The Black Keys Announce Upcoming Tour Dates

The Black Keys will embark on the first leg of their U.S. tour this March, with shows in arenas such as New York’s Madison Square Garden, Boston’s TD Garden, and Chicago’s United Center. Count Grand Rapids in among the nation’s biggest cities to host the duo on Sunday, March 18 at Van Andel Arena.

The shows are in support of their new album, El Camino, due out December 6 on Nonesuch Records. In advance of the release, five tracks from the record are currently streaming on the band’s web site. Concert ticket and album packages are available at the band’s site. Additionally, The Black Keys are teaming up with Tickets-for-Charity to offer fans access to some of the best seats in the house. Proceeds will benefit Community Support Services in Akron,
OH and W.O. Smith Music School in Nashville, TN.

Tickets go on sale Friday, December 10 at 10AM. Prices are $29.50, $39.50, and $49.50. Tickets will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, or charge: 800-745-3000.

In anticipation of the release, the duo will join Steve Buscemi on tomorrow’s episode of Saturday Night Live. This is the band’s second time this year as musical guests on the show, a “rare distinction,” says Rolling Stone. Other television appearances next week include The Colbert Report on December 6 and the Late Show with David Letterman on December 7. Moreover, the band is being featured on several MTV programs, including the week-long series Road to Release: The Black Keys, an interview with Matt Pinfield on MTV2’s 120 Minutes, and a live stream of their album release show at New York’s Webster Hall on December 5 exclusively on MTV Hive.

Produced by Danger Mouse and The Black Keys, El Camino was recorded in the band’s new hometown of Nashville during the spring of 2011. In advance of the release, the album’s first single, “Lonely Boy,” was released October 26, to acclaim from fans and press; the song has been climbing the radio charts rapidly and is rising toward #1 on the Alternative and AAA charts. Additionally, the accompanying video has been viewed nearly three million times on YouTube. See reverse for complete El Camino track list.

Chevy Presents the Brad Paisley CAMOBUNGA 2012 World Tour

Fresh off of co-hosting the 45th Annual Country Music Association Awards for the fourth time with Carrie Underwood earlier this month, Brad Paisley has announced the CAMOBUNGA 2012 World Tour. Reaching out to his great fans in West Michigan, Grand Rapids will help to officially kick off the tour at Van Andel Arena on Thursday, January 12 at 7:30 PM.

Offering some of country's hottest rhythms today, Paisley will be joined by 3-time CMA Award winner The Band Perry, who is returning to Van Andel Arena after recently performing on the Reba McEntire All the Women I Am Tour. Joining Paisley and The Band Perry is rising star and American Idol winner Scotty McCreery.

Tickets go on sale Friday, December 2 at 10 AM and are as low as $25.00, $39.75 and $59.75. Tickets will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice.

After his H2O Tour was 2010's top country tour in attendance, Paisley earned CMA's Entertainer of the Year award. Paisley has also garnered several Male Vocalist of the Year awards to go along with a record-setting five consecutive Academy of Country Music Male Vocalist honors. The three-time Grammy winner released his ninth studio album, This Is Country, just this past May.

The Band Perry Wins Multiple CMA Awards

One of the fastest rising groups in the music industry, The Band Perry, was a big winner at the CMA Awards Show on November 9th. The CMA's solidified that The Band Perry is country music's next big thing as the group won three awards at the prestigious awards show.

The family group was nominated for a total of five awards and won awards for Best New Artist, Best Single and Best Song. The Tennessee natives were the big winners of the night and had to take a day out of their very busy tour schedule to attend the event. They will be bringing their award winning single "If I Die Young" back on tour quickly as they will be rolling into Van Andel Arena tonight with Reba, Steel Magnolia and Edens Edge. This star-studded line-up guarantees to be entertaining and begins at 7:30 PM.

Ticket prices are $27.50, $62 and $72. Tickets are still available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices.

ROGER WATERS MAKES HIS TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO NORTH AMERICA IN 2012 WITH HIS EXTRAORDINARY AURAL AND VISUAL MASTERPIECE: “THE WALL”

Roger Waters, the co-founder and principal songwriter of the archetypal progressive ban Pink Floyd, has announced the return of the historic production of "The Wall" to North America in 2012. His aural and visual masterpiece of alienation and transformation will be performed in-its-entirety featuring a full band and state-of-the-art production. "The Wall" live has played more than 120 shows around the world for more than 1.6 million fans making it one of the most successful tours of 2010 and 2011.

Making a 36 show trek throughout North America, "The Wall" will be playing Van Andel Arena on June 6, 2012. Prices are $57.50, $77.50, $101.50, and $201.50 and tickets will go on sale November 14 at 10am. The tour also includes stadium stops in San Francisco at AT&T Park on May 11th, Chicago's Wrigley Field on June 8th and 23rd and Philadelphia at Citizens Bank Park on July 14th.

Waters' first reinvented his iconic stage production of "The Wall" in 2010 utilizing modern day technological advances and special effects which have been embraced by audiences around the globe with countless sold out performances and multiple-night stands including a record - breaking 9 sold out shows at the River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina. "The Wall" remains one of the most influential albums in the history of recorded music with a profound effect on pop culture, resonating with multiple generations of music fans.

Prior to 2010, "The Wall" show was simply too large to contemplate a tour, but new arenas and advances in touring technology have solved that dilemma. Waters has updated the look and feel of the show to ensure it matches the astonishing theatrical extravaganza that The Wall's live incarnation became so legendary for - thus allowing yet another generation to be inspired by the grandeur of the breathtaking visual and aural spectacle. The 1980 original production of "The Wall" had been performed live in-its-entirety just 29 times during Pink Floyd's 1980 tour in support of the album and once in Berlin in celebration of the fall of the Berlin wall.

The Associated Press described opening night in 2010 with, "Roger Waters tore down the house Wednesday night in Toronto... He walked out to thunderous applause beginning with the first track of the seminal concept album, 'In the Flesh', and the adulation never stopped." While during the New York stop, the New York Post declared, "When Roger Waters finished building "The Wall" in its entirety, at Madison Square Garden, it was just another brick on what was the best arena concert I've ever been to. Period."

In addition to Roger Waters (lead vocals, bass), "The Wall" live touring ensemble includes: Snowy White (Guitar), Dave Kilminster (Guitar), GE Smith (Guitar & Bass), Jon Carin (Keyboards), Harry Waters (Hammond Organ), Graham Broad (Drums), Robbie Wyckoff (Vocals), Jon Joyce, Pat Lennon, Mark Lennon and Kipp Lennon (Backing Vocals).

For complete ticket and tour information, please visit RogerWaters.com, Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com. Video news release, live press shots, EPK and interview material available to download at: Rogerwatersmedia.com
Username: TheWallLive
Password: AnotherBrick2010

SKILLET TO LEAD ALL-STAR LINE-UP FOR WINTER JAM 2012 TOUR SPECTACULAR

The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, Christian music's largest annual tour and Pollstar's #1 tour in attendance for the first quarter this year, announced its highly anticipated 2012 artist and city line-up during a special launch event held in Nashville. Founded and hosted by Grammy-nominated Christian music mainstay NewSong and produced by Premier Productions, the Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular will be headlined by Grammy-nominated alternative rockers Skillet. The 47-city tour will also feature Sanctus Real, former Newsboys front man Peter Furler, Kari Jobe, Building 429, Group 1 Crew, illusionist Brock Gill, and national speaker Nick Hall. In addition, the OneVerse Pre-Jam Party will include performances from Dara Maclean, For King & Country, and We As Human. Veggie Tales' Bob and Larry will also make a special appearance.

The Winter Jam will be in Grand Rapids, MI at Van Andel Arena on April 1. Winter Jam admission is $10 at the door, with no ticket required.

"With one of the most powerful line-ups of Christian music's top artists in Winter Jam history, we are thrilled to announce what promises to be our biggest tour yet," said NewSong founding member and Winter Jam creator Eddie Carswell. "After seeing more than 90,000 people make decisions for Christ during last year's tour, we enter Winter Jam's 17th year of ministry excited to begin the adventure of what God has in store for us - and audiences around the country."

Presented by Holt International, additional Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular sponsors include E. Bailey Produce, Texas TransEastern, Premier Christian Cruises, Xtreme Conferences, and Camp Electric. Additionally, 2012 marks the continuations of the popular Jam Nation fan program, which will offer individual and group memberships guaranteeing free and early concert admission. Members also receive a limited-edition Jam Nation t-shirt, a collectible Jam Nation Platinum Access Pass, and can participate in a Jam Nation Q & A with select tour artists, among numerous exclusive benefits.

Since its formation by NewSong in 1995, Winter Jam has featured many of the top names in Christian music, including TobyMac, Third Day, Newsboys, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Jeremy Camp, among others. The Winter Jam 2011 Tour Spectacular outpaced attendance for all tours in the first quarter, including Bon Jovi, U2, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber, according to Pollstar's 2011 Worldwide First Quarter Ticket Sales "Top 100 Tours" chart. In addition, for the first time in its history, the tour will hit 11 cities in the western United States this fall.

Advance Auto Parts® Monster Jam Thunder Nationals® Ripping Through Van Andel Arena

Advanced Auto Parts Monster Jam Thunder Nationals features the same massive superstars from Monster Jam, but in a more intimate arena setting. Staged on purpose-built concrete courses, all the action that these monsters are famous for is fully intact, and even heightened by the smaller size of the tracks. Expect to see outrageous jumps, crushed cars, plenty of concrete-streaking action, and some of the most incredible donuts ever all inside Van Andel Arena.

Featured Monster Trucks: Grave Digger, Hot Wheels, AAP Grinder, Superman, High Maintenance, Bad News, and Full Boar. *Lineup subject to change.

Pit Party: Saturday, March 10 from 11:30AM to 11PM. Free entry to pit party with valid 2PM event ticket for Saturday, March 10 show. Must have a valid 2PM ticket to enter.

Dates and times are as followed:

-Friday, March 9: 7PM
-Saturday, March 10: 2PM, 7PM
-Sunday, March 11: 2PM
*Doors open 1 hour prior to each performance.

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.

There is an opening night discount of $10 for March 9th only - not valid for Gold Circle and Front Row Seats.

Disney On Ice Presents Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey Coming to Van Andel Arena

Due to a change in our routing, Disney On Ice Presents Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey will now be playing in Grand Rapids, MI on March 22-25, 2012 instead of Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic.

Ticket holders for Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic can keep their existing tickets to see Disney On Ice presents Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey as they will be honored at the door, or they can request a refund by returning their tickets at the Van Andel Arena box office or Ticketmaster outlet they were originally purchased from. Tickets purchased over the phone on the Ticketmaster National Sales Line or online at ticketmaster.com can be refunded by calling 1-800-653-8000.

About Disney On Ice Presents Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey

Make imagination your destination! Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on a journey into the magical worlds of Disney's The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Peter Pan and Lilo & Stitch. Discover Ariel and Sebastian's enchanting undersea kingdom; visit the Pride Lands with Dimba and Nala; soar through starry skies with Peter Pan and his sassy fairy friend Tinker Bell; and say "aloha" to fun with Lilo and Stitch. You'll be captivated by the music, beauty and laughter in a journey so magical, you'll never want to go home.

Tickets can be purchased at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.

Dates and show times are as followed:

-Thursday, March 22: 7PM
-Friday, March 23: 7PM
-Saturday, March 24: 11AM, 3PM, and 7PM
-Sunday, March 25: 2PM

Rock & Bus Offers Shuttles to Van Andel Arena & DeVos Place Shows

Need a ride to a show at Van Andel Arena or DeVos Place? The Rock & Bus is now an option of transportation for people who are attending selected events at both venues. The bus will offer a ride from several locations to the venues for upcoming shows, including the Rock & Worship Roadshow, Reba McEntire, Katy Perry, The Gaither Christmas Homecoming and The Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival.

The Rock & Bus offers a shuttle service for patrons to get to the concert and back safely from various cities in the West Michigan region. Patrons need not worry about parking or gas, because the bus drops them off right at the door. This opportunity allows event-goers to have fun with their friends on the way to a concert and on the way back, all with the comfort of knowing that they will have a completely safe ride that drops them off right where they need to be. The buses are outfitted with many luxuries including TVs, comfortable seating, and more.

Rock & Bus prices are as low as $35 per round trip, depending on departure location, and reservations for the bus can be made at rockandbus.com. For more information on Rock & Bus, contact them at info@rockandbus.com or visit rockandbus.com.

For most show, patrons will need to purchase tickets for the event separately from the Rock & Bus service. However, the ticket price has been bundled into the Rock & Bus price for The Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival at DeVos Place November 17-19, 2011. Tickets for all other shows are available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.

Harlem Globetrotters to Play World's Largest Game of H.O.R.S.E.

The Harlem Globetrotters, who have continued to surprise and delight fans with their talents and showmanship for more than 85 years, announced that the team is challenging the nation to the "World's Largest Game of H.O.R.S.E." The Globetrotters launched the team's Globetrotter Nation H.O.R.S.E. challenge to a national audience online via Facebook on October 13th.

Fans will be encouraged to submit their best trick shots on a weekly basis to be performed by a Harlem Globetrotter attempting to beat them at their own game. True to game tradition, "letters" and prizes will be awarded weekly, based on fan voting.

Each week, the winning shot will earn a Spalding BEAST portable basketball system for themsleves or to donate to their favorite youth group/non-profit. As presenting sponsor of the event, Spalding has generously provided nine BEAST portable basketball systems to be shipped to the destination of the weekly winner's choosing. Fans who don't submit videos can still win Globetrotter tickets, autographed basketballs, and other merchandise just for voting.

Tickets for shows on the North American portion of the Globetrotters' 2012 World Tour are available now. For complete event and ticket information, visit www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

Official Globetrotter Nation H.O.R.S.E. Contest Rules:

The Basket:

• A regulation 10' basketball hoop and regulation size rim (18 inches in diameter)

The Basketball:

• A regulation size basketball (9 inches in diameter)

The Court:

• Must be considered an everyday place to play basketball (driveway, street).


• Automatic disqualification will occur if the court used in the entry is a location that a basketball game would not normally occur (the woods, in a pool, etc...).

The Shot:

• "The Basketball" must be made into "The Basket" from anywhere on "The Court" or within a 15' perimeter of "The Court".

Modifiers:

• Shot type modifiers - shooting(Hook shot, backwards, granny style) are accepted, but must be called on "The Video" before the shot was made.


• Shot type modifiers - making(bank/glass, swish/nothing but net, off the wall) are accepted, but must be called on "The Video" before the shot was made.

Automatic Disqualification will occure if a prop is used in any way at any time before the shot, during the shot, or after the shot. Using a wall to redirect the basketball, but it must be a non-movable wall, is allowed.

The Video:

1. Must be one continuous video and the ball must remain in frame the entire video.


2. Must be specifically created for this contest.


3. Must be intended for family audience viewing and contain content that, in the sole and unfettered discretion of Harlem Globetrotters International entry review panel, is consistent with the standards for a G, PG or PG-13 rating as such ratings are determined by the Motion Picture Association of America for feature films.


4. Must not, in the sole discretion of Harlem Globetrotters International, contain any painful, injurious, deadly, sexually explicit, disparaging, libelous or other inappropriate content or content that favors one religion, any political party over another, or has any nudity; and


5. Must not, in the sole discretion of Harlem Globetrotters International, contain any commercial content that promotes any product or service.

To enter, please visit the Harlem Globetrotters' Facebook page at www.facebook.com/harlemglobetrotters.

Harlem Globetrotters' 2012 World Tour Coming to Van Andel Arena

On the heels of signing one of the most extraordinary rookie classes in team history, the Harlem Globetrotters will bring their 2012 World Tour to Van Andel Arena on Sunday, January 22, 2012, at 2:00PM.

Tickets to see the world's most famous basketball team will go on sale on Monday, October 17 at 10:00AM. Tickets start at $18.50 and are available at the Van Andel Arena box office, http://www.ticketmaster.com/, or by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Information on group and scout tickets can also be found at http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/ or by contacting the SMG group sales department by phone at 616-742-6185, or by email at groupsales@smggr.com.

The outstanding rookies include Paul "Tiny" Sturgess, the world's tallest pro basketball player at 7-8, Jonte "Too Tall" Hall, the shortest Globetrotter ever at 5-2, and Fatima "TNT" Maddox of Temple University, the team's first female player since 1993 and ninth female in team history. The new Globetrotters also feature the top three finishers from the 2011 College Slam Dunk Contest, including the reigning champ Jacob "Hops" Tucker. At 5-10, Tucker sports a 50-inch vertical leap, and his YouTube videos have garnered well over four million views. Tucker joins slam dunk runner-up John "Jet" Williams of UNC-Asheville and semifinalist Darnell "Spider" Wilks of the University of Cincinnati.

The 2012 rookie class has a total of three seven-footers including 7-4 Jermaine "Stretch" Middleton, the third-tallest player in team history, and 7-foot Anthony "Biggie" McClain. At 7-8, Sturgess becomes the tallest Globetrotter ever after a career at Mountain State University (W.Va). He is the 19th internationally born player in team history, hailing from Loughborough, England.

"The Globetrotters are excited to welcome a new generation of stars to carry on the storied tradition of the world's most entertaining basketball team," said Globetrotter CEO Kurt Schneider. "This year's rookie class features some of the most talented and promising players from across the world."

Current Globetrotters stars Special K Daley, Big Easy Lofton, Flight Time Lang, Dizzy Grant, Scooter Christensen, and many others will team up with the world class rookies for nearly 270 games on the North American portion of the World Tour, bringing the Globetrotter magic to over 230 cities in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and five Canadian provinces.

Player rosters in each city will vary and are subject to change.

Sponsored by Howard Johnson Hotels, Greyhound Lines, Spalding, and Russel Athletic, the Original Harlem Globetrotters will celebrate their 86th consecutive year in 2012, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 120 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans-among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents-over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters' official website: http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/.

Ticket Hunt for Reba Tomorrow at Noon

After such great participation in our previous ticket hunt giveaways, SMG Grand Rapids has decided to do it again by having a ticket hunt for tickets to see the legendary Reba McEntire at Van Andel Arena on November 10th. The ticket hunt will coincide with the last day of voting for ArtPrize, Wednesday, October 5th, and will give everyone a chance to check out some cool art and make last minute voting decisions, all while trying to find tickets for Reba.

Two pairs of tickets will be hidden in different locations downtown, and the search will begin at noon on Wednesday. The tickets will be hidden outside and will be near some of the amazing art that is spread throughout the downtown area. The search area is defined by borders at the river going east to Division Ave. and Oakes St. north to Michigan St.

After receiving great feedback about past ticket hunts for Keith Urban and the Red Wings Red & White Game, this is a great opportunity for ticket hunt enthusiasts that want to win Reba tickets to redeem themselves for coming up empty in the other searches. The same rules from previous hunts will also apply here, as participants will need to check out the Van Andel Arena Facebook fan page shortly before noon tomorrow for clues on where the tickets are hidden (facebook.com/VanAndelArenaFanPage). It is supposed to be a beautiful day, so we hope that everyone can find time out of their busy schedules to join the ticket hunt!

Winners are encouraged to post their success on the Van Andel Arena Facebook fan page to keep their fellow ticket hunters informed of the progress of the hunt. We wish everyone the best of luck!

Tickets for Reba McEntire with The Band Perry, Steel Magnolia and Eden's Edge at Van Andel Arena November 10th are still available at Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, Ticketmaster ticket centers, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and on-line at ticketmaster.com

RED WINGS RELEASE SPECIAL STUDENT RUSH TICKETS FOR RED-WHITE GAME

The unparalleled excitement of NHL hockey returns to Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 27 when the reigning Central Division champion Detroit Red Wings engage in a spirited Red-White game at Van Andel Arena, home of the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins. Co-presented by Amway and Meijer, anticipation for this special exhibition match has been growing since tickets went on sale earlier this month, with the lower bowl at Van Andel Arena now completely sold out.

As of this morning, special $10 Student Rush tickets to this game are available for purchase in person at the Van Andel Arena box office ONLY. Fans electing to take advantage of this offer may purchase a maximum of four (4) upper bowl tickets each while supplies last. A valid student identification card must be presented at time of purchase. Non-Student Rush upper bowl seats to next Tuesday's 6:00 pm contest are currently available at the Joe Louis Arena Box Office (313-396-7575), all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and online at both DetroitRedWings.com and GriffinsHockey.com.

Downtown Venues Kicking Off ArtPrize With Public Opening Receptions

Van Andel Arena is getting on board. Debuting its first ArtPrize exhibit as an official ArtPrize venue, Van Andel Arena will join DeVos Place in opening the competition with public receptions simultaneously just down the block from each other.

DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena will hold the artist receptions on Wednesday, September 21 from 6-9 pm with food and beverages (cash bar). DeVos Place will hold the reception in the Grand Gallery. This is a great starting point for the "official" night as 63 different artists will have works represented in Grand Rapids' premiere convention center.

Van Andel Arena will host the artist reception at the same time in front of the Fifth Third Bank Vault (restaurant in the arena). The focus will be around the artists by our marquee. The restaurant will be open too. Food and beverages with the cash bar will be available also.

The public is encouraged to join us as we kick off the third annual ArtPrize in style! Not only will the public be able to mingle with more ArtPrize enthusiasts, they will also get to see some great art and learn more about the artists.

Joe Krajkiewcz and Van Andel Arena Bring Dinosaur to Life for ArtPrize 2011

Van Andel Arena will host the metal sculpture Deinonychus by Grandville artist Joe Krajkiewcz during ArtPrize 2011. Deinonychus is being shown in front of the arena at 130 West Fulton. The installation will run until the end of ArtPrize, October 9th.

Deinonychus (think Velociraptor) is a life-size sculpture of the dinosaur. It is made of recycled auto body panels cut and welded over a steel rebar skeleton. It is Joe's first sculpture reusing auto sheet metal for shape and color. "I hope that it grabs the viewer's imagination with both the subject and construction. My goal was to create a piece that both young and old would be drawn to," states Krajkiewcz.

He works primarily with metal plate, rod, and wire to create representative sculptures. He draws inspiration from the simple and complex forms found in nature, aiming to bring those qualities of life to his metal sculpture.

Joe Krajkiewcz has lived in the Grand Rapids area for seven years. He pursues art and sculpture in addition to his full time employment as an engineer. This is his second year participating in ArtPrize. He also has artwork currently on display at the Sparta AppleJam, Grand Haven Artwalk, Holland MI ARTS Exhibition, and ArtPeers Fall Festival. His sculptures are held in many private local locations. He resides with his wife(Erica) in Grandville, MI.

He can be contacted through email at krajkiewcz@yahoo.com. Additional information on his artwork is available online at http://www.joekrajkiewcz.com/

Donate Blood and Receive FREE Ticket for Circus

Michigan Blood has teamed up with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey to provide a $25 ticket voucher to anyone who attempts to donate blood at Van Andel Arena on Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The voucher is redeemable for a ticket to any of the six performances of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Barnum 200 at Van Andel Arena on Sept. 15 through Sept. 18.

"Offering a voucher redeemable for a free $25 ticket is a tremendous way to thank our donors for their dedication to Michigan Blood and our partner hospitals across the state," said Nick Wasmiller, manager of public relations at Michigan Blood.

The box office will be open at Van Andel Arena during the blood drive, making it even easier to redeem the voucher for a ticket. In addition, limited parking will be available for donors on Ottawa Avenue SW, just west of Van Andel Arena, throughout the blood drive. One hour of free parking also is available at the Monroe Center ramp (entrance off of Ionia Avenue) just one block northeast of Van Andel Arena. Donors can enter Van Andel Arena via the largest glass doors at the northwest side of the arena.

Michigan Blood conducts more than 3,700 blood drives a year in order to help meet the needs of local hospitals in Michigan. These blood drives account for 70 percent of the blood that Michigan Blood collects; the other 30 percent comes from donations at Michigan Blood's nine permanent donation centers across the state. Any healthy person 17 or older (or 16 with parental consent) who weighs at least 110 pounds may be eligible to give blood every 56 days. Blood donors should bring photo ID (or two forms of non-photo ID). Appointments (preferred, but not required) can be made at www.miblood.org or by calling 1-866-MIBLOOD (642-5663).

For more information on The Greatest Show on Earth visit www.Ringling.com

Detroit Red Wings to Scrimmage at Van Andel Arena

Coming back to their home away from home, the Detroit Red Wings will accommodate its legions of West Michigan fans by bringing the Red vs. White game to Grand Rapids' Van Andel Arena on September 27 at 6 pm.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, September 7 at 10 am. Prices are $18, $20, $22, $25, $30 and $40. There will be a $5 discount for season ticket holders on the $25 and $22 seats only. Tickets will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone: 800-745-3000. Groups of 10 can receive $3 off the $22 and $18 seats.

Van Andel Arena, home to the Grand Rapids Griffins, will be bringing the Griffins' NHL parent club to the west side of the state for the first time since 2007. Prior to that, the Red Wings also held a Red vs. White scrimmage at the arena in 2003.

This fall, the Red Wings intrasquad scrimmage at Van Andel Arena will be bringing in some of hockey's famous names and best players to downtown Grand Rapids including Muskegon-native Justin Abdelkader and team captain Nicklas Lidstrom. West Michigan fans can catch all the action in their own backyard as the Red Wings prepare for yet another successful year.

The 2010-2011 Red Wings' season ended last May in a Game 7 loss to the San Jose Sharks after coming back from a 3-0 game deficit. San Jose moved on to play the Vancouver Canucks in the Western Conference Finals.

Van Andel Arena is managed by SMG. Since 1977, SMG has provided management services to moer than 220 public assembly facilities worldwide, including arenas, stadiums, theatres and performing arts centers, equestrian facilities, convention, congress and exhibition centers, science centers and a variety of other venues. Across the globe, SMG manages more than 12 million square feet (1.2 million square meters) of exhibition space and over 1.5 million arena and theatre seats. For additional company information, visit smgworld.com.

Earn Money for your Non-Profit with SAVOR... Non-Profit Volunteer Team

Want to learn how to raise money for your Non-Profit organization?































Being a part of the SAVOR... Non-Profit Volunteer Team at Van Andel Arena is a season-long commitment. We ask that a minimum of twelve (12) events, six (6) of which being hockey, be worked in order for us to provide consistent service to all of our guests.

• All volunteers must have completed a thorough training program before being able to participate at an event. This includes, but is not limited to, Alcohol Management Training (TIPS) and Non-Profit Concession Operational Training.


• All volunteers must be of at least eighteen (18) years of age or older.


• SAVOR... will provide an apron and hat per volunteer based on the size of the group only at the beginning of the season at no cost for up to twelve (12) volunteers.


• To ensure an optimal commitment, we do require groups to pay for their members to go through TIPS training. Cost for doing this is $20 per member. After twelve (12) group members have successfully completed TIPS certification, your group may become eligible to attend a "Free" TIPS class, typically offered four (4) times per year.


• It is suggested that each Non-Profit Volunteer Group provide General Limited Liability Insurance.


• We provide all Non-Profit Volunteer Groups with one core staff member and one fully trained cook in each necessary location.


• Typical time of volunteer shifts vary depending on the event, but usually average to be around 5-6 hours.


• The most successful groups currently enrolled in our program have one group lead, or point person, in charge of signing the group up and notifying them of new events. They also have a pool of 10-15 potential volunteers and work as many events as possible.

Earning Potentials

-We have locations for small and large groups based on the number of people in your pool of volunteers.

-The most successful groups are currently earning $8,000-$10,000 per month, with 15+ volunteers.

This program has been and continues to be a wonderful program allowing Non-Profit Groups the opportunity to raise funds for their cause. Should you have any further questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact SAVOR... Catering.

Lauren Doa 616-743-6233 or suites@smggr.com

Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival Featuring Avenged Sevenfold, along with Three Days Grace, Seether, Bullet For My Valentine and Escape the Fate

The 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival featuring multi-platinum headliner Avenged Sevenfold, along with Three Days Grace, Seether, Bullet For My Valentine and Escape the Fate, comes to Van Andel Arena on Tuesday, September 20th at 5:00 PM.

Tickets are $49.75. There also is a student 4 pack available. Students with proper student identification can purchase a 4 pack of tickets for $80. Tickets may be purchased at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place® box offices, Ticketmaster ticket centers including D&W Stores and select Family Fare locations, charge by phone at 1.800.745.3000 and online at http://bit.ly/omA8KU.

Leading the festival is multiplatinum headliner Avenged Sevenfold, making their successful return after co-headlining the 2010 debut Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival. Avenged Sevenfold achieved worldwide success with their platinum 2005 album City Of Evil, which featured the wildly popular single “Bat Country.” They are the only band to have headlined the Vans Warped Tour and Ozzfest while simultaneously hitting number one on MTV’s TRL. Avenged Sevenfold’s fifth album, Nightmare, debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. Their current single, “So Far Away,” is quickly climbing the Active Rock and Modern Rock Charts.

In 2006, they won the fan-voted award for Best New Artist for “Bat Country” at the MTV Video Music Awards. The following year, their self-titled album, Avenged Sevenfold, sold more than a million copies around the world. Over the course of their career, Avenged Sevenfold has built a fanatical fan base resulting in excess of one million albums sold worldwide, amassed more than 6.8 million fans on Facebook and attracted 102 million plays on YouTube.

This past year, Three Days Grace brought their live act to fans with three successful North American tours promoting their latest album Life Starts Now, which debuted at number three on the Billboard Top 200 chart. The album spawned three number one Active Rock songs including “The Good Life,” “World So Cold” and the number one Song of the Year at Active Rock, “Break.” Overall, Life Starts Now spent the year dominating the Modern, Heritage and Alternative rock radio-airplay charts across industry radio-monitoring services, BDS and Mediabase. Their latest single, “Lost In You,” follows suit and is currently climbing up the charts on Mediabase and BDS.

South African natives Seether debuted on the scene in 2002, have sold nearly four million units worldwide, and have become an impressive presence on the worldwide touring circuit, averaging more than 275 performances a year. Seether’s fourth album, Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray, was produced by the legendary Brendan O’Brien (Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Rage Against The Machine). The offering features the number one rock single “Country Song,” and showcases songwriter and frontman Shaun Morgan’s ability to successfully meld raw emotional lyrics with intensely melodic elements of heavy metal, post-grunge and alternative rock.

Bullet For My Valentine continue to tour and support their 2010 Top 3 release Fever and the follow up deluxe Fever Tour Edition CD/DVD, released in February. Fever Tour Edition features three new songs recorded live at XFM radio in the UK. The current single and title track “Fever” continues to climb the charts. Bullet For My Valentine were just nominated for three Kerrang! Awards including Best Single, Best Live and Best British Band.

Escape The Fate has been relentlessly touring in support of their recent self-titled album which debuted at number four on the Billboard Rock album chart, number three on the Billboard Alternative chart and number one on the Billboard Tastemakers Chart. The album features the singles “Issues” and “Gorgeous Nightmare.” Outburn declared “the band’s new album is a compelling modern day masterpiece.”

3rd Annual “Rock and Worship Roadshow” Continues With Star-Studded Lineup: MERCYME, Jars Of Clay, Disciple, Hawk Nelson, Matt Maher and Group 1 Crew

“The Rock and Worship Roadshow” will venture into their second leg of the tour hitting 12 markets this November, including Van Andel Arena on November 4, with a stellar cast including MercyMe, Jars of Clay, Disciple, Hawk Nelson, Matt Maher and Group 1 Crew. Talented rapper Trip Lee along with other artists will serve as the pre-show entertainment. This will mark the first time "The Rock and Worship Roadshow" will tour in the fall in addition to their annual spring trek.

Admission prices will be the traditional $10 at-the-door, making it an affordable event for the whole family. Compassion International will once again serve as a tour sponsor. Compassion International is a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. For more information on Compassion International go to www.compassion.com.

Kicking off Nov. 3 in Saginaw, MI, the tour will stop in cities such as Grand Rapids, MI, Cleveland, OH, Atlanta, GA, Columbia, SC, Oklahoma City, OK, and Kansas City, MO before wrapping on Nov. 20 in Memphis, TN.

Van Andel Arena® Once More Makes Mid-Year Charts As A Top Venue

Billboard Names Van Andel Arena No. 1 Mid-size Venue in North America

Based on box office figures during the first half of this year, the SMG-managed Van Andel Arena ranks as a top venue in mid-year charts compiled by entertainment industry publications Billboard, Pollstar, and Venues Today.

“Being listed as high as we are in these three industry publications is yet again a great honor,” said Richard MacKeigan, SMG’s Regional General Manager for Van Andel Arena® and DeVos Place®, of the news. “But just being consistently listed is the greater accomplishment. The entire SMG staff is delighted with our venue’s rating. We are proud to work at Van Andel Arena and proud to work in Grand Rapids. These rankings are a testament to the incredible support we continue to receive from our community, the great promoters we work with and the value of the SMG network.”

Van Andel Arena has had a terrific year so far in 2011 (from October 16, 2010 through June 30, 2011) with 36 shows, six of which were sellouts. Sellout events included Trans-Siberian Orchestra (twice), Winter Jam, Lady Gaga, Kid Rock, and Bob Seger.

Billboard

Billboard Magazine has ranked Van Andel Arena as the sixth highest grossing arena ($9,605,146) worldwide with a 10,001-15,000 seating capacity. The top five venues ranked are all overseas, making Van Andel Arena the No. 1 venue in North America. The rankings came from gross figures compiled between November 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011. The list was published in the July 30, 2011 issue.

Another SMG-managed building to make the list was Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ, just behind Van Andel Arena at seventh.

Billboard Magazine has served the information needs of the entertainment business since 1894. Today, that means a core focus on the music business, providing charts, data, analysis, profiles, news and trend reporting for aspiring artists, top executives, tour promoters, publishers, radio programmers, lawyers, retailers and others. In the past few years, Billboard has committed to providing information and insight for the new industries that have sought opportunities in music, such as advertising, film, television, digital and mobile.

Pollstar

Van Andel Arena placed at number 55 worldwide on Pollstar Magazine’s Top 100 Arena Venues of all sizes in the July 18, 2011 issue. This ranking is based on an attendance of 102,525, as reported to Pollstar for shows played between January 1, 2011 and June 30, 2011.

In addition to Van Andel Arena’s no. 55 position, other SMG-managed buildings ranked in Pollstar’s Top 100, including The Manchester Evening News Arena in Manchester, England in fifth; Coliseo De Puerto Rico in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico at eighth; BOK Center in Tulsa, OK at 37th; and Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, PA at 47th.

Pollstar is the only trade publication covering the worldwide concert industry. For more than 25 years Pollstar has provided music business professionals with the most reliable and accurate source of worldwide concert tour schedules, ticket sales results, music industry contact directories, trade news and unique specialized data services. Pollstar also publishes the concert industry’s leading trade publication.

Venues Today

Venues Today has named Van Andel Arena the sixth highest grossing arena ($8,474,485) worldwide with 10,001-15,000 seating capacity in the July 2011 issue. The Top Spot ranking is based on concert and event grosses, as reported to Venues Today from October 16, 2010 through May 15, 2011.

A few other SMG-managed arenas showed up on the top ten following Van Andel Arena, including INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas at eighth. Save Mart Center in Fresno, California came in at ninth followed by Long Beach Arena (Ca.) at tenth. Peoria (Ill.) Civic Center Arena is at 12 while Jacksonville (Fla.) Veterans Memorial Arena showed up at 14. North Charleston (S.C.) Coliseum came up at 17 and DCU Center in Worcester, Mass. is at 18.

DeVos Performance Hall also showed up on the Venues Today listing. DeVos Performance Hall, the only Michigan venue that hosts up to four different professional arts groups, came in 19th on the Top Spot list for venues of 2,001-5,000 capacity with a gross of $4,799,974. DeVos Performance Hall was followed at 20 by East Lansing’s Wharton Center for Performing Arts while fellow SMG–managed Orpheum Theater in Omaha, Nebraska came in at 14.

Venues Today is a leading international trade publication that covers the business side of entertainment and sports, particularly as it relates to venues. Readers include managers, owners, operators and bookers of arenas, amphitheaters, stadiums, performing arts centers, convention centers, fairgrounds and equestrian centers.