Val-Du-Lakes: The Concerts Have Returned!

[Dave]

To any of the music fans here, many of you probably at one point or another attended a concert at Val-Du back when they had made a name for themselves for having such events, bringing in some of the biggest names in music at the time like Bon Jovi, Metallica, Guns N Roses, Aerosmith, Hootie & The Blowfish among others. For whatever reason though as the 90's progressed, the concerts stopped happening which was really a shame as it was nice having a local place to go see big name shows at.

Double JJ Ranch of course a few years ago started doing the big 3 day event over 4th of July weekend which was fine but catered to a few select genre's of music... of course none of which I typically cared for other then a very few bands. Even these shows were not immune to economics as last years version ended up not happening although the event has returned under a new name this year. Again though, not much of anyone I want to see perform.

A week or so ago while driving north on US 31 from Muskegon, I notice a billboard advertising Val-Du-Lakes and the "Rise of the Phoenix", concerts return to Val-Du. Me being a fan of live music of course checked it out... although it took me about a week to check out via Val-Du's website. So far they have about a dozen shows booked and thankfully, they are offering a nice variety so far of performers. Some of the artist booked so far include: Pop Evil, Collective Soul, Sara Evans, Sick Puppies, Patty Smyth & Scandal, Meatloaf, 38 Special, Molly Hatchet and Cheap Trick... a little bit of rock, little bit of country, like bit of modern, little bit of hip hop (even though I didn't list any of those artist.. they are on the schedule though). From the sounds of things, there will be more shows added as the bookings get finalized. Ticket prices vary from show to show.. some are cheap like Pop Evil is only about $15 while a majority of the ticket prices seem to be around $30 for general admission tickets and a bit more for VIP section tickets.

If anyone would like to check out the listing of shows, you can do so by hitting the Val-du website.

http://www.valdulakes.com/index.php

I'll more then likely hit a few shows out there being its so close to me... hope to see a few of you out there too!

 

[XLFD]

Thanks for the heads up, Dave.  I haven't been out to VDL since the '80s, haven't really heard of it being musically active since that time, but may return to see an act or two this summer. 

[AQUAMAN]

Good notice Dave, haven't been out there in a coons age either, gave up on music there. That June 4th looks encouraging, 38 Special and MH, not so awfully busy yet. I see July and August are pretty much open too yet, that leaves time for feedback on previous concerts before committing/over-funding upcoming dates of the hot summertime. New Bookmark. Anyone who likes sand drags, they also have them down there all summer long too as an alternate option. No quick link right now, but memory serves me as silverlakesandrags.as a good possible.

[AQUAMAN]

Maybe they can also get Willie Nelson this summer? I see he's been popped again for POT possession, but, it's just a 4 oz. bust, and he's going to have to pay $378 in a ticket fine he can mail in. So, anyone want Willie now? "Blue eyes crying in the Rain", or "On the Road Again"?

[Dave]

I'm debating about going to the 38 Special/Molly Hatchet show.. its the day before my birthday so that might be a nice b-day present for me. I've never seen 38 Special before but have seen MH as one of the bands I use to work with opened for them a few years back. I wouldn't mind seeing Willie either, while I'm not a big country fan, I've always liked some of his stuff... plus he just seems to be a fun character. Somewhere I got his autograph.. the one time I seen him before he sat out at the front of the stage and signed stuff for people so I had him sign the ticket for the show I think.

Sounds like the owners have things going pretty good as there is a camping area and is going to be a hotel there next year I think. Be nice for the tourist to be able to enjoy a concert and then head back to their lodging choice without having to deal with traffic.

[AQUAMAN]

I totally agree with the camping and hotel aspects. While we aren't far from home, it's nice to have the option of not driving if you had a few drinks during the concert. Will surely be nice to go to an outside concert close to home now again, thanks Val-Du.