Concerts this week

So, after a bit of a lull in concert attending, this week we have two on the schedule:

Tonight (Aug 7) - Meijer Gardens (here in Grand Rapids) is having a great double bill show. The evening will start with the Blues/Rock sounds of Los Lonely Boys (great trio), followed by the road veterans Los Lobos. Los Lobos has been around for decades, and have reached almost legendary status. Los Lonely Boys came to national attention a few years back with their hit "Heaven", and are known for their great live shows. Should be a night of some outstanding music, with a Tex/Mex flavor.

Saturday (Aug 9) - We are going up to UnityFest in Muskegon (www.unitymusicfestival.com) on Saturday, as they are hosting a "legends" package in the afternoon. Starting off at 2:30, Randy Stonehill will perform a solo acoustic set. Phil Keaggy will follow at 3:30 with a similar set. Then a reunited Resurrection Band will perform a set starting at 4:45pm. Considering this is the second of only 2 reunion shows for Resurrection Band, this is a "must see" for me. Reports from their first show last month at Cornerstone Festival were very positive, so expectations are high.

Other shows of note coming in the next month:

• Friday (Aug 8) - Although we aren't going on Friday, Unity Fest (www.unitymusicfestival.com) is having headliners Skillet and Toby Mac both on Friday night. That's a good combo, if you ask me, but I can't make it.

• August 23 - Bill Haley's Comets, Hastings SummerFest, Downtown Hastings - Afternoon outdoor performance - Although this no longer includes Bill Haley (who passed away in 1981), the group reportedly is now led by "original" bass player Al Rappa.

• September 23 - Monte Montgomery, The Intersection (front lounge), Grand Rapids - www.sectionlive.com - Rumor has it that local favorite Ed Englerth may be opening the show (just rumor at this point)

• October 2 - Jon Olivas Pain and Circle II Circle, The Intersection, Grand Rapids - www.sectionlive.com - Jon Oliva is one of the main composers behind Trans-Siberian Orchestra, but is more known as a founding member of the band Savatage. Circle II Circle is a band founded by a previous lead vocalist for Savatage. This is a rare opportunity to see both bands on stage in one evening, and may see a mini-reunion for some Savatage tunes. Should be a good night.

That is all for now.