Katy Perry And Much More In GR This Weekend

Entertainment here in Grand Rapids and West Michigan is at fever pitch.  There's so much to pick from it's hard to decide what to see.  We can't list them all but the Grand Rapids Press has helped us out with some highlights.

Katy Perry's Sunday concert at Van Andel Arena ranks as the weekend's big show, topping even Celebration on the Grand and Wheatland's folk jamboree. In the wake of her recent Video Music Awards victories, the pop star brings her summery California Dreams tour and opener Janelle Monae to Grand Rapids at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Some tickets, $37.50 and $47.50, were still available at the arena box office and through Ticketmaster.

Of course, a perfect way to start the weekend is with Celebration On The Grand.  And the music is on two stages - Rosa Parks Circle and Ah-Nab-Awen Park - at 5 p.m. tonight and again on Saturday. (Fireworks light things up at 9:30 p.m. tonight; up-and-coming singer Hunter Hayes headlines an evening of country at the Rosa Parks stage Saturday). Plenty of local and regional bands will perform.  You can get more details online at celebrationonthegrand.org.

Tonight through Sunday, one of the most prestigious folk music events in the country, the 38th annual Wheatland Music Festival will draw thousands to Remus, northeast of Grand Rapids, for performances by The Freight Hoppers, Abigail Washburn, Wayne Hancock, Peter Rowan, Los TexManiacs and more, plus local artists such as Karisa Wilson, Red Sea Pedestrians and An Dro, not to mention campground jamming by everyone.  Get details and a schedule online at wheatlandmusic.org.

On Saturday, the inspiring Blind Boys of Alabama return to West Michigan for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Hope College's Dimnent Memorial Chapel, 277 College Ave. in Holland. Tickets are $6-$18 at the DeVos Fieldhouse ticket office or by calling 616-395-7890.

Also, Saturday night R&B singer Frankie Beverly and Maze ("Happy Feelin's") will play DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets, $51.50-$87.50, available at the DeVos Place box office or through Ticketmaster. Tickets are $5 more the day of the show.

Sunday is the 10th anniversary of 9/11. There are many events across West Michigan to mark the day. Here are just a few featuring concerts:

The Cascade Community Foundation hosts Chicago pianist (and Grand Rapids native) Sam Stryke for a 9/11 Memorial Concert at Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE, at 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5. The show also features Voices of Freedom, Great Lakes Chorus and St. Matthew Lutheran Church Children's Bells.

Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE, hosts its 9/11 Memorial Concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, with performances by the Calvin College Alumni Choir, guitarist Michael Hyde and singer Edye Evans Hyde, violinist Dylana Jenson and more. Donations for The Thin Blue Line will be collected at the show.

Dove Award-winning artist Mark Schultz plays his "Letters from War" concert at Community Reformed Church in Zeeland at 6 p.m. Sunday, honoring those working to protect America. Tickets are $10 in advance online at communityreformed.org or $15 at the door.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!