Grand Rapids Music Venue Honors Ford Hammontree

The Grand Rapids music scene is amazing, and large in a lot of ways. But in other ways, it is very, very small. Earlier this year, the community was rocked when they learned of the passing of Ford Hammontree, the son of Scott Hammontree, who is one of the operating partners of The Intersection.

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Now, The Intersection and the rest of the West Michigan music community are coming together to honor the life of Ford in a big way.

Celebrating the Life of Ford Hammontree

Courtesy of The Intersection

Ford was a staple at The Intersection for many years. Tagging along with his dad for shows and eventually working there a little bit himself.

At the time of his passing from the effects of depression, Ford was a senior at Loyola University in Chicago.

In a release, The Intersection spoke to just the kind of person that Ford was, saying that one of his classmates at Loyola told them,

He just accepted me. He made me feel like I belonged.

In honor of that, and so much more about Ford, The Intersection will be holding an event to unveil and dedicate a public art installation honoring Ford on Sunday, November 23, at The Intersection.

Speaking about his son Ford's legacy and the significance of the installation being placed at The Intersection, Scott Hammontree said,

The Intersection has long stood as a gathering place where music heals and people connect — a safe space for all. In every room he entered, Ford made people feel comfortable. He accepted people as they were, without judgment, and this art installation is our way of keeping that spirit alive — a reminder that kindness and empathy can truly change lives. - Scott Hammontree, Operating Partner at The Intersection

Where Will the Public Art Installation in Honor of Ford Hammontree Be Located?

The installation will be done in partnership with i understand, a West Michigan-based nonprofit that promotes mental health awareness and compassionate conversations about loss to suicide.

The installation will be located outside of The Intersection, at 133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW in Grand Rapids.

The dedication ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Intersection.

Following the dedication, a gathering inside the venue will give attendees an opportunity to share memories of Ford Hammontree and talk about how to better support those who are affected by mental illness.

These Music Stars Stopped at The Intersection in Grand Rapids on Their Way to the Top

Intersection photographer Benjamin Howell has been sharing his photos of artists who play the intersection for almost a decade. These are some of the biggest acts who hit the stage in Grand Rapids on their way to the top.

Gallery Credit: Benjamin Howell