Under the stars, together: Don’t miss GRPM’s 9th planetarium concert series

As we move into winter’s coldest months, remember that sunnier days are on the way. With them will return one of West Michigan’s special live music events, driven by local creativity and showcasing regional talent. If past years are any indication, be sure to buy your tickets soon.

This will be the ninth spring that the Grand Rapids Public Museum has hosted Concerts Under the Stars at the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium. This series celebrates creativity by featuring local musicians working with visual artists to create a limited-run, immersive show unique to our area.

Tickets for the 2026 series are now available. Based on previous seasons, we highly recommend purchasing early, as these popular concerts often sell out.

Jack Daleske, GRPM’s planetarium and theater manager, recognizes why tickets sell quickly.

“This isn’t just a concert,” Daleske says. “It’s an experience where the music and visuals are created specifically for the dome. There’s a limited number of seats, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.”

Before moving to Grand Rapids five years ago, Daleske worked at Peoria Riverfront Museum and Dome Planetarium in Peoria, Illinois, where he acquired experience in planetarium management, programming, and new dome technologies. 

His background in astronomy education and museum learning helps the Chaffee Planetarium balance technical accuracy with public engagement. This perspective shapes both GRPM’s educational initiatives and its dedication to broadening access to diverse experiences through innovative cultural events such as Concerts Under the Stars. 

Upgrades increase the experience 

In 2024, the planetarium was upgraded with new laser phosphor projectors, improved servers, and high-contrast displays. These enhancements deliver brighter whites and deeper blacks, essential for precisely managing light to accurately replicate natural phenomena.

“I want bright stars without light bleed,” Daleske says. “The darker the background, the more realistic and immersive the experience becomes. These upgrades allow us to present visuals that rival, and in some cases exceed, what people experience in commercial theaters.”

Planetariums are typically associated with astronomy education, but over the past decade, the Chaffee Planetarium has explored how immersive technology can also enhance art, music, and community engagement.

Rapid Growth Media has documented this evolution, from technological upgrades to the debut of the Concerts Under the Stars series, which has become a vital element of West Michigan’s cultural renaissance, as evidenced by this series devoted to the community’s underground music scene.

The series stands out because musicians don’t perform alone. Instead, they collaborate with visual artists who create custom animations and environments that fill the dome and surround the audience.

“It’s immersive, but it’s also incredibly intimate,” Daleske explains. “You’re seated, you’re not distracted by phones, and you’re sharing this moment with everyone else in the room.”

The 2026 lineup:

• How to Live Together, with visual artist Kristin Zuller — Feb. 12-13 
• Clawfoot, with visual artist Will Mosqueda — March 12-13 
• Sunken Melody, with visual artist Joe Zook — April 9-10  

The series is guided behind the scenes by longtime partner dizzybird records, owned by Nicole LaRae, a local legend in live event booking who has been involved since the early days. MSU Federal Credit Union is a sponsor, and WYCE is providing promotional support.

Designed for presence and accessibility

A key appeal of Concerts Under the Stars is how its approach differs from standard club shows. Because the planetarium is a seated venue, it attracts visitors who might typically shy away from live music events, such as those who cannot stand for an extended time or who favor a more peaceful, controlled environment.

Another attraction is the effort to infuse accessibility practices into the performances. For example, GRPM’s production team works with local artists to prevent the strobe effects, or excessive motion, that can negatively impact some attendees. The GRPM also issues advisories when performances feature brighter or more intense visuals.

“Our goal is always accessibility,” Daleske says. “We want this to be an experience people feel good about attending.”

An arts gathering unlike anything else

For the first time, the GRPM will welcome concertgoers who can arrive early to enjoy after-hours access to the museum’s first two floors. This allows extra time to explore exhibits, socialize, get a drink, and settle in before the performance. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Concert Under The Stars nights, with shows beginning at 7:30 p.m. Each evening features two short sets with a break in between.

“It’s become a community,” Daleske says. “The same people come back year after year. Artists support other artists. It feels like part of the local music fabric.”

Why does this matter now?

Concerts Under the Stars occur only once a year, and the planetarium’s design limits attendance. Tickets are on sale, and since these shows often sell out, now is the time to make plans. You can purchase tickets here. 

Waiting until the week of the show often means missing out entirely.

Photos of Jack Daleske by Tommy Allen; other photos provided by GRPM.

This story is part of the Bridge to Community Curiosity, underwritten by the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Through this partnership, we highlight GRPM’s mission to inspire curiosity, deepen understanding, and foster belonging by showcasing the transformative power of arts and education in West Michigan.