Urban Music Venue Opening Doors

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Metro Grand Rapids music venue bar

The music scene in Grand Rapids is growing.

Metro Grand Rapids will open its doors for local acts to perform starting on July 27.

The 3,000-square-foot venue with a 240-person capacity is in the city’s Burton Heights neighborhood, at 1901 Division Ave. S.

“We’re bridging a gap in our local music scene,” said Joshua Tree, owner of Metro Grand Rapids and a musician, who purchased the building for an undisclosed price.

“West Michigan has an abundance of creative talent. Yet, musicians often struggle to find affordable, accommodating venues to share their work. Our goal at Metro is to provide opportunities for our local talent and become a springboard for success for budding artists.”

The venue will be open Monday-Sunday from noon to 2 a.m.

Tree said there will be Latin music, jazz, electro music, retro ‘80s music, comedy and open mic performances.

Some of the local musicians and promoters involved with the space are DJ Tony Banks, Brandon Copeland, Hugo Claudin, Sammy Polaroid and Jeff Leopard.

The Metro Grand Rapids space is an open room with a bar and a stage, with the bar being the only permanent fixture. Tree said the open space allows the venue to be flexible and adjust to whatever event is happening on a particular night.

“If it is a nightclub night, there will be more dancing and standing,” Tree said. “If it is a jazz or comedy night, then we will have seats and tables.”

There is also an outdoor patio with a mural and art installations by Caribbean artist Picardo.

Some of the food items on the menu will include personalized pizzas, white chicken chili, specialty hot dogs, smothered tots, fries and more.

There will be a full bar, which will include 20 taps of local beers, selections of Spanish and Latin imports, 40 varieties of canned beers and cocktails.

Tree said he’s still bringing on staff, but he’s looking to have between 10 and 20 employees.

Photo: Courtesy Metro Grand Rapids

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