Block Party Madness

It's like a mini Warped Tour, except this time it's in Grand Rapids, and it's for a good cause.
The First Annual West Michigan Musician's Block Party is kicking off on Sunday, August 2nd from 1:30 to 9:30 p.m.

A solid eight hours of musical acts on two different stages-- an indoor venue at the Cottage Bar, and an outdoor stage at La Grave Avenue-- will host over 35 musicians, all for the benefit of local music ambassador Ralston Bowles. Bowles, a singer/songwriter from the area, is currently receiving treatment for colon cancer. The funds raised from the block party will help offset his medical expenses.

Cottage Bar and One Trick Pony Grill and Taproom are sponsoring the event, which will also feature a silent auction featuring locally-produced art and hand-painted guitars, among other items.

It's the plan of music coordinator Michael Packer and One Trick Pony/Cottage Bar owners Dan & Lisa Verhil to continue the tradition of a benefit block party after this year in support of other musicians with medical or financial struggles.

“Each year, it seems that more and more local musicians are dealing with these issues and we want to give back to artists that give so much quality of life to the community," Packer said.

Admission to the block party is a $15 donation (unless your under 12, then it's free).

Musical acts in the line up include 13^th Hour, Josh Rose, Rick Beerhorst, Chance Jones, Roger McNaughton, Ric Troll, Nobody’s Darlin’, Folk Brothers, Arganik, Mid Life Crisis, Jimmie Stagger, Creolization, Drew Nelson, Troll for Trout, The Concussions, La Famiglia, Fainting Generals, Organissimo and Delilah DeWylde & the Lost Boy.