Alliance

The City of Grand Rapids is putting on local musicians.

On Wednesday, the City launched Phase Zero, a program designed to elevate local musicians.

The program will help 15-18 musicians become certified Cultural Business Enterprises (CBEs) and get paid as City vendors to play free shows throughout Ward 3 during ArtPrize (and SouthPrize).

With shows taking place September 26th, in lockstep with ArtPrize/ SouthPrize, this pilot program is an experiment to see how musician activations can bring life and creativity to our communities.

The Michigan Music Alliance, the City’s partner for artist coordination and certification, will guide participants through the necessary steps to participate. Details can be found on the MLBE Application page.

If you just want to see the initiative, here’s the link on the City of Grand Rapids website.

Talk Of The Town

🚨 Bird’s Eye View: New Portal Demonstrates Flock Camera Fluency

Grand Rapids Police Department and Kent County Sheriff’s Office have launched portals showing how Flock devices are used.

⚽ Fans In The Field

AC Grand Rapids’ first Fan Council meeting happened Wednesday, starting off the search for a nickname ahead of the February 2027 season kickoff.

🧪 The One Who Knocks… ArtPrize Opens The Door

At October 3rd’s closing ceremony. Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston will present an award to a winning artist. He will attend as an official event sponsor and mentor local students.

A Seat At The Table

I probably didn’t have to tell you this, but the Midwest is growing.

Fast.

You should know you can have a vote in where and how things are developing around the area.

Several boards across the county, from the Kent County Community Action Agency Governing Board to the Fire Commission, have open positions available for your seat at the table.

These decisions aren’t something you deal with; you can get a say.

Learn more about what’s available and how to apply on the Kent County website.

What’s Happening?

Friday, September 11th

Saturday, September 12th

Click the image to reserve your spot for free

Sunday, September 13th

Monday, September 14th


Submit Your Event

Live Music

Friday, September 11th

  • Chasing Denver @The Knickerbocker | New Holland - The Knickerbocker | 6 PM | Free

  • The Browning - Burn This World | Elevation | 6 PM | $25+

  • Innuendo | The Score | 6 PM | Free

  • Deadlands - NY | The Intersection | 6 PM | $23+

  • Rebekkah Rhys | The Score | 12 PM | Free

  • The Moonrays (cosmic surf rock) | Speciation Cellars | 7 PM | Free

  • Vespa | Horrocks Market | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free

  • The Claudettes | Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill | 8 PM | $12

  • House Party | The Intersection | 9 PM - 11:59 PM | $22

  • Midwest Skies | Mulligan's Pub | 9 PM - 11:30 PM | Free

  • Mariachi Herencia de México | Calder Plaza | 7 PM | Free

  • The Burdens | Pux Cider Taphouse | 7 PM - 10 PM | Free

  • Houseplant | The Philmore South | 7:30 PM | $15+

  • Billy Idol | Acrisure Amphitheater | 7:30 PM | $30+

  • Uncle Klunk | Twisted Bull | (9/11 - 9/12) 9:30 PM | Free

Saturday, September 12th

  • Coconut Riot | The Score | 12 PM | Free

  • Trapped on Mars | The Score | 6 PM - 11 PM | Free

  • LIVE at CBJ: Jake Stevens | Chicago Beef Joint | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free

  • Alabama Live In Concert | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $35+

  • Loren J. Clarke & Brawny Lad | The Stray | 7 PM | $10+

  • Backyard Bash Funkadelic Food Truck Lineup // Comstock Park | Perrin Brewing | 4 PM - 10 PM | Free

  • Dirk Riki Music | Horrocks Market | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free

  • Sweet Diezel Jenkins | The BOB | 9 PM | Free

  • Erin Monroe wsg Joe Dillilo | Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grille | 8 PM | $17+

  • FETISH- a Burlesque experience | Billy's Lounge | 8 PM | $23

  • Double Wide Ride | Twisted Bull | (9/12 - 9/13) 9:30 PM | Free

  • All Points Bulletin/ Counterfeit Goods/ Misplaced Memories | Mulligan's Pub | (9/12 - 9/13) 10 PM | Free

Sunday, September 13th

  • Grand Rapids African American Art & Music Festival 2026 | MLK Park Community Center | 12 PM - 8 PM | Free

  • Sunday Soul Line Dance Classes | Rosa Parks Circle | 4 PM - 6 PM | Free

  • Get Wild: Celebrating the Music of Prince | Martin Luther King Jr Park | 6:30 PM - 8 PM | Free

  • Stephen Stanley | The Intersection | 7 PM | $35

  • Vinyl Swap // Grand Rapids | The Pyramid Scheme | 4 PM - 8 PM | Free

  • Jazz Jam Session with Tommy Pancy | Speciation Cellars | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free

  • Gable Price and Friends at The Stache | Elevation | 7 PM | $25 ADV / $30 DOS

  • Chris Karl | The Score | 12 PM - 4 PM | Free

  • Sounds of the Himalayas | So Hum Yoga | 2 PM - 4 PM | $35+

Monday, September 14th

  • Eli Roe | The Score | 6 PM | Free

  • SOUL GLO | Morning Ritual Coffee Bar | 6 PM - 11:30 PM | Free

  • Emma Ogier | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $38

  • Cozy Readers Book Club | Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch | 10 AM | Free

  • Brian Dunne | Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater | 7 PM | ?

  • Whitney + Emma Ogier | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM - 11 PM | $38

*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

  • 🏥 Corewell Spends $60+ Million on River North Lots. Why? Walkability, the vice president of facilities says.

  • 🛩 Parking Pains Dissolved with new automation systems and online parking reservation services at Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

  • 💻 AI Influence In Town: Tech Week begins Monday, with a string of 160+ events taking place at multiple venues, and a noticeable emphasis on AI across many talks.

  • 📐 Exploring Engineering: GE Aerospace Foundation launches Next Engineers programs, offering secondary school students and beyond opportunities to receive mentorship and learn hands-on about the field.

  • 🚍 Bliss’ Bus Stop: The Rapid will rename the northbound DeVos Place Station after former Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, honoring her commitment to public transportation and regional mobility.

Have news to report? Click here.

That’s All…

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