Joe Bonamassa tickets go on sale Nov. 6

By: Brittney Schering

Award-winning blues rock star, guitar hero, and singer-songwriter, Joe Bonamassa, will perform at Grand Rapids' DeVos Performance Hall on March 21, 2011. Tickets for this one-time event go on sale tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 6 at 10 a.m.

Ticket prices range from $39 to $69. They will be available at Ticketmaster.com, DeVos Place, and Van Andel Box Offices. They can also be purchased over the phone at (800) 745-3000.

Bonamassa was honored twice in Guitar Player Magazine's June 2010 Readers' Choice Awards. He won "Best Overall Guitarist," as well as "Best Blues Guitarist" for the fourth consecutive year.

Bonamassa's last album, 2010's Black Rock, debuted at #1 on Billboard's Blues Albums Chart and #38 on Billboard's Top 200 Chart. His upcoming album will be coming out in March, which the one-night-only show is supporting.

For more information, please head over to www.jbonamassa.com.

DeVos Performance Hall continues 30th Anniversary celebration

By: Brittney Schering

In honor of DeVos Performance Hall’s 30th Anniversary Celebration, SMG and the Opera Grand Rapids Board of Directors welcome the public to enjoy a free open house this Saturday, Nov. 6 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Attendees are invited to go on an enlightening behind-the-scenes tour of the only performance hall in Michigan to house four art groups. A slideshow and timeline of the hall will also be available for viewing.

In collaboration with Opera Grand Rapids, guests will catch a rare look at the Opera rehearsal as it prepares for Saturday evening’s performance of Verdi’s Rigoletto.

Visitors will learn about Opera Grand Rapids, the Company’s involvement with DeVos Performance Hall, and the art of lyric theatre through a historical DVD, which will play in the Hall as visitors wait to take an exclusive peak behind the curtain.

The backstage tour will include a look at the props used for shows, a chance to walk across the stage on the set of Rigoletto, a visit to the make-up and wig department, a look at the costume shop for the show, the orchestra pit and more.

For more information, please head over to www.devosperformancehall.com.

Grand Rapids Ballet Company presents, "Who Cares?"

By: Brittney Schering

Grand Rapids Ballet Company is proud to present Who Cares?, a classic favorite that portrays a broadly American exuberance. The program is not only the season-opener, but also the blockbuster George Balanchine/George Gershwin collaboration's first time in Grand Rapids.

The evening will open with Raymonda's glorious Pas de Dix in grand tutus and tiaras. For this magnificent program, special guest stars have been invited from Japan, Cuba, and Seattle to perform.

Kyohei Giovanni Yoshida, Bronze medalist in the USA International Ballet Competition dances the award-winning contemporary piece, Compulsion, along with the classical solo from Le Corsaire. Karel Cruz and Lindsi Dec of Pacific Northwest Ballet perform the spellbinding, luminous Sense of Doubt by Paul Gibson.

Who Cares? will grant the DeVos Performance Hall with is presence on Oct. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m., and on Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets run $20-45 and are available at the Ballet box office or through Ticketmaster. Visit www.grballet.com or call (616) 454-4771 for more information.

Bryan Adams tickets go on sale next Friday

By: Brittney Schering

Bryan Adams is bringing his highly successful solo-acoustic concert tour to Grand Rapids with a special, intimate concert at DeVos Performance Hall on Dec. 6. Tickets for this must-see event go on sale next Friday, Oct. 15 at 10 a.m.

The show will provide a rare opportunity for fans to see Adams as they have not seen him before: solo-acoustic. With this special performance, you will see that Adams' status as one of the greatest songwriters of our time has been more than solidified.

Adams has sold more than 65 million records, toured six continents and achieved number-one status in more than 40 countries around the world. His well-known hits include, "Cuts Like a Knife," "Summer of '69," "Kids Wanna Rock," "Can't Stop This Thing We've Started," "(Everything I do) I do it for you," "Open Road," and the most recent, "Thought I'd Seen Everything."

Tickets for this acoustic show can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, DeVos Place, Van Andel Arena box offices, and Ticketmaster outlets. Prices range form $37.50 to $77.50. For more information, head over to bryanadams.com.

DeVos Performance Hall is managed by SMG. Since 1977, SMG has provided management services to more than 220 public assembly facilities worldwide, including arenas, stadiums, theatres, performing arts centers, equestrian facilities, science centers, and a variety of other venues. For more information on what SMG has to offer, check out www.smgworld.com.

Grand Rapids Symphony - Fox Motors Pop Series: Rockapella goes Retro this weekend

By: Brittney Schering

Groove to the music of the '60s and '70s this weekend with the Grand Rapids Symphony vocal quintet's completely original take on pop at DeVos Performance Hall. Concert times are Friday, Oct. 8 and Saturday, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 10 at 3 p.m.

Its infectious energy, showmanship, and musical harmony, mixed with hits like Here Comes the Sun, Rock the Boat, and The Beat Goes On, creates an unforgettable must-see show.

David Lockington, music director of Grand Rapids Symphony, is the conductor of Rockapella goes Retro. Tickets are only $23.50 for this fabulous performance. For further details, head over to http://grsymphony.org/concerts/pops-series/rockapella-goes-retro.