News Summary
Grand Rapids welcomes The Soods for a candle-lit acoustic concert at The Lit, a historical venue re-launching under new management. Attendees can enjoy an intimate performance on October 11, showcasing original songs and popular covers. With ticket prices starting at $10, this event marks a shift towards a vibrant community hub promoting diverse cultural events.
Grand Rapids will host a candle-lit acoustic concert featuring The Soods on Saturday night, October 11, as part of the venue’s re-launch. This special performance is set to take place at The Lit, formerly known as the Grand Rapids’ Ladies Literary Club, which reopened its doors on August 5 under the management of The Penny Loafer LLC.
The Lit, which has a rich history and originally served as a clubhouse promoting literary and scientific subjects since its establishment in 1887, is transitioning to a vibrant community hub. Under new management, the venue plans to host a variety of events such as concerts, comedy nights, yoga classes, and film screenings aiming to engage the Grand Rapids community.
The concert will feature Jason Roy and Elroy Meltzer performing as a duo, beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets for the event are priced at $10 if purchased in advance, and $13 on the day of the show. Advance ticket buyers will receive a free digital copy of The Soods’ self-titled EP. Meltzer has expressed enthusiasm about performing in a candlelight setting and showcasing songs from The Soods alongside popular covers from various artists.
This concert is not just a return for The Lit; it signifies the venue’s ongoing commitment to cultural engagement in the area. Following this performance, The Soods will kick off their Midwest tour, which includes stops in Lansing, Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana.
The Ladies Literary Club building has a storied past as a concert venue with a capacity of 400 attendees. Its history includes a substantial investment of $1 million in improvements after its acquisition by Calvin College. However, following its sale to Rye Venue Management, the venue faced challenges, leading to a temporary closure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now operated by The Penny Loafer LLC, led by Penny Hock, the venue’s focus has shifted from weddings to community-centered events. Hock’s vision includes hosting storytelling nights, poetry readings, and non-profit fundraisers at affordable rates, aiming to strengthen community ties and promote local involvement.
In addition to The Soods’ concert, DJ and saxophonist Zalokar has been actively hosting performances every Wednesday in The Parlor at The Lit, further diversifying the entertainment options available at the venue.
Hock has emphasized the significance of community support in revitalizing downtown Grand Rapids, seeking to encourage residents and visitors alike to enjoy the offerings at The Lit. Community events are crucial to enhancing the vibrancy of the local arts scene.
The venue is also home to the Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase, which features new music from various local artists, including a track by Elroy Meltzer. This radio program airs on WYCE (88.1 FM) and Interlochen Public Radio, highlighting the rich musical talent found in the region.
Overall, the re-launch of The Lit sets the stage for a new chapter in Grand Rapids, as it aspires to become a cornerstone of community activity and cultural expression through diverse programs and events.
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Additional Resources
- Local Spins: New Life for Grand Rapids Ladies Literary Club
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Skelletones to Close on New Year’s Eve
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- WKFR: Skelletones Grand Rapids Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
