Shakespearean, Not Stirred
18+ Standing Room Only Show | Ages 17 & under admitted with a parent or guardian “Tipsy actors. Drinking games. Audience participation. A raffle. General hijinks. And somewhere in the mix… a Shakespeare play. Absolutely no fun will be had.” 🎭🍻 Seating & Ticket Options: Loft Standing: Standing room only at the back of the loft (Not ADA accessible). Loft Seated: Table seating at the front of the loft (Not ADA accessible). Main Floor Seated: Table seating on the main floor. VIP: Take your seat on stage with the actors!
Sounds of the Zoo Kickoff Party feat. The Frogs & Toads, Overdrive Orchestra, Basic Comfort
This is an 18+ free event 17 and under with guardian The Frogs and Toads take elements from garage, grunge, surf, country western, and punk to form a unique alternative sound with a touch of familiarity. A burst of fun energy right out of Kalamazoo! Award-winning progedelic hard rock quintet Overdrive Orchestra is an orchestration of sound, soul, and energy. Their vibe has been described as gritty, natural and hypnotic. Frontman Chris Cranick’s lyrical themes touch on peace, love, spirituality, and enlightenment while also expressing communal frustrations with politics, taboos, and the human condition. The band prides itself on their intuitive song writing sensibility and dynamic sonic textures. Basic Comfort is Kalamazoo, Michigan’s Alternative Pop band. With the release of their latest self-produced sophomore album, Dimensions, Basic Comfort has explored and distilled the many dimensions of connection to the self and others. While their lyrics are sure to leave you in a state of contemplation, touching on feelings of love, letting go, and the confusion of internal needs, the rhythms and melodies will simultaneously leave you dancing and singing along for days. The group takes inspiration from artists like Parcels, Gil Scott Heron, Daft Punk, and Men I Trust.
STARFARM
This is an 18+ event with standing room only17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian Do you want your MTV of old? Are you spending your Saturday nights watching VH1 count down your favorite ‘80s videos? Then Starfarm is what you need! Starfarm brings the most “Totally Awesome” collection of ‘80s songs that you can dream of. Every song played instantly captures that nostalgic feeling, sending you back to the decade of pegged pants, mullets and Aqua Net. From the very first chord of the night you will be dancing and pumping your fist in the air, singing along to the much-loved songs of yesterday. Always ready to break a sweat, Starfarm comes complete with cardboard, old-skool Adidas tracksuits, legwarmers and aviator sunglasses, plus a state-of-the-art sound system and light show.
Lower Leisure Class wsgs. Wowza In Kalamazoo
This is a standing room only show 18+ or 17 under with a parent or guardian With whole-hearted soul and voice, Kalamazoo’s Lower Leisure Class write, release, and perform energized earworms grounded in rock ‘n’ roll while sailing through the sonic stratosphere. The sextet’s acclaimed debut LP, Stories from the Lower Leisure Class, supplies “an unmistakable, identifiable restless sound” to listeners who’ll keep “spinning this record… over and over again”, according to Local Spins’ Ryan Boldrey. “To see this group shape their music around those stories is where things take off,”, writes Derek Phillips at Glorious Noise. “It’s new, but steeped in nostalgia and references any good midwesterner will recognize.” Their stage skills burnished to a fine shine as members of powerhouse Michigan bands including King Tammy, the Sinatras, and the Sleestacks – all of whose Leppotone recordings command a cult following to this day – the LLC move audiences to dance, sing along, activate, and engage. Wowza in Kalamazoo began as a remote recording collaboration between Ike Turner and Zach Hench (along with the brilliant Sarah Beauchamp), but quickly metastasized into a full-tilt rock band comprising Franki Hand (Petrillo), Chafe Hensley (OUT, Minutes, Hornet), Brad Miller (Brown Company, Dr. Xeron & The Moogulators), Jimbo Bruce (via Ferrata) and the above-mentioned Turner (OUT, Minutes, New Standards Men). As the group expanded so did their approach to writing songs, including more emphasis placed on improvisation and capturing work as it happens vs. grinding songs into dust. Looking to go FURTHER, Wowza’s sound is akin to that of space Needle, Can, and Träden.
Skizzy Mars
18+ Standing Room Only Show 17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian Following a decade-plus earmarked by nearly 1 billion streams, tastemaker praise, and sold out tours, Skizzy Mars comes full circle. Absorbing the ups and downs of a wild ride, the New York-born rapper, producer, and performer has leveled up to the point where he can be the artist he always intended to be. The bars are still there. The beat curation is on point yet again. The subject matter is just as real as it was on day one. Over the years, Skizzy has quietly carved out a corner of his own in the culture. He attracted an audience with seminal releases such as Phases [2013] and Pace [2014] before breaking through with The Red Balloon Project [2015]. It cracked the Top 5 of the Billboard Top Rap Albums Chart and housed “Do You There” [feat. Marc E. Bassy] and “Time” [feat. G-Eazy & Olivver the Kid]—which posted up 48 million Spotify streams and counting. On its heels, Alone Together [2016] spawned “Girl On A Train,” reeling in 43 million Spotify streams. He maintained this momentum with Free Skizzy Mars [2019] and Fun & Problems [2021]. Currently working closely with Public Library Commute, he reframed his signature sound, infusing alternative pop elements into songs like “Rendezvous” off his new project, releasing in 2025. VIP DESCRIPTION:Skizzy Mars Meet & Greet Package includes:• One general admission ticket• Early entry into the venue• Exclusive meet & greet with Skizzy Mars• Personal photograph with Skizzy Mars• Exclusive merchandise item• Official meet & greet laminate & lanyard; autographed by Skizzy Mars• Priority merchandise shopping• Limited availability
Kalamazoo Academy Of Rock
This is an all-ages event Kalamazoo Academy of Rock is back at Bell’s! These youth bands have been wow-ing audiences for years – come on down for a show like no other! For more information about KAR visit www.kzoorock.com
Kalamazoo Academy Of Rock
This is an all-ages event Kalamazoo Academy of Rock is back at Bell’s! These youth bands have been wow-ing audiences for years – come on down for a show like no other! For more information about KAR visit www.kzoorock.com
Charlie Hunter Trio
This is a partially seated show 18+ or 17 under with a parent or guardian LINEUP: Hybrid Guitar: Charlie Hunter / Drums: Corey Fonville / Saxophone: Nate Clark Charlie Hunter is a guitarist, producer, and composer celebrated for his innovative approach to the instrument. He gained widespread recognition for his pioneering technique on an eight-string guitar, which he custom-designed to simultaneously play bass lines, melodies, and chords. Currently, he performs on 6- and 7-string guitars built by Hybrid Guitars Co., a company he co-founded in 2015 with luthiers Clay Conner and Wes Lambe to create fanned-fret instruments tailored to his specifications. Hunter’s eclectic style seamlessly blends elements of jazz, funk, blues, and rock, creating a distinct sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. His mastery of rhythm, tone, and improvisation has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following. Over the course of his thirty five year career, he has released numerous albums and collaborated with a diverse array of artists, from jazz legends to contemporary innovators. A defining force in contemporary jazz, funk, and blues, Hunter has established himself as a versatile collaborator, producer and bandleader. His work with SuperBlue, alongside vocalist Kurt Elling, has received critical praise for its electrifying fusion of jazz, funk, and groove-driven improvisation. In recent years, Hunter has been touring extensively, with notable appearances at major international festivals, venues and performing arts centers. In 2024, he continued to work with artists including Victoria Victoria, Butcher Brown, Jubu Smith & Calvin Napper, Sam Fribush, Maritzaida, and Candice Ivory. Hunter appeared on Tiny Desk alongside Carrtoons, Kiefer, and Nate Smith, further showcasing his ability to fuse genres and push musical boundaries. Beyond performing, Hunter is also deeply involved in music production and education. During the 2019 pandemic, he launched Wheelhouse Beats, a revolutionary metronome app featuring some of today’s top drummers. He also founded SideHustle Records, a label and artist development house dedicated to nurturing emerging talent and ensuring artists retain control over their creative output. Since 2022, Hunter has immersed himself in the music of Arthur “Blind” Blake, sharing his discoveries and interpretations on his Patreon page. With an ever-evolving sound and a relentless drive to explore new musical territories, Charlie Hunter remains one of the most forward-thinking and influential guitarists of his generation.
Celeste Allison “Ghostlore” EP release benefit concert for OutFront Kalamazoo
This is a standing room only show 18+ or 17 under with a parent or guardian After experiencing the tragic loss of her friend and bandmate to suicide, Celeste recorded her debut EP, “Ghostlore.” Understanding the need for dialogue about mental health and suicide prevention, Celeste chose to use her art as a means for healing and change. The project received grant funding from the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, which enabled her to record the EP and organize a benefit show to raise funds for OutFront Kalamazoo. OutFront is dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and serves as a resource where everyone can find mental health support and advocacy, something Celeste is very passionate about. The trauma that follows Celeste after losing her friend is a feeling that she knows others in the community carry, and therefore, hopes this benefit show can be a symbol of solidarity, understanding, and healing. Most importantly, she wants the community to know it’s ok to talk. It’s ok to feel. And that no one is alone. Celeste Allison is an independent artist from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Her breakthrough song, UGLY, has over 180k streams on Spotify alone. With sweet but surprising powerhouse vocals paired with sassy lyrics, listeners are left captivated and wanting more. Embracing her queer identity, she actively strives to create music that resonates with individuals and promotes a welcoming environment, particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community. She is presently immersed in the production of her inaugural EP, slated for release in 2025. Jonah Why (she/her) is a 23-year-old singer/songwriter/producer from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Over the years, Jonah has explored multiple genres under various names in her search for authentic self-expression. In January 2023, she embraced the identity of Jonah Why, a project dedicated to being undeniably herself. Unbound by a single style or genre, Jonah channels vulnerability through the discomfort of the unknown, ensuring each piece of work stands uniquely on its own. From pop-punk to psych-rock to electro-funk, her debut album “nevertheless” is the culmination of everything she’s become. Jey Starcross’d is a hip-hop artist and lyrical storyteller from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Focused on introspective raps, genre-homaging beats, and emotionally resonant themes, he accomplished his earliest life goal in 2024 by releasing a rap album, his debut LP, Withdrawal Symptoms. The project features collaborations with fellow rising talents and explores themes of identity, mental health, and creative struggle. With a background based in community and an eye toward the cosmos, Starcross’d crafts music that’s both grounded and expansive—bridging his local roots with a universal sound.
Two Hearted Paint Along : A BELL’S PAINTING NIGHT
It’s officially Two Hearted Day! 💚🐟 And we’re celebrating with a special Two Hearted Fish Paint Along event led by our creative, artistic, and very talented co-worker Maria, who will guide you through the process step by step until your masterpiece is complete! This paint along will take place outside in our Beer Garden weather permitting. If needed, it will move indoors to the Back Room. What’s included: Supplies 1 drink ticket to keep the creative juices flowing A night filled with laughter and great vibes Spots are limited—grab yours now!
