Grand Rapids music scene welcomes students back

By MATT OBERSKI

Updated: January 9, 2013, 5:29 PM

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Welcome back, Lakers. For the students who are having trouble easing back into things here at Grand Valley State University, finding classes and sharing space with roommates again, this month’s Grand Rapids music scene will provide ample entertainment for an escape.

Start Jan. 11, when La Dispute returns to their hometown to begin their North American tour. Since 2004, La Dispute has branched out from Grand Rapids and is now known internationally, releasing two albums and multiple EPs. Their most recent album, “Wildlife,” was released in 2011.

La Dispute can be seen with supporting bands Pity Sex and Shores tomorrow at The Pyramid Scheme. Unfortunately, this show is sold out at the box office, but stubhub.com has tickets. And if you are dying to see the Grand Rapids locals, they are playing in Pontiac, Mich. Jan. 12 at The Crofoot, with tickets starting at $13.

Over at the Orbit Room on Jan. 18, well-known pop rock bands All Time Low and Yellowcard will be rocking out and promoting All Time Low’s newest album, “Don’t Panic,” which came out last October. Supporting act Yellowcard released “Southern Air” last year, which is their second album since the band’s return from hiatus in 2010. Tickets are $25 for the 7 p.m. show.

At the Intersection, GMD$ Enterprise presents Prozak and a handful of special guests and locals, including Kemical, Epidemic, and Eazy Money. Prozak, born as Steven Shippy, was born in Saginaw, Mich. and directs independent films in addition to his rap career. GMD$, or Get Motivated and Do Something Enterprise, is an independent label in Grand Rapids dedicated to promoting local talent, run by Erich “Eazy Money” Walton. You can catch Prozak and the supporting acts in the ages 18 and up show on Jan. 19, for $15 in advance or $18 at the door.

For those interested in something a bit heavier, swing over to the Division Avenue Arts Collective, better known as the DAAC, to see eight local hardcore bands all for only $8. From hardcore band Caesar to Detroit synth-core band SycAmour, to Grand Rapids deathcore band Oceans Over Earth, this show will help start a memorable weekend. Doors open at 5 p.m. for the Jan. 25 show.

After dropping from the Rock on the Range tour stop in Grand Rapids over the summer, Papa Roach will be returning to rock the Orbit Room Jan. 26 as part of their tour with Stone Sour. To date, Papa Roach has released eight albums, and has been nominated for multiple awards. Unfortunately, Stone Sour will not perform in Grand Rapids. But on a plus side, Papa Roach fans can purchase VIP packages, which include a meet and greet, an autographed copy of handwritten lyrics by lead singer, Jacoby Shaddix, early entry to the show and several other perks. The show starts at 8 p.m., with tickets $25 in advance or $30 at the door. VIP upgrades start at $125.

Wrapping up the month, the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra presents “Play!: A Video Game Symphony” on Jan. 29. The GRSO will perform a handful of gamers’ favorite soundtracks from legendary games, including Final Fantasy, Legend of Zelda, World of Warcraft, HALO and more. The performance will also include scenes from the games shown on three high-definition TVs. Tickets start at $32, and the game magic begins at 7:30 p.m.

moberski@lanthorn.com

Published January 9, 2013 A&E