{"id":2317339,"date":"2026-03-07T17:19:19","date_gmt":"2026-03-07T17:19:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2317339"},"modified":"2026-03-07T17:19:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-07T17:19:19","slug":"march-madness-sxsw-michigans-top-12-concerts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/march-madness-sxsw-michigans-top-12-concerts\/","title":{"rendered":"March Madness: SXSW & Michigan’s Top 12 concerts"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Musical Month: March roars like a lion when it comes to concerts, events and celebrations. (Courtesy Photos\/Local Spins)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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West Michigan’s music scene<\/small><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

It\u2019s the month that officially signals the end of winter, the start of spring, the celebration of St. Patrick\u2019s Day and the commemoration of several anniversaries.<\/p>\n

March took a little time to come in like a lion but the ups-and-downs of temps and precipitation the next few weeks will certainly have us crossing our fingers that it goes out like lamb by March 31. <\/p>\n

Of course, the real March Madness \u2014 aside from college basketball hoopla \u2014 comes in Austin, Texas, where the mammoth South by Southwest Music Festival and Conference takes place March 12-18, with thousands of performers playing countless venues and industry showcases across the city, including the likes of Jack Johnson, Alanis Morissette, The All-American Rejects, Ty Dolla $ign and St. Vincent.<\/p>\n

Michigan once again will be well represented at SXSW, with dozens of bands and solo artists performing at the global music destination. That includes an official Detroit Hip-Hop Showcase at Riveria in Austin with Neisha Neshae, B Free, Asaka the Renegade, 2Down, Demaciiio, Golden Boy Noel, Que the Boy, South North Southwest<\/strong> and DJ Beastie<\/strong> on the bill.<\/p>\n

Of course, that\u2019s not nearly all. Other Michigan acts in Austin will include the Detroit-area roots rock and Americana act The Gasoline Gypsies<\/strong> and Clawson country singer Jacki Daniels<\/strong> \u2014 both of whom play Lamberts on March 18, presented by Austin Rhythm Revival. Michigan\u2019s Yoshi Vintage, Bruiser Wolf, Mark Cooper, Willy J Peso<\/strong> and more will perform at SXSW, too. View the full schedule and search for artists online here<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Amid all that, there are plenty of musical options for concertgoers to consider back in Michigan this month. Our \u201cDon\u2019t-Miss Dozen\u201d just scratches the surface when it comes to bracing live music, so check out our complete Concert Calendar<\/a> here for more shows to entice you. <\/p>\n\n

SUNDAY (March 8)<\/h3>\n

Our Lady Peace, The Verve Pipe at GLC Live at 20 Monroe<\/strong> \u2013 One of Canada\u2019s most successful alt-rock bands brings its 30th anniversary tour to Grand Rapids, with Michigan\u2019s own The Verve Pipe getting the night started.
Tickets:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.ticketmaster.com\/our-lady-peace-30th-anniversary-tour-grand-rapids-michigan-03-08-2026\/event\/080063847F7641B4<\/a>
Video:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BY1pPX7o7W0 <\/a>
Website:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.ourladypeace.com\/<\/a> <\/p>\n

Winter Jam at Van Andel Arena<\/strong> \u2013 The annual wintertime Christian music tour with Matthew West, Katy Nichole, Anne Wilson, Disciple, Hulvey and more returns to Grand Rapids\u2019 Van Andel Arena. The tour also hits Ypsilanti later this month. Admission is $15 at the door, with doors opening at 4 p.m.
Local Spins Story\/Preview:<\/strong> https:\/\/localspins.com\/blown-away-by-winter-jam-matthew-west-katy-nichole-more-set-for-michigan-tour-stops-local-spins\/ <\/a>
Video:<\/strong> https:\/\/youtu.be\/BquLbLcwrZU?si=ZvDYm9myzdnVtkb_<\/a> <\/p>\n

Shawn Colvin at St. Cecilia Music Center<\/strong> \u2013 The acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin returns to St. Cecilia Music Center for its Acoustic Caf\u00e9 Folk Series at 7 p.m. Sunday. (Colvin also plays The Ark in Ann Arbor tonight. Ark details\/tickets here<\/a>.)
Local Spins Story\/Preview:<\/strong> https:\/\/localspins.com\/shawn-colvin-honored-to-play-international-womens-day-concert-at-st-cecilia-local-spins\/<\/a>
Tickets:<\/strong> https:\/\/scmc.my.salesforce-sites.com\/ticket\/#\/instances\/a0FUL00000easKf2AI<\/a>
Video:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8kMPEn7XNWU<\/a>
Website:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.shawncolvinmusic.com\/ <\/a><\/p>\n\n

MARCH 11<\/h3>\n

ERNEST at The Intersection in Grand Rapids <\/strong>\u2013 With a new single, \u201cBoat Named After You,\u201d the emerging country singer follows up his Grand Rapids appearance with a tour stop March 13 at The Fillmore in Detroit.
Tickets:<\/strong> https:\/\/sectionlive.com\/event\/ernest-live-from-the-south-tour\/the-intersection\/grand-rapids-michigan\/<\/a>
Website\/Videos:<\/strong> https:\/\/ernestofficial.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n

MARCH 12<\/h3>\n

Randy Travis at Frauenthal Center in Muskegon<\/strong> \u2013 Multi-award-winning, country music legend Randy Travis, with opening act James Dupre, will perform at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts in Muskegon. The\u201dMore Life\u201d tour features Travis\u2019 longtime touring band for the first time on tour since before the singer\u2019s stroke in 2013.
Tickets:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.etix.com\/ticket\/p\/73351223\/randy-travismore-life-tour-muskegon-frauenthal-theater-at-frauenthal-center<\/a>
Video:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=azCEpoYLxeg<\/a>
Website:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.randytravis.com\/ <\/a><\/p>\n\n

MARCH 14 (ST. PATRICK\u2019S DAY CELEBRATIONS)<\/h3>\n

Irish Off Ionia at Calder Plaza and The Irish Remedy Event in Grand Rapids\u2019 Monroe North District<\/strong> \u2013 The giant St. Patrick\u2019s Day party on Calder Plaza has expanded for 2026 with sets by Motherfolk, The Go rounds, Belfast Gin, Crossbow, Ironwood, Trixy Tang, DJ Malky, Drew Alkema and more, with the event running from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Meanwhile, downtown GR\u2019s Monroe North district hosts its own celebration of Irish music dubbed \u201cThe Irish Remedy\u201d (SpeakEZ Lounge, Garage Bar, Chicago Beef Joint, Silva, Brickyard Tavern) with DJs and live music on the main stage, GR & District Pipe Band roaming the area, local vendors and more. Admission is free. Of course, Quinn & Tuite\u2019s Irish Pub in Grand Rapids and watering holes across the state will celebrate heartily with live music and Irish-propelled events all weekend and through March 17.
Irish Off Ionia Tickets\/Website:<\/strong> https:\/\/irishoffionia.com\/<\/a>
Video:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9UOFoCGmV2E<\/a>
Irish Remedy Facebook Page:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/events\/1961494474403255\/<\/a>
Video:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/shorts\/ZFKOgz9qm7Q<\/a><\/p>\n\n

MARCH 20-21<\/h3>\n
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Lots of Frets: The Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival (Photo\/Derek Ketchum)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival at Kalamazoo Valley Museum<\/strong> \u2013 This action-packed, free-admission festival returns to Kalamazoo Valley Museum with blues-rocker Billy Davis on Friday night and sets by Gemini, Cold Mountain Child, Kalamazoo Mandolin & Guitar Orchestra and more on Saturday, with displays, jam sessions, guitar vendors and more. Local Spins will also be on hand to chat with attendees.
\nWebsite:<\/strong> https:\/\/kalamazoomuseum.org\/events\/21st-annual-kalamazoo-fretboard-festival#schedule <\/a>
\nVideo:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VQcB12xU_LM&t=29s<\/a><\/p>\n\n

MARCH 22<\/h3>\n

John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band at Holland\u2019s Park Theatre <\/strong>\u2013 The legendary Jorgenson (Desert Rose Band, Hellecasters) brings his super-group to West Michigan for a show at Park Theatre in Holland.
Tickets:<\/strong> https:\/\/parktheatreholland.ludus.com\/index.php?show_id=200500913<\/a>
Video:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=JnMeTD4admw<\/a>
Website:<\/strong> https:\/\/johnjorgenson.com\/ <\/a><\/p>\n\n

MARCH 26<\/h3>\n

Sam Bush at St. Cecilia Music Center<\/strong> \u2013 Speaking of bluegrass, multi-award-winning mandolinist Sam Bush returns to St. Cecilia Music Center with his top-shelf band.
Tickets: <\/strong>https:\/\/www.scmcgr.org\/concerts\/sam-bush-2026<\/a>
Video:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nrwXQLoufEU
Local Spins Story: <\/strong>https:\/\/localspins.com\/mandolin-whiz-sam-bush-builds-on-bluegrass-tradition-with-modern-flair-positive-energy-local-spins\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n

MARCH 27<\/h3>\n

Blues Triple-Header<\/strong> \u2013 Blues lovers will have tough choices to make with three iconic blues artists performing the same night: The Robert Cray Band at GLC Live at 20 Monroe<\/strong> in Grand Rapids, Anthony Gomes at The Intersection\u2019s Stache<\/strong> and harmonica player\/singer John Nemeth at Park Theatre in Holland<\/strong>
Tickets for Robert Cray:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.ticketmaster.com\/the-robert-cray-band-grand-rapids-michigan-03-27-2026\/event\/08006428B6F04DA2<\/a>
Video:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ohLHxyfnWUc <\/a>
Tickets\/Info for Anthony Gomes:<\/strong> https:\/\/sectionlive.com\/event\/anthony-gomes-praise-the-loud-tour\/the-stache\/grand-rapids-michigan\/<\/a>
Tickets for John Nemeth:<\/strong> https:\/\/parktheatreholland.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n

The Honeytones 40th Anniversary Celebration at SpeakEZ Lounge<\/strong> \u2014 One of Grand Rapids\u2019 longest, continuously operating rock bands marks its 40th birthday with special guests and career-spanning original music and covers.
Video:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=yh9tW273cC0 <\/a>
Facebook Event:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/events\/2033337953901123<\/a><\/p>\n\n

MARCH 29<\/h3>\n

Boys Like Girls at GLC Live at 20 Monroe<\/strong> \u2013 Massachusetts rock band Boys Like Girls makes a Grand Rapids stop on \u201cThe Soundtrack of Your Life\u201d tour to close out the month at GLC Live at 20 Monroe.
Tickets: <\/strong>https:\/\/www.ticketmaster.com\/boys-like-girls-the-soundtrack-of-grand-rapids-michigan-03-28-2026\/event\/08006357A43C2623<\/a>
Video:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Q_fnmVsSjAc<\/a><\/p>\n\n

VIDEO: Local Spins March Roundup on EightWest<\/strong>