Ayers Basement Systems Tuesday Evening Music Club
Highlights Local and Regional Talent in West Michigan’s Most Beautiful Outdoor Venue
Music enthusiasts have much to look forward to this summer as Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park proudly announces the 2024 lineup for the Ayers Basement Systems Tuesday Evening Music Club. Thanks to the generous support from partners Ayers Basement Systems, Meyer Music, WYCE, and Corporate Live, the series promises an array of live performances from local and regional favorites.
Tuesday evenings in June, July, and August (except Tuesday, June 11 where there will be no concert), the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater will host a vibrant selection of artists and groups ranging from indie bands to folk musicians and rock ensembles, alongside unique cultural performances including the return of Grand Rapids Ballet. This diverse programming ensures there’s something for everyone, making it the highlight of West Michigan’s musical calendar this summer.
Special Event:
Mark your calendars for a special event on August 6—Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience. This concert experience requires a separate ticket, available at MeijerGardens.org/TEMC. Don’t miss out on this unique tribute to one of pop music’s most iconic figures.
“We’re honored to be a part of this premiere music series,” said Ed Krieger, CEO of Ayers Basement Systems. “We believe a single action can spread to something more, creating a ripple effect. The full extent of each ripple, we’ll likely never know, but we’re certain that enriching cultural experiences like those at Meijer Gardens can enhance lives, ultimately fostering significant impact within our communities.”
Great views of the Gardens & Sculpture Park, featuring works from internationally acclaimed artists, and lively acoustics create an intimate concert setting for guests of all ages. From its lush, manicured general admission lawn seating to the ivy growing on the stage, the 1,900 seat Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater is the ideal summer setting for experiencing live music and performances from the region’s finest musicians and cultural organizations. Free and convenient on-site parking and the ability for concertgoers to bring a picnic or enjoy unique concessions offerings highlight the Meijer Gardens concert experience. Amphitheater plaza gates open at 6 pm and Tuesday evening performances begin at 7 pm.
Ayers Basement Systems Tuesday Evening Music Club Details
Dates: Every Tuesday evening in June, July and August* (*no concert on Tuesday, June 11)
Time: Amphitheater Gates open at 5 pm. Performances begin at 7 pm.
Location: Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater, 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids 49525
Admission: Free for Meijer Gardens members. Included with general admission for nonmembers.* (Separate ticket required for the August 6 Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience, available at: MeijerGardens.org/TEMC)
2024 Ayers Basement Systems Tuesday Evening Music Club Lineup
June 4: The Par-llo Connection + Avalon Cutts-Jones
Par-llo: An acronym for Peace All Races, Live, Love Others, childhood and high school friends Par-llo formed in 1980, disbanded in 1987, and regrouped seven years ago to revive their catalogue of ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and modern R&B, funk, and soul hits.
Avalon Cutts-Jones: She’s a choir girl with quartet roots who loves jazz harmonies while singing classical with a neo-soul vibe.
June 11: NO CONCERT
June 18: Lady Ace Boogie & Friends + Sixman
Lady Ace Boogie & Friends: High-energy beats and live instrumentation are paired with inspiring lyrics that uplift and motivate listeners to create a powerful and engaging genre-bending musical experience.
Sixman: Winner of the 2024 WYCE Jammie award for best hip-hop album, Sixman has toured throughout Europe and lived in Amsterdam, helping him create an international fan base. In his teens, he called Grand Rapids home and he still has strong ties to the community.
June 25: The Grand Rapids Chorus Sweet Adelines + Djangophinique
The Grand Rapids Chorus Sweet Adelines: A wide range of music—from contemporary pop and show tunes to jazz, patriotic, and gospel—is all sung a cappella in four-part harmony, with ringing chords unique to barbershop-style music.
Djangophinique: Delivering the infectious joy and expressive freedom of legendary manouche jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, Djangophinique is enhanced by the vocals Katie Smith, whose soulful approach channels the mystery and appeal of the Hot Club revival.
July 2: MOLLY
MOLLY: As she grows as an artist creating solo work, she continues to explore the truths and constructed realities of what it means to be alive as a Black woman navigating old and new territories through sound and space. Her unique past and desire for a sense of absolute freedom inform her emotive style of singing and narrate her thought-provoking lyrics, making for a moody, eclectic, colorful, soulful mixture of voicings.
July 9: 6-Pak
6-Pak: A legendary all-girl band, originally formed in 1967, performs the grooviest hits from that era.
July 16: Franklin Park
Franklin Park: Classmates from 1969, Franklin Park pays homage to the music of their youth, flawlessly covering the likes of The Beatles, The Byrds, The Rascals, and more. Expect a fun-filled dance down memory lane.
July 23: The Diatribe Presents: An Evening of Music and Poetry
The Diatribe: One of the city’s premier arts and culture nonprofit organizations invites you to an evening of entertainment featuring the poetic stylings of Marcel Fable Price, 2017–2020 Poet Laureate of Grand Rapids, and Foster, aka Auto Pilot, orator, and co-founder of The Diatribe. Music will be provided by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Karisa Wilson, as well as the hip-hop/R&B band Bedrock.
July 30: The Mickeys + Lyons & Co.
The Mickeys: The Mickeys are an Indie Americana band featuring twin harmonies, powerful guitar and stylish bass.
Lyons & Co.: Their crafted songs deliver notes of American Roots, Southern Rock, Chicago Blues and Funk, performed in collaboration with musicians from across the states. Be sure to expect a high-energy performance and world-class musicianship.
August 6: Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience*
Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience: Join us for an unforgettable experience with singer-songwriter Kanin Wren, the leader behind the most authentic Taylor Swift Experience in the Midwest! Kanin and her musicians have crafted a night of live music and dancing that promises to be a memorable affair. Sing along to your favorite Taylor Swift hits, dance the night away and create lasting memories.
*Separate ticket required, purchase at MeijerGardens.org/TEMC
August 13: Nathan Walton & The Remedy
Nathan Walton & The Remedy: Rock, blues, funk and other styles are fused into a rich explosion of sound. Walton, a former American Idol contestant, leads the band with his blazing signature vocals.
August 20: Thornetta Davis
Thornetta Davis: Detroit’s Queen of the Blues is a 2024 Blues Music Award nominee and a 2023 Blues Music Award winner for Best Soul/Blues Female Artist of the Year. With over 30 Detroit Music Awards, this singer-songwriter and recording artist has captivated global audiences with electrifying performances, touring Europe and gracing music festivals across the United States and abroad.
August 27: The Grand Rapids Ballet
The Grand Rapids Ballet: Programming includes the revival of Le Grand Jazz!, a beloved audience favorite choreographed by Darrell Grand-Moultrie for October’s ballet production. This dynamic work pulsates with energy—featuring a blend of classic tunes and contemporary jazz melodies—and showcases a vibrant community of dancers who embody playfulness and introspection and are always full of life.
