Experience an electrifying celebration of the kid from Pacoima who changed American music forever. Ritchie Forever honors the 85th birthday of Ritchie Valens, tracing his journey from a teenage trailblazer to a global icon of bicultural identity. Through a multidisciplinary fusion of live music, narration, and archival visuals, the program connects Ritchie’s 1950s legacy to the modern immigrant experience, honoring the rebel, romantic, and dreamer who refused to assimilate. This unforgettable night culminates in a powerful sonic bridge between the past and present, featuring an all-star lineup of contemporary voices: Nick Waterhouse, Shannon Shaw (Shannon & the Clams), Joey Quiñones (Thee Sinseers), Bryan Ponce (The Altons), Denise Carlos & Hector Flores (Las Cafeteras), Angie Monroy (The McCharmlys), Irene Diaz, and Jose Varela (Cutty Flam).

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Ritchie Forever

Grand Performances

This musical revue is a saucy, sultry celebration of legendary jazz great, Fats Waller. Ain't Misbehavin', the Fats Waller Musical Show, evokes the delightful humor and infectious energy of this American original as a cast of six and live musicians perform the songs that he made famous in a career that ranged from uptown clubs to downtown Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood and concert stages in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Shannon Shaw

Events

Past events

Aug 22, 2026

Ritchie Forever · Grand Performances

Jan 16, 2026

Ain't Misbehavin' · Grand Rapids Civic Theatre & School of Theatre Arts

Future and recently performed repertoire

Armelia in Ain't Misbehavin' by Waller

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre & School of Theatre Arts

About

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