The music scene in Grand Rapids is about to get a whole lot louder. With a growing reputation for its thriving arts district and lively entertainment options, the city is now primed to welcome a new kingpin of live music venues: The Big Room. Located next to the already-beloved Silva, this 1,500-capacity powerhouse is poised to become the epicenter of GR’s vibrant music culture. Get ready for electrifying performances, state-of-the-art production, and a truly immersive experience that will leave music enthusiasts begging for more. As Local Spins reports, The Big Room is about to rock GR’s music scene in ways previously unimaginable.
The Big Room: Grand Rapids’ Newest Entertainment Venue
Part of an impressive entertainment complex/restaurant on Ottawa Avenue in Grand Rapids, the new venue debuts with a free Valerie June concert on Memorial Day. Unionjournalism takes a tour, providing the lowdown.
A New Addition to the Silva Complex: The Big Room’s Debut
Supporting West Michigan’s music scene, patrons and employees alike say there’s absolutely nothing like Silva — a restaurant and “dinnertainment” destination that opened in Grand Rapids earlier this year with a recreation room, indoor bocce ball courts and roaming, circus-like entertainers. Now, that unusual and spacious new hot spot at 975 Ottawa Ave. NW is about to uncork even more grandiose experiences with the debut of a 1,500-capacity music and entertainment venue next door.
Dubbed “The Big Room,” the sprawling concert hall adjoining Silva will host its first show on Memorial Day (May 26) starring Grammy Award-nominated country, blues, rock and R&B singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Valerie June.
The Vision Behind The Big Room’s Concept
After the first free show to test out the new venue, “get it under our belt” and “figure out what we’re going to be,” Silva founder and owner Mark Secchia said he hopes a wide variety of concerts and different entertainment events can regularly roll out in The Big Room.
“I would love it if at least every two weeks or once every month, at least, that we actually have something fun, interesting going up than just the boss’s nephew who thinks he’s good on the drums,” Secchia quipped, noting that the entire complex is all about creating energy and excitement. “Energy begets energy and we need that in here.”
The Venue’s Features and Capabilities
Adaptable to Various Styles of Entertainment
Talent buyer Quinn Mathews said The Big Room is “adaptable to many different styles of performances in the layout of the room,” from a standing-room capacity of 1,500 for a rock show to seated events that could include comedy, theatrical performances, DJ gigs and even in-the-round shows.
The room is equipped with multiple bars, a full catering kitchen, high-tech audio system and a large high-definition screen. The back of the room even features large, stained-glass windows reclaimed from a century-old church in Kalamazoo.
“The key here is entertainment, celebration and creativity all combined whether you have entered the space for a music performance, a night of theatre, comedy, magic or for a wonderful community event,” said Mathews, former music and programming director for Studio Park’s Midtown venue.
State-of-the-Art Equipment and Design
The Big Room is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and design features that set it apart from other entertainment venues in Grand Rapids. One of the most notable features is its high-tech audio system, which is capable of producing high-quality sound that can accommodate a wide range of performances.
In addition to its advanced audio system, The Big Room also features a large high-definition screen that can be used to enhance the viewing experience for attendees. The screen is capable of displaying high-definition images and videos, making it an ideal feature for concerts, comedy shows, and other performances that require visual elements.
Another unique feature of The Big Room is its stained-glass windows, which were reclaimed from a century-old church in Kalamazoo. The windows add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the venue, making it an ideal location for a wide range of events and performances.
Upcoming Events and Future Plans
The Big Room’s Inaugural Events
The Big Room is set to debut with a free Valerie June concert on Memorial Day, followed by an “Adult Prom” event on June 21 and a Cacao & Sound Ceremony on August 3. Tickets for these events are available online at silvagr.com/thebigroom/.
Reaching National Touring Acts, Theater, Comedy, and Community Events
Talent buyer Quinn Mathews said The Big Room is “adaptable to many different styles of performances in the layout of the room,” from a standing-room capacity of 1,500 for a rock show to seated events that could include comedy, theatrical performances, DJ gigs, and even in-the-round shows.
Mathews also noted that The Big Room will partner with regional organizations to bring a diverse range of performances to the venue. This includes partnering with promoters in the region as well as community organizations for many different types of events and performances.
The Big Room’s Place in Grand Rapids’ History and Culture
The Berkey & Gay Furniture Company Factory Complex’s Rich History
The Big Room is housed in what was once the Berkey & Gay Furniture Company Factory complex, which boasts a robust history that Silva has embraced in many of its inventively decorated spaces, including separate rooms for dining and group gatherings.
The building has hosted not only furniture-making but also indoor boxing and tennis, the Autodie Fitness Center, and more. Silva has added to that history, in part, by creating five indoor bocce ball courts.
Silva’s Innovative Approach to Entertainment and Dining
Silva has taken an innovative approach to entertainment and dining, offering a unique experience that includes indoor bocce ball courts, roaming, circus-like entertainers. This approach has made Silva a standout in Grand Rapids’ entertainment scene.
Conclusion
As the Big Room entertainment venue prepares to bring high-energy shows to Grand Rapids, the city’s music scene is on the cusp of a significant transformation. With a 1,500-capacity space, the Big Room will become a premier destination for live music events, capable of hosting some of the biggest names in the industry. This development is the direct result of an influx of new investment and a growing demand for live music experiences in the area.
The significance of the Big Room’s opening cannot be overstated, as it has the potential to revitalize the local music scene and cement Grand Rapids’ reputation as a top-tier music destination. The venue’s capacity will not only attract larger acts but also create opportunities for local musicians to perform alongside national acts, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. As the city continues to grow and evolve, the Big Room will play a pivotal role in shaping the musical landscape, providing a platform for creativity and self-expression.
As the Big Room gears up to open its doors, music enthusiasts and industry professionals alike are eagerly anticipating the impact it will have on the local scene. With its state-of-the-art facilities and prime location next to the Silva, the Big Room is poised to become a hub of activity, driving innovation and creativity in the world of live music. As the city gears up to rock, one thing is clear: the Big Room is about to take Grand Rapids by storm, and the music scene will never be the same.