News Summary
Skelletones, a notable all-ages music venue in Grand Rapids, has announced its closure for relocation after New Year’s Eve. The venue, originally established in 2000, aims to find a new site amid challenges such as rising property values and parking difficulties. Owner Mark Leech reassured the community that this is not a permanent closure and expressed gratitude for their support. Skelletones has been pivotal in promoting local talent and creating a safe space for young music fans.
Grand Rapids Music Venue Skelletones Announces Closure for Relocation
Skelletones, an all-ages music venue located at 133 S. Division Ave. in Grand Rapids, will close its current location after New Year’s Eve as it seeks to relocate. The venue, originally established in 2000, became known for providing a safe and alcohol-free space for teens and young audiences until it closed in 2009. After a 12-year hiatus, Skelletones reopened in September 2021, supported by community donations that funded renovations.
Owner Mark Leech announced the decision on Facebook, mentioning that the venue will take a hiatus to regroup, while highlighting that this closure does not indicate a permanent end. The decision to close is prompted by various factors, including rising property values, limited parking, and the difficulties of operating a small venue amid a revitalizing downtown area.
Challenges Leading to Closure
Parking has become increasingly problematic for patrons due to ongoing construction of new apartments in the area, leading to frequent customer towing incidents. Despite these challenges, Skelletones has continued to serve as an important venue for emerging punk, hardcore, metal, and indie-rock bands, acting as a launchpad for many artists. Notable bands like Against Me!, August Burns Red, and mewithoutyou gained early exposure at Skelletones.
The venue’s mission has centered on providing young artists with a low-cost space to develop their talents while fostering teamwork within the community. Upcoming shows include performances by Nashville punk rockers Night Talkers on October 2, an album-release show for Fedaykin on October 3, and other local artists scheduled for October 10.
Community Impact and Future Plans
Leech emphasized that Skelletones has always focused on community, aiming to create a welcoming environment where young people can feel safe and belong. The closure of Skelletones echoes the recent permanent closure of another Grand Rapids venue, Turnstiles, underscoring the prevailing challenges faced by local music spaces.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the current location, Skelletones is optimistic about its future and is actively searching for a new site. The owner expressed gratitude for the community’s support throughout its tenure, noting that the venue’s impact extends far beyond just being a spot for weekend entertainment.
Background of Skelletones
Since its inception, Skelletones has made an indelible mark on the Grand Rapids music scene. The venue was designed to cater specifically to younger audiences, allowing them to experience live music in a safe and enjoyable environment. After its initial closure in 2009, community members rallied together to reinvigorate the space, which successfully reopened in 2021.
Thanks to its rich history and commitment to youth engagement, Skelletones has established itself as a cherished institution in the Grand Rapids community, inspiring countless musicians and leaving a lasting legacy in the world of underground music.
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Additional Resources
- Local Spins: Skelletones Venue to Take Hiatus
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Skelletones to Close on New Year’s Eve
- WRKR: Skelletones Grand Rapids Closure
- Wikipedia
- Encyclopedia Britannica
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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.
