Article Contributed by Dan Ward
Published on 2026-11-14
Dizgo | Grand Rapids, Michigan | November 6th, 2026 - photos by Dan Ward
Grandma always said orange juice and vodka are fine by themselves, but put them together and now you really have something. That is exactly how we all felt when Dizgo opened for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. Each band plays music that inspires and elevates the audience, but when you get to see them back-to-back, the wow factor goes off the charts.
Tonight, they are playing Grand Rapids' premier home for live music, The Intersection. On the lower level is a wonderful venue known as The Elevation. With its myriad ramps, the space has a flow unlike any other room. Fans can move freely to get closer to the stage, find elevated vantage points, or settle into comfortable pockets throughout the venue, all while leaving ample space for vendors. Intimate yet never cramped, it's the perfect setting for two bands pumping out soulful, funky music. You're going to need room to move.
First up is Dizgo: Andrew Pickel (guitar/vocals), Kevin Hinnefeld (bass/keys/vocals), Jake Evatt (keys/vocals), and Justin Clark (drums). They take the stage and power on like an industrial generator. Flip the switch and they're off. Jake sends out joyful vocals while dancing across the keys during "Fundamentals" from the band's new release, and we're off to a great start. Kevin pulls double duty on auxiliary keys and bass for another selection from the new album, "Déjà Vu," its funky rhythm working magic on the crowd. "Tourmaline" shines a spotlight on Justin as he powers through a third offering from the new material, and the fans are eating it up.
Next comes a treat for everyone as the band explores its own version of Pink Floyd's "Have a Cigar." The performance is spot-on, with every lick from Andrew's guitar dripping with emotion and stretched to its limits. The tune isn't often covered, but Dizgo makes it a pleasure. Every measure feels like equal parts Floyd and Dizgo, blended into something fresh.
The music never stops as the band dives back into originals with "Melt," followed by "It's Alright." Fans love the good stuff, and Dizgo has come prepared to deliver it tonight. The set finishes with "Exit 59," which includes an incredible mid-song drummer exchange. Pigeons drummer Alex Petropulos takes the throne while he and Justin perform simultaneously. Alex attacks the kit like it owes him money before handing it back to Justin in the same high-energy fashion. Moments like this highlight the closeness between these bands and reinforce just how well they work together.
How much do I love the name Pigeons Playing Ping Pong? Tons. Among music fans, it seems perfectly logical. "What are you doing tonight?" "I'm going to see Pigeons Playing Ping Pong." The listener is either immediately excited or gives you that puzzled, head-tilted look.
Greg Ormont (vocals, guitar), Jeremy Schon (guitar, vocals), Ben Carrey-Beaver (bass, vocals), Alex Petropulos (drums, vocals), and Jon Brady (keys, vocals) are the perfect group to carry a name that sounds like a Red Bull-sponsored sport. They're serious musicians who understand the assignment: take the audience to a happier place, relieve the stresses of daily life, and deliver world-class musicianship while looking like they're enjoying every second of it.
The band enters with little fanfare and immediately tears into "Calm Before the Storm." The crowd is pumped and cheers ecstatically. They are given no time to recover before the band launches into "Underworld." The room barely has time to surface before plunging into "Poseidon," which morphs into a cover of Cher's "Believe" before circling back to "Poseidon." Ben steps to the edge of the stage and points his bass toward a group of young women who swoon at the attention. The venue erupts with movement and applause.
Fists punch into the air, and already some fans are hoarse from shouting. There is no slowing down this party train as the band lights into fan favorite "Fantasy." Jeremy seems to be having an especially good night, with every solo delivered with pinpoint accuracy. "Time to Ride," "Fortress," and "In the Bubble" round out the first set as the band finally allows the audience a much-needed chance to refresh and recharge before set two.
Greg's eyes sparkle as he opens the second set with "Somethin' for Ya," which drifts effortlessly into "High Wire." Jon Brady trades places with Jake Evatt, who helps power through "My Own Way" and "Live It Up." These two bands continue proving how well this combination works. They fit together like the fingers of two hands interlaced.
Jon returns for "Burning Up My Time" as the band launches into a massive musical journey. The sequence begins with "Sunny Day," slips seamlessly into The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony," and eventually circles back to "Sunny Day." The band says goodnight, but the fans aren't buying it. They're right.
Moments later, both bands reappear, with members of Dizgo joining on guitar, keys, drums, and saxophone to deliver the funkiest encore possible: the ever-funky "F.U."
For fans who just can't get enough of these bands, both have new releases available. Dizgo recently released thirteen new funky tracks on their album Innerstate (see the review on Grateful Web), while Pigeons Playing Ping Pong has assembled a collection of live favorites on Live in Florida, Man, showcasing some of the band's finest stage performances.
Recorded music is wonderful, but nothing beats a live concert. Do yourself a favor, visit their websites, and find out where you can catch them live.
