Kalamazoo Academy Of Rock
This is an all-ages event Advance tickets may also be purchased in person at the General Store by card only (no cash) Kalamazoo Academy of Rock is back at Bell’s! These youth bands have been wow-ing audiences for years – come on down for a show like no other! For more information about KAR visit www.kzoorock.com
Kalamazoo Academy Of Rock
This is an all-ages event Advance tickets may also be purchased in person at the General Store by card only (no cash) Kalamazoo Academy of Rock is back at Bell’s! These youth bands have been wow-ing audiences for years – come on down for a show like no other! For more information about KAR visit www.kzoorock.com
Bombargo
This is a 18+ | 17 under with a parent or guardian Advance tickets may also be purchased in person at the General Store by card only (no cash) ____________________________________________________________________________ Bombargo is a Canadian based international touring band that drops a vibrant splash of soul over their distinctive ‘vintage-pop’ sound. Well known for bringing unrivaled energy to the stage with sing-along anthems, double-brother harmonies, and a powerful message that combined make for one of the most captivating live shows ever! Frontman Nathan Thoen’s passionate conviction and ‘Jagger-like’ dance moves even impressed billionaire and music industry icon Sir Richard Branson, quoting “I haven’t seen this type of energy since The Rolling Stones!” – and he would know, having personally signed The Rolling Stones to Virgin Records. The band began with lead singer Nathan Thoen and guitarist Spencer Chilliak after the two spontaneously met and drove 16 hours to attend Sasquatch Music Festival where they became inspired to start a band. The duo wrote their debut single “Let It Grow” during their very first writing session and as part of Bombargo’s debut EP Back on Main which would go on to be included in “The Top 10 Best Saskatchewan Albums of 2015” by SaskMusic. This further inspired them to continue writing, touring, and release their first full-length album titled We Are Bombargo. The group has since evolved into a 5-piece touring band adding Nathan’s brother Anthony Thoen on guitar, additional brothers Matt and Sammy Folkersen on keys and bass respectively, and Niall Cubbon on drums. Bombargo “VIP, In Spite Of Everything” Experience – Early Access to Venue – Acoustic performance and hang with the band. – Limited edition signed poster and VIP Laminate. – Photo with Bombargo – Early Access to Merch VIP UPGRADE INCLUDES A TICKET TO THE SHOW.
Summer Trivia
All Ages | Free Event Bell’s Back Room School’s out, trivia’s in! 😎 Cool off with a night of fun, facts, and friendly competition. Who will be crowned the Summer Trivia Champion? 🏅☀️
Finals Watch Party
All Ages | Free Event Bell’s Back Room ⚽ The World Cup action is heating up, and we’re showing it on the big screen! 🍻 Join us this Sunday in the Back Room for our World Cup Finals Watch Party.Bring your crew, wear your team’s colors, and catch the game with us! 🌎🏆
VIDA ETERNA EP RELEASE WSG COLD MOUNTAIN CHILD
This is a 18+ | 17 under with a parent or guardian Advance tickets may also be purchased in person at the General Store by card only (no cash) Vida Eterna is a Kalamazoo-based dreampop band with shoegaze and post-punk influences, drawing from the college rock heyday of the late 80s and early 90s. Their energetic live show flows between loud, blissed-out distorted guitar noise and slow, ambient, introspective lyrics with ethereal vocals. Vida Eterna’s debut self-titled EP will be released on July 30th at Bell’s Back Room, following the release of their first single, “Had To Let You Know,” on July 11th, 2026. The single will be accompanied by a music video directed by Zac Clark, featuring dark, David Lynchian imagery reminiscent of MTV’s 120 Minutes.
Sounds of the Zoo Presents: Celebrating Women in Music featuring Grace Theisen Band & Kylee Phillips
This is a 18+ | 17 under with a parent or guardian Suggested Donations at Door Sounds of the Zoo returns for its fifth year in 2026, continuing its mission of Creating Change Through Music in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo. What began as a grassroots idea has grown into a week-long, citywide celebration of live music, community, and connection. The 2026 festival runs for seven days across eight locations, featuring 40+ bands and artists. Every event is free and open to the public, inviting the community to experience music in an accessible and welcoming way throughout downtown Kalamazoo’s live music venues and public spaces. This year’s lineup spans beloved local venues including Bell’s Backroom, along with additional performances throughout the downtown corridor. The festival culminates with three full days of programming in Bronson Park, transforming the heart of the city into a vibrant, open-air stage. At its core, Sounds of the Zoo is about more than music. The festival is rooted in values of diversity, equity, and inclusion—amplifying a wide range of voices and genres while also bringing awareness to mental health, sustainability, and community well-being. Free live music. Local venues. A shared city experience. Sounds of the Zoo 2026 is an invitation to show up, listen, and be part of something bigger—where music brings people together across every background and every corner of the community.
Issues & Ale: It’s Just Politics – Michigan’s Primary Election Preview
Join Michigan Public’s Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta for a preview of the upcoming Michigan Primary, a week before the election! Reserve your spot here
Payton & Annabelle: The Songs of Simon & Garfunkel
This is an 18+ seated event | 17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian Advance tickets may also be purchased in person at the General Store by card only (no cash) Award winning Kalamazoo based duo Payton&Annabelle are thrilled to return to Bell’s Backroom with their previously sold-out show, Payton&Annabelle: The Songs of Simon & Garfunkel. After having spent years enjoying and casually performing the music of the well-known singer-songwriters, the pair have dedicated a full set to their fantastic song craft. Featuring popular favorites, deep cut gems, an outstanding backing band, and special guests, this experience promises to be one that can be enjoyed by all. The duo honors both their full band songs and intimate duets, providing both in their memorable live set. The duo have sold out multiple duo nights at Kalamazoo’s Clover Room and have sold out a previous night at Bell’s Back Room with their full band and guests. The pair are quickly making a name for themselves in Michigan and around the Midwest. Their original song “projection” won the first ever state-wide New Moon Songwriting Competition, and their music also garnered them first place in the 2023 Battle of the Bands at the Kalamazoo State Theatre. The duo currently have their debut album For the Willows streaming everywhere, and are working on recording their second full length album. https://www.paytonandannabelle.com https://www.instagram.com/paytonandannabelle/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/20Pz0ky33gWdsPScb8goBi https://www.facebook.com/people/Payton-Annabelle/61579818767274/
Payton & Annabelle: The Songs of Simon & Garfunkel
This is an 18+ seated event | 17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian Advance tickets may also be purchased in person at the General Store by card only (no cash) Award winning Kalamazoo based duo Payton&Annabelle are thrilled to return to Bell’s Backroom with their previously sold-out show, Payton&Annabelle: The Songs of Simon & Garfunkel. After having spent years enjoying and casually performing the music of the well-known singer-songwriters, the pair have dedicated a full set to their fantastic song craft. Featuring popular favorites, deep cut gems, an outstanding backing band, and special guests, this experience promises to be one that can be enjoyed by all. The duo honors both their full band songs and intimate duets, providing both in their memorable live set. The duo have sold out multiple duo nights at Kalamazoo’s Clover Room and have sold out a previous night at Bell’s Back Room with their full band and guests. The pair are quickly making a name for themselves in Michigan and around the Midwest. Their original song “projection” won the first ever state-wide New Moon Songwriting Competition, and their music also garnered them first place in the 2023 Battle of the Bands at the Kalamazoo State Theatre. The duo currently have their debut album For the Willows streaming everywhere, and are working on recording their second full length album. https://www.paytonandannabelle.com https://www.instagram.com/paytonandannabelle/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/20Pz0ky33gWdsPScb8goBi https://www.facebook.com/people/Payton-Annabelle/61579818767274/
