All American Funk Parade wsg. DJ Joe Hertler
This is a standing room only 18 and over event. 17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian. The All American Funk Parade’s Annual Holiday Dance Party is the single greatest event of the year. There will be tons of moms mistletoeing. Countless piper boys piping. Everyone a’dancing. And music of an ilk so unprecedented, it will have you screaming for more.
Saxsquatch & Bridge Band wsg Basic Comfort
This is a 18+ event with standing room only17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian Saxsquatch: Multi-instrumentalist. Music Enthusiast. Doesn’t want to be in your pit orch. Basic Comfort: alternative pop band Basic Comfort from Kalamazoo, Michigan: Band members: Mitchell plays keys and sings, Schadig and Mike Anyonga play guitar and sing, and Ryan Edgar plays bass. Latest album: Dimensions is their self-produced second album, which explores connection to the self and others
Mighty Big Rig Album Release wsgs. Sean Anthony Sullivan & Ten Peso Version
18+ Standing Room Only Show 17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian Just by listening to their newest album, “Solitude,” you wouldn’t believe that members of the Kalamazoo-based Mighty Big Rig only have a few years of jamming under their belts. The rich grooves, the complex layers behind its instrumentation and solos that range from ear-melting to soul softening all resonate as they point to veteran musicianship.
Hot Like Mars
18+ Standing Room Only Show 17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian Hot Like Mars is Chicago’s funkiest, most soulful rock band, turning heads with their exhilarating live performances and consistently compelling studio releases. The dynamic quintet – Anthony Perry (Lead Vocals / Keys), Frank Minella (Guitar / Vocals), Patrick Walsh (Guitar), Donoven Brown (Bass / Vocals), and Wes Julien (Drums / Vocals), has earned regional acclaim in recent years, delivering high-energy, genre-bending live shows that leave audiences spellbound. Leading with exceptional song craft, intrepid improvisation, and world-class instrumentation, the group’s uplifting presence has earned them a reputation as one of the most exciting bands on the circuit today. Since their inception in December 2023, Hot Like Mars has rapidly risen through the music scene, garnering online acclaim, social media virality, and a fervent live following. They’ve shared stages with heavyweights like Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Andy Frasco, packing iconic venues such as The Metro and Park West to the brim. Their Chicago residency alone saw them sell over 1,000 tickets, further cementing their status as a must-see act. In a testament to their growing influence, Hot Like Mars has gone viral on Instagram and TikTok, launched their live catalog on nugs.net, and had multiple singles spotlighted on Spotify’s “Modern Jam Band” editorial playlist. In just five months, the band unleashed seven live singles and a live album, all met with widespread praise from fans. This summer, they’re set to release their first studio single ahead of a full-length studio album dropping in Fall 2024—a project that will undoubtedly elevate their profile even higher. The album release will kick off an extensive tour across the Midwest and beyond, bringing their infectious grooves and inspiring tunes to an ever-growing audience. Diversity is at the core of Hot Like Mars, and their mission is to break down racial barriers, uniting people through the universal power of music. Each song is crafted to inspire, motivate, and get listeners dancing to their irresistible rhythms. As we look ahead to the rest of 2024, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exhilarating year for Hot Like Mars.
Dopapod at Bell’s
This is a 18 and over event with standing room only. 17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian Since 2007, Dopapod has been known for their eclectic style and complex arrangements. Composed of Eli Winderman, Rob Compa, Chuck Jones, and Neal “Fro” Evans, the band thrives on live improvisation and has built a devoted fan base. Their energetic performances and innovative sound are reflected in a series of albums that chart their musical journey. They bring a vibrant energy to the stage, captivating audiences with their technical skills and creative interplay. Dopapod’s live shows are a testament to their ability to blend structured compositions with spontaneous improvisation, creating a unique experience every time.
Dopapod at Bell’s
This is a 18 and over event with standing room only. 17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian Since 2007, Dopapod has been known for their eclectic style and complex arrangements. Composed of Eli Winderman, Rob Compa, Chuck Jones, and Neal “Fro” Evans, the band thrives on live improvisation and has built a devoted fan base. Their energetic performances and innovative sound are reflected in a series of albums that chart their musical journey. They bring a vibrant energy to the stage, captivating audiences with their technical skills and creative interplay. Dopapod’s live shows are a testament to their ability to blend structured compositions with spontaneous improvisation, creating a unique experience every time.
Knee Deep Shag wsg. The Grace Theisen Band
This is a 18+ event with standing room only17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian Though their live shows have been further between for the past decade, KneeDeepShag still remains an influential force in the Michigan music scene. The boys have been busy working on an array of other independent and nationally recognized musical endeavors, but every so often the itch to return to the stage as a group, and reconnect with the fans and the music just can’t be ignored. Their evolving and original live set ranges from high-energy rock and soulful ballads, to deep dance grooves and a “super rock cover” or two – sure to satisfy your mind and your behind. Heavyweight players and songwriters at every position: Phil Barry on guitar, Matt Gross on vocals, Rob Cookman on keyboards, Jeff Moehle on drums and Mike Fuerst on bass. See you at the show!
SunSquabi & Late Night Radio w/ Special Guests TBA
This is a 18+ event – 17 and Under w/ Guardian Standing room only Music brings us to our feet literally, figuratively, and spiritually. It inspires us to rise up to our day’s trials and tribulations, and on a larger scale, the world’s challenges. Through an unspoken sonic communion between three distinct musical identities, SunSquabi—Kevin Donohue [guitar, keys, production], Josh Fairman [bass, synth], and Chris Anderson [drums]—rouse us from inactivity and into action when we need the extra push through their signature live electronica sound. After racking up tens of millions of streams and delivering rapturous performances at legendary venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre, they incite personal revolution louder than ever on their third full-length album, Arise, releasing on October 26, 2022. “Since we’ve all been put down very hard for the past two years, the entire world has felt this pressure, sadness, and struggle,” observes Kevin. “So we tried to relay a message of arising from the ashes and becoming something new. This album shows how we’re able to do so during a really tough time.” SunSquabi has ignited the energy of listeners everywhere since 2015. They’ve unveiled a string of fan favorite releases such as Odyssey [2016], Deluxe EP [2017], and Instinct [2019]. In addition to praise from 303 Magazine, JamBase, Live For Live Music, and many more, WestWord proclaimed, “The record has electrifying moments,” and ThisSongIsSick raved, “SunSquabi never fails to bring the funk. Throughout the project they showcase their instrumentation highlighting shredding guitar riffs, funky basslines and crisp percussion with just the right touch of electronic production elements.” Along the way, they’ve sold out venues coast-to-coast, capturing one of three Red Rocks gigs so far on SunSquabi (Live at Red Rocks). The guys have collaborated with String Cheese Incident, Late Night Radio, Lettuce, and GRiZ, to name a few. During 2019, the musicians began kicking around initial ideas for Arise during marathon jam sessions. As the Pandemic shut down touring, SunSquabi continued to write and record. “A couple of songs came together as jams in the basement or on live streams,” recalls Kevin. “We’d rework these improv-based ideas in the studio. It was an extended process. We definitely took advantage of the time.” Josh adds, “We’re very proud of the band staying true to the music and to each other. We came together during the Pandemic and made sacrifices together. We’ve bonded as a band. We don’t try to jump on any trends. We’re true to ourselves and make music we feel in our hearts.”
Fleetwood Mac Tribute
This is an 18 + event | 17 and under with a parent or guardianThis is a standing room only show Kait Rose & Co. Presents: Fleetwood Mac Tribute is returning to Bells Backroom for their highly anticipated sellout show the weekend before Thanksgiving! Spanning the music of Fleetwood Mac’s run, from the days of Peter Green to highlighting band member’s breakout projects, fans can expect to be enthralled and enchanted by the range of songs, energy and talent on stage. To accommodate demand, we’ve added a Thursday night show and more seating to each performance! There will be door prizes, costume contests and more, so get your tickets now!
Fleetwood Mac Tribute
This is an 18 + event | 17 and under with a parent or guardianThis is a standing room only show Kait Rose & Co. Presents: Fleetwood Mac Tribute is returning to Bells Backroom for their highly anticipated sellout show the weekend before Thanksgiving! Spanning the music of Fleetwood Mac’s run, from the days of Peter Green to highlighting band member’s breakout projects, fans can expect to be enthralled and enchanted by the range of songs, energy and talent on stage. To accommodate demand, we’ve added a Thursday night show and more seating to each performance! There will be door prizes, costume contests and more, so get your tickets now!
