One of the best local music festivals in West Michigan will see some major changes for their 2017 event. Jake’s Music Festival, a benefit concert for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), will take place Saturday, April 22 in a new venue. After 13 years, most of those in the historic Wealthy Theatre, the festival is moving to the Orbit Room on Grand Rapids’ southeast side.
“We wanted to change things up for this year’s show,” said
organizer Tom Scheidel. “We needed a space that could handle the bands, silent
auction, concessions, and other festival activities all in one room. The Orbit
Room really fits that bill. Plus it is a fantastic music venue. Prince and the
Verve Pipe have played there in the past.”
The list of bands for this year’s festival is mixture of
local favorites and high energy newer bands. Headlining the show are Papa Vegas
and the PotatoeBabies. The Jet Beats, The Autmnatic, and Lipstick Jodi round
out the roster. “We are so excited for this year’s line-up,” said festival
music director Clay Grueber. “These bands are all a lot of fun and hearing them
in the Orbit Room will be wild.”
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. A limited
number of VIP tickets are available for $25. VIPs include special reserved
seating, a free beverage, and a swag bag. Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.orbitroom.com. Thanks to event sponsors
Perrin Brewing Company, PC Specialist, The Gordon Group, and Town & Country Carpet, 100% of
the ticket price goes directly to the local chapter of JDRF.
Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. on April 22 with the music starting
at 7:00 p.m. Jake’s Music Festival is named for Jake Scheidel who was diagnosed
with Type 1 diabetes 20 years ago. JDRF is largest private funder of research
into finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes.