Good Day
Grand Rapids
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Retired finance worker Bob Ruddy now volunteers at Holland Hospital’s Coffee Cove every weekday and plays piano in the lobby on Thursdays + his music lifts spirits for patients, visitors, and staff while he follows the example set by his 91-year-old aunt. FOX 17
- ➤ A unique farm near Rockford is creating job opportunities for nearly 20 adults with cognitive disabilities on a 21-acre site. The New Growth Project will host its season-opening plant sale on Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. FOX 17
- ➤ Local mom Monae 'Mo' Cross launched her nonprofit Benevolent Whispers Community in early 2026 to offer psychic consultations, art-infused community dinners and virtual discussions for youth and single mothers in Grand Rapids; her gatherings aim to foster healing and creative storytelling. MLive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Brewery Vivant is moving most production to Saugatuck Brewing's Douglas facility—sharing resources to cut costs and boost efficiency as craft beer growth slows. The shift maintains product quality and builds on Saugatuck’s growing partnerships with other breweries. FOX 17
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. is hosting the free Relax at Rosa concert series every Thursday at Rosa Parks Circle from noon to 1:30 p.m., running May 7 through Sept. 24 with 21 musical acts and 47 food trucks featuring local and regional talent (broadcast on GR Live on 88.1 FM). MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Davenport University named CFO Anthony Anderson as interim president effective July 1 after longtime President Richard Pappas retires. Anderson will work closely with university leaders to ensure a smooth leadership change. MLive
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Cascade Engineering hosted an event on May 6 for local officials at the Grand Rapids Water Resource Recovery Facility + demonstrated its modular NOAQ Boxwall flood barriers that grow stronger as water rises. The city recently purchased 300 units to provide a fast, reusable alternative to sandbags. MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Ottawa County Veterans Services and Ottawa County Community Mental Health will host a free mental health walk on May 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Park Township Historic Airport Hangar in Holland, where Andy O’Riley will share his recovery story and local groups will offer support. MLive
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Ludema's Floral and Garden in Grand Rapids shares budget tips for Mother's Day by suggesting shoppers build bouquets using less expensive blooms (sunflowers, alstroemeria, roses, and carnations) and proper care to extend flower freshness. FOX 17
- ➤ Jill Halpin, founder of My Michigan Beach, is sharing a new free Michigan Getaways Guide during National Travel and Tourism Week to help summer visitors find top beach destinations across the state+ inspire local travel. FOX 17
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Sedrick Neinhuis from Lowell set a new state record by catching a 4.45 lb gizzard shad in the Grand River on Wednesday, April 22, breaking the previous 1996 record; the Michigan DNR verified the catch. MLive
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Ingrid Andress in Concert
6:30-10 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience the heartfelt performance of GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress as she celebrates her latest single and upcoming album.
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Mother's Day Gift Fair
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Grand Rapids Downtown Market — Free entry — Explore unique gifts from local vendors while enjoying live music and delicious food.
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Geoff Tate Live in Concert
8-11 p.m. — Elevation — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic voice of Geoff Tate as he performs classic hits from his illustrious career with Queensryche.
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2026 Service Above Self Award Dinner
5:30-9 p.m. — Goei Center — Free entry — Celebrate outstanding community service and honor the dedication of Andy DeVries.
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Schubertiade Concert by The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
7:30-10:30 p.m. — St. Cecilia Music Center — Tickets available — Experience a delightful evening of Schubert's masterpieces performed by renowned artists.
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Plain White T's Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with the Plain White T's in a local venue.
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Dance Gavin Dance Live Concert
5:30-7 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — All ages welcome — Experience the dynamic sounds of Dance Gavin Dance alongside The Fall of Troy.
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High Score Comedy
8-10 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of laughs with a lineup of local West Michigan comedians at this vibrant comedy showcase.
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Candlelight Tribute to Taylor Swift
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Wealthy Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring the music of Taylor Swift.
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Daveonce Washington: The Motown Get Down
9 PM – 1 AM — Billy's Lounge — Cost Info Not Provided — Enjoy a high-energy dance party with Da'Veonce & DaFunk Gang featuring modern funk beats.
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