Martina McBride and Trace Adkins
Shine All Night Tour
Van Andel Arena
March 4, 7:30 p.m.
$30.25 & $62.25
vanandelarena.com, (616) 742-6600

You know you love a two for one deal, we all do. This month, get two country superstars, Martina McBride and Trace Adkins, co-headlining the Shine All Night Tour at Van Andel Arena. McBride has been belting out country hits for the past 17 years and Adkin's baritone voice has been getting much attention since his latest album, X-Ten. And, though you may not expect it from these two country music veterans, it is guaranteed to be a high energy, exciting show. When McBride spoke with REVUE in February, she said the show is full of hits, as well as new songs. Although she's a laid-back country girl at heart, McBride promises that her show will be high-energy. Reported by Jamie Linari

You get a lot of band for the buck at the annual Winter Jam Christian music tour. Eight artists - several of them top-selling Christian music acts - for only 10 dollars at the door, plus a pass-the-hat collection during the event. It's nearly impossible to enter and exit Van Andel Arena for anything else close to that price. But with no advance tickets or reserved seating, long lines of fans often are waiting for Winter Jam doors to open. The jam drew 11,000 fans here in 2009, and lines stretched around the block. Several of the artists perform during a pre-show segment as the crowd is still filing in. The ever-popular pop-rockers Newsboys also perform, headliner Third Day as well as the female-fronted Fireflight and the 2009 Dove Award new artist of the year winners Tenth Avenue North. The event is a good sampler of what's out there on the contemporary Christian music scene. The pre-show artists are the upstart Mike's Chair, Revive, and teen singer Robert Pierre. The veteran vocal band NewSong is host for the evening, and there's a gospel message presentation offered by speaker Tony Nolan. With its accompanying souvenirs and Christian agency displays, the "festival-in-a-box" is a magnet for church youth groups. Winter Jam will no doubt be at capacity again this year. Get your place in line.

2010 Pillar Awards Luncheon
A benefit for the Women's Resource Center
Ambassador Ballroom, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids
March 17, 11:45-1:30 p.m.
$50 donation
grwrc.org, (616) 458-5443

Instead of grabbing another cheeseburger and Coke at the drive-thru, spend your lunch break at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel supporting more than clogged arteries. On March 17, the Women's Resource Center will host its main fundraising event of the year-the 21st Annual Pillar Awards Luncheon-in honor of three exemplary West Michigan employers. Join nearly 500 leaders from within West Michigan's business community in applauding AngelCare Home Health Care, Grand Valley State University and Varnum for empowering women in the workplace. By advancing women in leadership, implementing progressive workplace strategies, and opening doors of opportunity to women from disadvantaged situations, these organizations have acted as "pillars" in supporting women and the community as a whole. Enjoy a delicious meal while viewing the awards presentation and video productions that highlight the work of these organizations. Ticket sales go to support the Women's Resource Center-a Grand Rapids-based, non-profit organization that has been serving women in the community since 1973. The Women's Resource Center enables unemployed and underemployed women to become economically self-sufficient by providing them with mentors, resume assistance, computer skills, and professional clothing. Tickets should be purchased in advance by phone or online.

Joanna Newsom wsg Bowerbirds
Calvin College Chapel, Grand Rapids
March 12, 8 p.m.
$20, $10 with Calvin ID

Everyone calls Joanna Newsom quirky. She's a singer/songwriter who plays piano and harp, whose voice either grates you or titillates you, depending on your tolerance for the bizarre. Though, if you find yourself among the former, you be warned that she grows on you. Her appearance at Calvin College this month coincides with the release of her third, full-length studio album, Have One on Me, officially released Feb. 23. Newsom, who belongs to Drag City along with label mates Pavement, Silver Jews, Jim O'Rourke and Bill Callahan among others, does not scrimp on her latest release. A three-disc set, her songs are long and meandering, unfolding entire tales with the delicacy of fairy-telling. There's a touch of folk here, of rock there ("Good Intentions Paving Company" begins with such a convicted downbeat), and Newsom's power seems to lie in her ability to conjure scenes out of films that don't exist. Can you believe this chick is dating Andy Samberg? There's no real good way to mash-up "I'm on a Boat" with "Peach Plum Pear," is there? Reported by J. Bennett Rylah