What To Know Before Attending The Show

• All bags and purses must be under 8″ x 5″ x 2″ – Click for more details

Doors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pm

Buy Tickets HERE

GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, and guitarist Tab Benoit returns to the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre with special guest JD Simo February 23, 2023!

About Tab Benoit: Tab Benoit is a GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, and guitarist who has built a remarkable 30+ year career on the foundation of his gritty and soulful Delta swamp blues and acquiring a devoted legion of fans along the way, as well as 5 Blues Music Awards, including BB King Entertainer of the Year (twice) and an induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Tab has recorded and/or performed with Junior Wells, George Porter Jr, Dr. John, Willie Nelson, Big Chief Monk, Billy Joe Shaver, James Cotton, Kim Wilson, Ivan Neville, and Alvin Youngblood to name a few.

–

About JD Simo: JD Simo is an American guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, solo artist and former member of the rock band SIMO. He has worked with the likes of Jack White, Tommy Emmanuel, Luther Dickinson, Dave Cobb, Blackberry Smoke, and has served as a member of Grateful Dead founder Phil Lesh’ “Phil & Friends.” His most unique, original and rawest effort yet, Mind Control, was released in November 2021.

General Ticket Information:
Seating is Reserved for this all-ages event. There’s an 8-ticket limit.

• $29-$59
• Student discount available in the box office

BUY TICKETS HERE
Buy Skip The Line Tickets HERE
RSVP On Facebook HERE

Skip The Line Ticket Information:

Why wait in the elements when you can skip the line?! This is a separate ticket that will grant you expedited entry into the venue. Skip The Line entry is located near the main entrance of the building. Look for VIP / Skip The Line signage or ask a staff member. Present your Skip The Line pass along with your event ticket for expedited entry and to avoid the public lines. THIS IS NOT AN EVENT TICKET.

Security Information:
All patrons are subject to search, pat down, and wanding.  The following items are not allowed in the venue: guns, knives, lasers, tasers, mace, glass items, cameras, selfie sticks, outside food or beverage, no bags over the dimensions of 8 inches wide by 5 inches tall with a width of 2 inches,  and other items that may challenge public safety.  You can view our full list by visiting our frequently asked questions here

The post Tab Benoit WSG JD Simo appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

What To Know Before Attending The Show

• All bags and purses must be under 8″ x 5″ x 2″ – Click for more details

Doors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pm

Buy Tickets HERE

Join #1 Billboard Blues Artist Joanne Shaw Taylor and her amazing band as they perform her highly acclaimed new release, “The Blues Album” from start to finish, along with fan favorites at the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre Wednesday, November 2, 2022!

With her first U.S. concert film Blues From The Heart Live set for release June 10, KTBA Records recording artist and British blues-rock star Joanne Shaw Taylor readies fans for her upcoming North American Fall Tour,.

Lauded as a “monumental concert” by Guitar Player, Blues From The Heart Live will be available as a CD/DVD and CD/Blu-Ray package, including a collectible 24-page CD booklet. Filmed and recorded at The Franklin Theatre just outside of Nashville, Guitarist Magazine calls the film “an explosive outing with plenty of soul and a few guests, too.” Those incredible guest performances include Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Mike Farris and KTBA founder and blues rock titan Joe Bonamassa. Available now HERE.

“It was an incredible evening and a show I’ll never forget,” shares Taylor. “I’m so proud of the film, and I’m honored to have been joined by some of my friends for this special concert.”

This historic event was Joanne’s first live performance in two years and features Rob McNelley (guitar), Steve Mackey (bass), Jimmy Wallace (keyboards, piano), Nick Buda (drums), Devonne Fowlkes (backing vocals), Kim Fleming (backing vocals), and Taylor on vocals and guitar. Public TV stations around the country have been airing a shortened version of the film for their pledge events since March to their audiences.

The audio was produced by Bonamassa and Josh Smith at Blackbird Studios, Nashville, and was mixed by Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden) at The Cave, Australia. The video component includes bonus track “I’m No Angel” (not available on the CD) and also a behind the scenes featurette which includes interviews of Joanne and Joe before they took the stage.

Released with the announcement of the film and live album, debut single, “Dyin’ To Know” is available to stream now, along with “Can’t You See What You’re Doing To Me” featuring five-time GRAMMY nominee Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

Joanne Shaw Taylor is a British blues rock singer and guitarist who was discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics at the age of 16. Taylor has become one of the hottest live acts on the modern Blues scene, and soon you’ll see why. You don’t want to miss Blues Rock Phenom, Joanne Shaw Taylor in this unforgettable night of soul and blues music!

Taylor released her seventh studio full-length record, The Blues Album in 2021. The album was released via Joe Bonamassa’s independent blues label KTBA Records. It was produced and recorded by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith at Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, Tennessee.

Watch the music video for Joanne’s latest single, “Dyin’ To Know” from her most recent album, “Blues From The Heart Live”.

General Ticket Information:
All seating is reserved for this all-ages event. There’s an 8-ticket limit.

• $39-$99
• Student & Military discount available in the box office only

BUY TICKETS HERE
Buy Skip The Line Tickets HERE
RSVP On Facebook HERE

Skip the line Ticket Information:

Why wait in the elements when you can skip the line?! This is a separate ticket that will grant you expedited entry into the venue. Skip The Line entry is located near the main entrance of the building. Look for VIP / Skip The Line signage or ask a staff member. Present your Skip The Line pass along with your event ticket for expedited entry and to avoid the public lines. THIS IS NOT AN EVENT TICKET.

Security Information:
All patrons are subject to search, pat down, and wanding.  The following items are not allowed in the venue: guns, knives, lasers, tasers, mace, glass items, cameras, selfie sticks, outside food or beverage, no bags over the dimensions of 8 inches wide by 5 inches tall with a width of 2 inches,  and other items that may challenge public safety.  You can view our full list by visiting our frequently asked questions here

The post Joanne Shaw Taylor appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

Patio Opens: 5:00PM | Live Music: 5:30-8:30 PM

It’s back by popular demand!  Join us outside the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre for State on the Street!  We’ll have free live music from our iconic marquee, drink specials, giveaways and more!

About Crossroads Resurrection Reunion Band

Formerly Crossroads Blues Band, Crossroads Resurrection is one of the premier definers of the Kalamazoo sound. Their unique, funky blend of blues, soul and swamp grooves as well as their engaging stage show has been winning awards and entertaining Michigan audiences for years.

The band started out hosting a jam in Kalamazoo (located exactly half way between Detroit and Chicago) which became a huge attraction for some of the best players in the area. From this musical melting pot, this superb group was forged. The lineup consists of the big vocals and smooth sax playing of front man Eddie Lester, the stellar guitar and vocals of Dave Allemang, and the solid rhythm section of Charles Johnson on bass and Jeff Fernandez on drums. Whether packing the dance floor with a crowd pleasing cover song, drawing from their vast repertoire of original material or just jamming these seasoned pros can and have laid it down with the best of them!. Some of the many awards they’ve won include the Kalamazoo Valley Blues Association blues challenge in 1999 and 2011, the Mid North Michigan blues challenge in 2004, the West Michigan blues Challenge in 2007, and the Detroit Blues Society Blues Challenge in 2009. They were nominated for the WYCE Jammie Award in 2005 and 2009. They have shared the stage with many notable artists including Little Charlie and the Night Cats, Lonnie Brooks and Tab Benoit.

We can’t wait to see you all at this free, socially distanced outdoor event!

What To Expect:
– Free admission
– Throwback drink specials available to purchase outside of KST
– Enjoy live music from the marquee from 5:30-8:30PM
– KST Box Office and Merch on site
– To-go drinks

RSVP On Facebook

Sign Up For Our Exclusive E-blast

Visit Artist Website

The post State on the Street Presented by Herbology ft. Crossroads Resurrection Reunion Band appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

Patio Opens: 5:00PM | Live Music: 5:30-8:30 PM

It’s back by popular demand!  Join us outside the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre for State on the Street!  We’ll have free live music from our iconic marquee, drink specials, giveaways and more!

About Hired Hands Band

The Hired Hands Band is an acoustic ensemble, hailing from America’s heartland. The band draws from a salty mix of musical interests to produce an eclectic sound that is truly American. The band’s repertoire weaves in and out of many genres, including Blues, Folk, Country, Roots Rock and R&B.

Introducing the Hired Hands Band
Bob Allison sings and plays acoustic guitar for the Hired Hands. Over the past three decades, he has done the same for a wide variety of Country/Rock and Bluegrass bands in the area, most notably the Bluegrass group, Heartland. As a member of the Moody Coyotes, Bob demonstrated an affinity for singer-songwriters of the Folk and Country traditions – interest and talent that are wonderfully compatible with the Hired Hands repertoire.

Bill Hughes is the most schooled musician in the Hired Hands. His band mates often rely upon his expertise to help break down and analyze music when learning new material. Bill learned to play the trombone in his formative years, and eventually chose bass guitar as his instrument of choice. Bill is also the bassist for Kalamazoo favorite, Seventh Son Blues Band. Many moons ago, he also played regularly with another local Blues band, Black Cat Bone. Mr. Hughes has also been known to dip his toes into the Rock, Country and Surf genres too. This versatility makes him a perfect fit for Hired Hands.

Laura Allison-Nicol, Bob’s daughter, learned to sing around the campfire. She was heavily influenced by her Dad’s taste in music. About the time Bob, Dale, and Bill were forming the band that would evolve into the Hired Hands, Laura was singing harmonies for an Alt-Country band in Chicago, called the New 65’s. After sitting in with the Hired Hands here and there for a few years, she decided to formally join in 2015. Her beautiful voice and contributions on the banjo have added new dimensions to the band.

Dale Hein, another veteran musician from Kalamazoo, sings and plays harmonica. In 2010, he ended a 9-year stint with the Blue Moon Blues Band and became a founding member of the Hired Hands. Prior to Blue Moon, Dale played with a several bands in the area, mainly in the Blues genre. He also owned and operated a used record shop in downtown, Kalamazoo during the late 70’s and early 80’s. It is therefore no coincidence that Dale has a huge music collection to complement his eclectic taste in music!

We can’t wait to see you all at this free, outdoor event!

What To Expect:
– Free admission
– Throwback drink specials available to purchase outside of KST
– Enjoy live music from the marquee from 5:30-8:30PM
– KST Box Office and Merch on site
– To-go drinks

RSVP On Facebook

Sign Up For Our Exclusive E-blast

Visit Artist Website

The post State on the Street Presented by Herbology ft. Hired Hands Band appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

Doors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pm

Buy Tickets HERE

Legendary British blues-rock guitarist, Robin Trower, returns to the Kalamazoo State Theatre on Sunday, April 10^th!

Considered by many as an icon in the guitar world right up there with Clapton, Hendrix, Page, and Beck, Trower is known for his inspirational style of soloing, coaxing sounds from his Strat that seem to emanate from beyond this world.

After five albums with the psychedelic rock band Procol Harum, Trower’s solo career exploded in 1974 with Bridge of Sighs; the gold-selling masterpiece whose highlights like “Day of the Eagle” and “Too Rolling Stoned” paired his soul-drenched fretwork with the emotive vocals of the late James Dewar.

General Ticket Information:

All seating is reserved for this all ages event. There’s an 8 ticket limit.

• $35-$85

BUY TICKETS HERE
Buy Skip The Line Tickets HERE
RSVP On Facebook HERE
Visit The Artist’s Website HERE

Skip the line Ticket Information:

Why wait in the elements when you can skip the line?! This is a separate ticket that will grant you expedited entry into the venue. Skip The Line entry is located near the main entrance of the building. Look for VIP / Skip The Line signage or ask a staff member. Present your Skip The Line pass along with your event ticket for expedited entry and to avoid the public lines. THIS IS NOT AN EVENT TICKET.

Security Information:
All patrons are subject to search, pat down, and wanding.  The following items are not allowed in the venue: guns, knives, lasers, tasers, mace, glass items, cameras, selfie sticks, outside food or beverage, no bags over the dimensions of 8 inches wide by 5 inches tall with a width of 2 inches,  and other items that may challenge public safety.  You can view our full list by visiting our frequently asked questions here

The post CANCELED Robin Trower appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

Patio Opens: 5:00PM | Live Music: 5:30-8:30 PM

It’s back by popular demand!  Join us outside the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre for State on the Street Presented by Honor Credit Union!  We’ll have free live music from our iconic marquee, drink specials, giveaways from Honor Credit Union and more!

About Ghost Bunnies

The band’s lineup consists of multi-instrumentalist and primary songwriter Justin Schoenfelder who plays guitar/accordion/mandolin/synth, Anthony “fundip” Guimond is on the drums while Adam Nolan lays out the bass. Lindy Thompson plays guitar and mandolin while Peter Swikoski adds various percussion and last but not least Nate Hartmann plays the keys. It’s mostly Schoenfelder on vocals but the band occasionally chimes in usually as a whole to accent a certain word or phrase. It should be noted that Schoenfelder and Swikoski have both worked on educational children’s music and it seems to come across in the music. It’s a combination of the handclaps, Schoenfelder’s warm inviting voice that has a number of childlike qualities, the quirky organ and a number of other things. There’s this innocence to the music when combined with occasional rocking out and an ample amount of talent that creates a very attractive style.

We can’t wait to see you all at this free, socially distanced outdoor event!

What To Expect:
– Free admission
– Drink specials available to purchase outside of KST
– Enjoy live music from the marquee from 5:30-8:30PM
– KST Box Office and Merch on site
– To-go drinks

RSVP On Facebook

Sign Up For Our Exclusive E-blast

Visit Artist Website

The post State on the Street Presented by Honor Credit Union ft. Ghost Bunnies appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER. Reschedule date will be announced soon.

Patio Opens: 5:00PM | Live Music: 5:30-8:30 PM

It’s back by popular demand!  Join us outside the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre for State on the Street Presented by Honor Credit Union!  We’ll have free live music from our iconic marquee, drink specials, giveaways from Honor Credit Union and more!

About Bill Cessna Trio

Bill Cessna (piano) leads his own trio through the Midwest. He moved to Kalamazoo in 2018 with plans to pursue a master’s degree at WMU. Bill is a multi-instramentalist with 8-years experience teaching private piano, voice and improvisation lessons to students of all ages.

Ryan Demenuik (drums) is a professional drummer and educator living in Kalamazoo. He is a graduate from WMU where he received his Bachelors degree in Jazz studies. Ryan teaches extensively throughout the area. He is a returning faculty member at the Keith Hall Summer Drum Intesive.

About Sofie Yang Duo

Sofie Yang picked the violin at the age of seven after a symphony “petting zoo,” and the orchestral setting remains her favorite musical experience today!

She earned a Bachelor’s degree from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin with Samantha George, where she won the concerto competition performing the Sibelius Violin Concerto, was featured on Wisconsin Public Radio with her string quartet, played in a fiddle club, rocked in a heavy metal band, and channeled deep listening in improvisation groups. Sofie completed her Master’s with Janet Sung at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, during which she scaled back on overzealous exploring to focus on her classical studies.

Pianist Juan Sebastian Avendaño has performed in his native Colombia in addition to Brazil, and the United States as soloist, chamber musician and collaborative pianist. In 2015, he was awarded first prize of the Concerto Competition hosted by the Cali Philharmonic, and winner of the Jaqueline Avent Concerto Competition 2015 in Tennessee. Avendaño holds a first prize in piano accompaniment at the Vocal National Competition hosted by the Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra, an honorable mention in the Western Michigan Concerto Competition 2018 and has been winner in two consecutive years of the Young Artist competition of the Banco de la Republica in Colombia.

Currently, Juan serves as collaborative pianist for the Ad Astra Music Festival and as an Adjunct Professor at Western Michigan University, institution where he earned a master’s degree in Piano Performance as a Phyllis Rappeport Opera Fellow under the tutelage of renowned pianist Lori Sims.

We can’t wait to see you all at this free, socially distanced outdoor event!

What To Expect:
– Free admission
– Throwback drink specials available to purchase outside of KST
– Enjoy live music from the marquee from 5:30-8:30PM
– Visit the Honor Credit Union Table
– KST Box Office and Merch on site
– To-go drinks
– Masks are required when not at your table
– Social distancing enforced

RSVP On Facebook

Sign Up For Our Exclusive E-blast

Visit Honor Credit Union’s Website

The post CANCELED State on the Street Presented by Honor Credit Union ft. Crescendo Academy of Music appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

Live Music: 5:30-8:30 PM

It’s back by popular demand!  Join us outside the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre for State on the Street Presented by Honor Credit Union!  We’ll have free live music from our iconic marquee, drink specials, giveaways from our Honor Credit Union and more!

All of the events will be held on Fridays, starting at 5PM with live music from 5:30-8:30PM!

About Jazz & Creative Institute

The Jazz and Creative Institute is a community of musicians at Kalamazoo Music School focused on jazz, improvisation, and group playing. Students study traditional jazz instruments in private lessons, play at jam sessions, participate in both small ensembles and big bands while developing their individual voices inside a supportive, creative community in downtown Kalamazoo.

We can’t wait to see you all at this free, socially distanced outdoor event!

What To Expect:
– Free admission
– Throwback drink specials available to purchase outside of KST
– Enjoy live music from the marquee from 5:30-8:30PM
– Visit the Honor Credit Union Table
– KST Box Office and Merch on site
– To-go drinks
– Masks are required when not at your table
– Social distancing enforced

RSVP On Facebook

Sign Up For Our Exclusive E-blast

Visit Honor Credit Union’s Website

Visit Artist Website

The post State on the Street Presented by Honor Credit Union ft. Jazz & Creative Institute Large & Small Ensembles appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

Due to weather, we will be canceling tonight’s State on the Street Presented by Herbology ft. Kanola Band.

Patio Opens: 5:00PM | Live Music: 5:30-8:30 PM

It’s back by popular demand!  Join us outside the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre for State on the Street!  We’ll have free live music from our iconic marquee, drink specials, giveaways and more!

About Kanola Band

Kanola Band brings together some of the most experienced and diverse musicians in the midwest US jazz scene to pay tribute to the great music and heritage of New Orleans. Dipping into the city’s diverse musical history including traditional Dixieland, groovin’ zydeco, soulful funk to blasting brass band second lines, audiences of all ages will leave feeling just a bit happier than when they came. Bring your dancing shoes, leave your worries behind and be ready for some fun, because Kanola Band is always a good time!

Kanola members have performed at some of the most prestigious international music venues including Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Baryshnikov Arts Center, Ronnie Scotts, Kennedy Center for the Arts and have recorded and toured with some of the top jazz musicians/bands on the scene including the Doc Severinsen Big Band, Etienne Charles Big Band, Curtis Stigers, Henry Mancini Institute Jazz Orchestra, Tri-Fi, Knee Deep Shag, Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra and more. In addition to being veteran musicians, they are also passionate music educators who have held teaching positions at Western Michigan University, Purdue University (Ft. Wayne), Kalamazoo College, Saginaw Valley State University, and Jazz & Creative Institute. Their unique and engaging approach to performing will leave all ages of audiences having fun while learning about jazz, improvisation, music history, alongside the rich history and music of New Orleans all while grooving in their seat or dancing in the aisle.

We can’t wait to see you all at this free, socially distanced outdoor event!

What To Expect:
– Free admission
– Throwback drink specials available to purchase outside of KST
– Enjoy live music from the marquee from 5:30-8:30PM
– KST Box Office and Merch on site
– To-go drinks

RSVP On Facebook

Sign Up For Our Exclusive E-blast

Visit Artist Website

The post CANCELED State on the Street Presented by Herbology ft. Kanola Band appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

Patio Opens: 5:00PM | Live Music: 5:30-8:30 PM

It’s back by popular demand!  Join us outside the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre for State on the Street!  We’ll have free live music from our iconic marquee, drink specials, giveaways and more!

About St. Joe Jack

St. Joe Jack is an eclectic mix of positive energy and excitement. Accompanied by his guitar, loop pedal, banjo, and several more odd instruments Jack set’s the stage to take you to a new world of music that will keep you dancing all night long. Everything from Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Beatles, new pop, old jazz, as well as original music, he makes it easy to join in the fun! In 2019 Jack played a tour at 100 Breweries in 100 Days and as of recent has been spotted playing on the roof of the State Theatre in Kalamazoo. Better bring a dance partner, you don’t wanna miss this!

We can’t wait to see you all at this free, socially distanced outdoor event!

What To Expect:
– Free admission
– Drink specials available to purchase outside of KST
– Enjoy live music from the marquee from 5:30-8:30PM
– KST Box Office and Merch on site
– To-go drinks

RSVP On Facebook

Sign Up For Our Exclusive E-blast

Visit Artist Website

The post State on the Street Presented by Herbology ft. St. Joe Jack appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.