Step into the Van Andel Arena, and you’d have been forgiven for thinking you'd been transported straight into the heart of the Grand Ole Opry with a dash of Madison Square Garden's wrestling flair. Billy Strings, in his larger-than-life avatar, orchestrated a 'Van Andel Scramble'—a harmonious collision of bluegrass and rock & roll on a hauntingly spectacular Halloween night.
Strings and company kicked off with a reverent nod to bluegrass royalty, diving headlong into Bill Monroe's “Bluegrass Breakdown.” But it wasn’t just about looking back. With the thumping beats of “Tubthumping,” aided by Molly Tuttle and Duane Trucks' electric contributions, the crowd knew this wasn't just a nostalgic night.
Special guests brought their unique spices to the mix. Molly Tuttle shined, especially on Crooked Tree's “Dooley's Farm.” Mark Lavengood, a comrade from Billy’s busking days, added depth to “Ole Slew-Foot” and his own “Sliding Rock.” But, true to Strings' nature, he didn't let anyone steal the show for too long, roaring back with tunes like “Turmoil & Tinfoil.”
The second set ramped things up. “Enter Sandman” took a Metallica classic and infused it with a Strings twist. Sierra Hull brought magic with “Poison” and a blistering rendition of “Rusty Cage.” And with “Home of the Red Fox” and the Stringdusters' “No More to Leave You Behind,” it was evident the arena was transformed into Billy's personal jam space.
The encore was the cherry on top. An a cappella performance of the traditional “Talk About Suffering Here Below” showcased the raw vocal talent present, making way for the final act. The arena rang with the familiar strains of Queen’s “We Are The Champions,” and it wasn’t just Strings owning the stage – Tuttle, Lavengood, Mailander, Hull, Pandolfi, and Nershi joined the ensemble, wrapping up an evening that was, without a shadow of a doubt, a five-hour long symphony of musical and theatrical mastery.
From the first pluck of the strings to the final bow, ‘The Van Andel Scramble’ was a marathon of musical brilliance, a celebration of sound and spirit that left the audience spellbound and begging for more. So, do yourself a favor and head over to Nugs.net to relive the magic, the mayhem, and the sheer, unadulterated joy of Billy Strings and his band at their finest. Trust us, your ears will thank you.
After a 26-year hiatus, Phish returned to Grand Rapids with a bang, proving once again why they are one of the most dynamic and beloved live bands in the world. The anticipation in the nearly packed Van Andel Arena was palpable, and Phish did not disappoint, delivering a night filled with deep jams, surprise collaborations, and a setlist that kept everyone on their toes.
The evening kicked off with a pair of eclectic covers: the psychedelic funk of Shuggie Otis' "Strawberry Letter 23" and the intricate, jazzy "Peaches en Regalia" by Frank Zappa. Nestled between these covers, Phish slipped in "Sigma Oasis," setting a perfect tone for the night. The band then launched into "Tube," an old favorite that got the Michigan faithful grooving. The nostalgia continued with "Theme from the Bottom," seamlessly bleeding into a solid "Stash" that had the crowd on their feet.
The mood mellowed with a beautifully placed "Train Song," offering a moment of reflection before the band ignited the arena with "Steam," "Rift," and an epic "Bathtub Gin" to close out the first set. The "Bathtub Gin" jam was nothing short of legendary, a must-listen for any Phish aficionado.
The second set opened with "Free," a fitting prelude to the magic that was about to unfold. Midway through, Trey Anastasio welcomed hometown hero and local musician Billy Strings to the stage. Speculation about this collaboration had been rife, but nothing could have prepared fans for the sheer brilliance of what followed.
Billy Strings added his unique flair to "The Moma Dance" and then took lead vocals on a rip-roaring "Possum." The synergy between Phish and Strings was electric, culminating in a euphoric "Everything's Right" that perfectly encapsulated the evening's vibe.
The encore was a bluegrass delight, featuring "Nellie Kane" and "Beauty of My Dreams," both showcasing Strings on lead vocals and acoustic guitar alongside Trey. The night closed with a high-energy "Carini" that sent the arena into the next stratosphere, leaving fans buzzing with the high of an unforgettable show.
Setlist:
Set 1:
Strawberry Letter 23 (Shuggie Otis cover) >
Sigma Oasis
Peaches en Regalia (Frank Zappa cover)
Tube
Theme From the Bottom >
Stash
Train Song
Steam >
Rift >
Bathtub Gin
Set 2:
Free
Sand >
Ruby Waves>
Harry Hood
The Moma Dance (with Billy Strings) >
Possum (with Billy on lead vocals)
Everything's Right (with Strings)
Encore:
Nellie Kane (Hot Rize cover, with Strings, Billy on lead vocals, Trey & Billy on acoustic guitar)
Beauty of My Dreams (Del cover, with Strings, Billy & Trey trading verses, Trey & Billy on acoustic guitar)
Carini (with Billy)
Phish's return to Grand Rapids was a reminder of their unparalleled live prowess and their ability to surprise and delight audiences, making this a night to remember.
