These 20+ Stars Played The Intersection Before They Were Household Names

Grand Rapids is lucky to have a venue like The Intersection. It's one of those rare places where you can catch a rising star before they’re selling out arenas and in some cases, some of the biggest stadiums in America. In recent years, The Intersection has hosted some of the biggest names in music before they hit it big.

Artists like Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, and Chappell Roan all played to sold-out crowds at The Intersection before going on to headline some of the most iconic arenas and festivals in the country.

With three main stages (The Intersection, Elevation, and The Stache) this venue has become a crucial stop for artists on their way up. Not only that, it's recognized throughout the music industry as one of those places that shows you how far you're coming along in your career, based on which room you book each time you visit. That's one of the main reasons they've won awards year after year over the past 50 since they opened.

One of the people helping document these unforgettable moments is venue photographer Benjamin Howell. His camera has captured everything from explosive guitar solos to quiet moments between a singer and their crowd over the past few years.

Through Howell’s lens, fans can revisit performances from stars who are now lighting up national stages and see just how special these early shows were. His gallery lives on facebook where you can check it out at any time and see shows you may have been at or missed.

In a city like Grand Rapids, having a place like The Intersection isn’t just a perk—it’s a cultural treasure. It’s where fans discover new favorites, where memories are made, and where the next big thing might be playing tonight.