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Bio Star Disaster Restoration Services
Dustin Anger
1267 Belsay Rd, Burton, MI 48509
Water Damage Restoration in Grand Blanc, MI
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Grand Blanc High School West Campus in Grand Blanc to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Grand Blanc, MI is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Grand Blanc. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
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Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Grand Blanc Heritage Museum in Grand Blanc, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Grand Blanc.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Dustin Anger
Bio Star Disaster Restoration Services
Disaster Response Introducing Bio Star Disaster Restoration Services: The Premier Choice for Emergency Clean-Up**
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1267 Belsay Rd, Burton, MI 48509
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Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Grand Blanc, MI
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Serene Gardens of Grand Blanc in Grand Blanc for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Grand Blanc, MI, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Grand Blanc?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Creasey Bicentennial Park in Grand Blanc. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Grand Blanc, MI, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Whaley Historic House Museum in Grand Blanc, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Grand Blanc restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Grand Blanc, MI, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Grand Blanc, MI
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Grand Blanc, MI, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Da Edoardo Grand Blanc in Grand Blanc. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Grand Blanc rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Grand Blanc, MI
How to Watch: Trump's Last Ever Rally in Grand Rapids
Michael Traceyhttps://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-rally-grand-rapids-michigan-how-watch-1979748
Former President Donald Trump will be ending his presidential campaign today in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for his last rally as a presidential candidate.Trump has confirmed that he won't run for president in 2028 if he is unsuccessful in this election and will not be eligible to run again if he wins due to the 22nd Amendme...
Former President Donald Trump will be ending his presidential campaign today in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for his last rally as a presidential candidate.
Trump has confirmed that he won't run for president in 2028 if he is unsuccessful in this election and will not be eligible to run again if he wins due to the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms each.
This means that today marks Trump's final rally as a presidential candidate. He's ending his campaign in Michigan, a crucial swing state instrumental to his rise to the White House in 2016.
His choice to visit Grand Rapids is no coincidence. Trump also ended his 2016 and 2020 campaigns in the city, and it has remained an important stop along the campaign trail ever since.
Polling in Michigan has the swing state almost dead even. With the election too close to call, Trump needs to win back at least one of the swing states in the Midwest to win the election outright, and Michigan could be the state that tips him over the edge of victory.
Where Is Today's Event?
Trump's last rally will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the same city where he has ended all his presidential campaigns.
The venue is the Van Andel Arena, which has a capacity of around 12,000 people. This is the same venue where he announced that Ohio Senator JD Vance would be his running mate.
What Time Is the Event?
The venue's doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, with Trump scheduled to appear at 10:30 p.m., according to his campaign website.
Where Will the Event Be Aired?
The event is being livestreamed on Trump's official YouTube account, which has been used to broadcast all his rallies so far.
Why Does This Event Matter?
This is Trump's last rally as a presidential candidate and his last chance to make his case to voters. Recent polling in Michigan puts him a few points behind Harris, so Trump needs to close his campaign on a strong note and recapture some wandering voters.
Michigan was part of the coalition winning Trump's presidency in 2016, alongside the other Midwestern swing states. With President Joe Biden winning the state in 2020, Michigan is crucial to Trump's plan to repeat his 2016 victory.
Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about Donald Trump's presidential campaign? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
Savannah Bananas ticket lottery at 89K fans for Grand Rapids games as deadline approaches
Ehren Wynderhttps://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2024/11/savannah-bananas-ticket-lottery-at-89k-fans-for-grand-rapids-games-as-deadline-approaches.html
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The hype around next summer’s Banana Ball World Tour stop in West Michigan has drawn out nearly 90,000 fans.Friday, Nov. 1, is the last day of the 2025 Banana Ball World Tour ticket lottery, and the Savannah Bananas are standing on 2.7 million total submissions, a representative from the franchise told MLive.Of those submissions, 89,200 registered for a chance to see the Savannah Bananas’ Party Animals play the Firefighters for three wild nights of Banana Ball on Thursday, Friday and Saturda...
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The hype around next summer’s Banana Ball World Tour stop in West Michigan has drawn out nearly 90,000 fans.
Friday, Nov. 1, is the last day of the 2025 Banana Ball World Tour ticket lottery, and the Savannah Bananas are standing on 2.7 million total submissions, a representative from the franchise told MLive.
Of those submissions, 89,200 registered for a chance to see the Savannah Bananas’ Party Animals play the Firefighters for three wild nights of Banana Ball on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 12-14, at LMCU Ballpark, 4500 W. River Dr. NE in Comstock Park, a suburb of Grand Rapids.
RELATED: Savannah Bananas world tour ticket lottery for Grand Rapids games breaks 80K
The lottery officially closes at midnight EDT, Nov. 2, a spokesperson told MLive. Joining the lottery does not guarantee the opportunity to buy tickets. Winners will be drawn randomly and notified about two months before the event for the chance to buy tickets online.
Standard tickets start at $35, and VIP/meet-and-greet tickets start at $100. The Savannah Bananas said it only sells tickets through the ticket lottery and warned fans that tickets sold by a third-party could be fraudulent.
People who missed out on the general ticket lottery through the Savannah Bananas will be able to enter the West Michigan Whitecaps’ annual group lottery on Nov. 21 for a chance to buy suite, 4-topp or hospitality space tickets.
Banana Ball began a little more than five years ago as a concept for a fast-paced, Harlem Globetrotters-style version of traditional baseball that keeps fans engaged throughout. The game consists of 11 unique rules such as a two-hour time limit on games, no walks and foul balls caught by fans count as outs.
The most recently adopted rule, “golden batter,” allows each team one opportunity to deploy any hitter from any spot in the lineup.
The 2025 Banana Ball World Tour schedule can be viewed here.
Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Grand Rapids” daily newsletter.
Oxford High School vs. Grand Blanc High School Football Live Stream, TV Info - Friday, November 8
Data Skrivehttps://www.ourmidland.com/sports/watching-games/article/oxford-vs-grand-blanc-how-to-watch-live-stream-mic-19895522.php
On Friday, November 8, Grand Blanc High School will host Oxford High School, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET.Get full access to live regular season and postseason sporting events and get 45% off compared to a monthly pass ...
On Friday, November 8, Grand Blanc High School will host Oxford High School, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Get full access to live regular season and postseason sporting events and get 45% off compared to a monthly pass with an NFHS Network annual pass.
Oxford vs. Grand Blanc Game Information
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Game information reflects the most current available data from NFHS. To see how NFHS collects their information, click here.
Follow high school football this season on the NFHS Network. Keep tabs on your family or alma mater and tune in.
Other Genesee County Games This Week
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President Donald J. Trump to Hold a Rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan
donaldjtrump.comhttps://www.donaldjtrump.com/news/269076fb-ab1f-4856-931e-2fd78a524e09
President Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States of America, will deliver remarks at a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 10:30PM EST.From ...
President Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States of America, will deliver remarks at a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 10:30PM EST.
From gas to groceries, Michigan families are feeling the relentless squeeze of Harris-Biden inflation. With costs up 20.5 percent statewide, Michigan households are shelling out an additional $1,000 every month.
Michiganders overwhelmingly reject the Harris-Biden agenda, with 63 percent opposing bans on gas-powered vehicles. The electric vehicle mandate hasn’t delivered for Michigan—only 200 new EV jobs have been created, while thousands of autoworkers have lost theirs. The Harris-Biden EV mandate could eliminate over 200,000 auto jobs nationwide, with Michigan bearing the brunt, projected to lose at least 37,000 jobs.
Under President Trump, Ford and GM invested over $2 billion in Michigan, creating 3,400 auto jobs across the state. Kamala Harris has devastated Michigan families, and only President Trump can turn it around. On November 5th, Michiganders will send a clear message when they re-elect President Trump to strengthen the economy and Make America Affordable Again.
Date and Time:
Monday, November 4, 2024
10:30PM EST
Venue:
Van Andel Arena
130 Fulton St. W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Timeline of Events:
6:30PM – Doors Open
10:30PM – 45th President of the United States Donald J. Trump Delivers Remarks
General Admission Tickets:
Request Media Credentials:
All requests for media credentials must be submitted by Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 5:00PM EST.
Stevie Wonder entrances and energizes Grand Rapids fans with enduring hits, loving vibe
John Sinkevicshttps://localspins.com/stevie-wonder-entrances-and-energizes-grand-rapids-fans-with-enduring-hits-loving-vibe-local-spins/
SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTO GALLERY, SET LIST, VIDEOThe message from Stevie Wonder came across loud and clear at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on Wednesday night.From the heartfelt ballad and his latest single, “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart,” through a blizzard of his massive, enduring hits to the poignant lyrics of the show-closing, “Another Star,” the legendary Michigan musician and songwriter was all about l...
SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTO GALLERY, SET LIST, VIDEO
The message from Stevie Wonder came across loud and clear at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on Wednesday night.
From the heartfelt ballad and his latest single, “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart,” through a blizzard of his massive, enduring hits to the poignant lyrics of the show-closing, “Another Star,” the legendary Michigan musician and songwriter was all about love, healing, unity, kindness and joy.
“Division and negativity is unacceptable,” Wonder proclaimed after taking the stage for the first-time ever at Van Andel Arena. “It’s about what is in your heart. Division and hatred, all these things have nothing to do with God’s purpose for you.
“Bring some positivity, inspire people. Use the gift that God has given you for the goodness of everybody.”
And after an improvised ditty with the line, “I’m in Grand Rapids, we can change the world” that drew enthusiastic cheers from the audience, he urged: “Leave children with a message of truth, love and kindness.”
Of course, Wonder produced his most audience-captivating moments with his memorable music – Motown hits that had the crowd of 9,000-plus singing and swaying along, backed by a mammoth, jaw-dropping ensemble featuring more than 30 musicians and singers.
With a string section and multiple percussionists, keyboardists, horn players and singers filling the stage, the tightly coordinated and orchestrated affair gave fans hungry for Wonder’s first Grand Rapids concert a wall of sound to complement classics such as “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours,” “Living for the City,” “Sir Duke,” “I Wish” and “Superstition” that stood out as highlights during the two-hour-and-50-minute show.
(The show started a tad late and Wonder remarked at one point that he’d be paying extra to go past the scheduled 11 p.m. ending time.)
A GLOWING LEGACY AND A CAREER-SPANNING CONCERT
The celebrated Motown hitmaker born in Saginaw as Stevland Hardaway Judkins in 1950 turned his blindness into musical magic at a very young age, signing to Motown’s Tamla label at age 11 and securing his first No. 1 hit, “Fingertips,” just two years later.
The rest, of course, is captivating, 25-Grammy Award-winning history, so Wonder not surprisingly offered up plenty of stories for fans, from tales of growing up on the west side of Detroit to the inspiration for many of the songs that served as career milestones.
Instead of an intermission to give Wonder a break midway through the show, the band continued to perform, with guest singer Sheléa Melody McDonald unleashing her sensational vocal range on covers of songs by Carole King and Whitney Houston as well as her own, “Something’s Coming.” (The band also kept things humming with versions of Wonder’s “Contusion” and Prince’s “1999.”)
To be sure, there was a mission behind this concert and this tour of so-called swing states, just days before the Presidential election. The video screen posted messages pre-concert urging citizens to register and vote, and Wonder at one point declared: “No government should have control over a woman’s body.”
He also re-worked a certain candidate’s slogan via the phrase, “Let’s make America love again,” noted slyly that “ego” stands for “easing God out,” and launched into an impromptu rendition of a Beatles classic that produced a heart-rending audience sing-along: “All we need is love, love is all we need.” (View video below.)
BAND MEMBERS’ RECORDING SESSION IN GRAND RAPIDS
Wonder’s West Michigan appearance even had an impact on the city before Wednesday night’s concert. His band’s keyboard/Hammond B3 player Cory Henry recorded a couple of tracks for a new Christmas album in a day-long session at Grand Rapids’ Mackinaw Harvest Music studios on Tuesday, along with several other members of Wonder’s band.
Studio owner and engineer Michael Crittenden said the recording session lasted until 3 a.m. The resulting songs, he said, sound “incredible,” aided by what he called “major talent in the room.”
That “major talent” certainly enhanced Wonder’s arena spectacle, with a fun, hale and hardy horn section and a string orchestra that shined especially brightly during “Village Ghetto Land,” from “Songs in the Key of Life.”
The night also was filled with numerous Michigan, Grand Rapids, Detroit and Saginaw shout-outs, with Wonder insisting he’d be back in GR again at some point. While the 74-year-old doesn’t move like he once did, his voice remained strong and vibrant throughout.
As Grand Rapids fan and keyboard player Dutcher Wright Snedeker put it: “Stevie Wonder was so magical, every bit of talent, charisma and wisdom that radiates from his huge catalog of songs.”
The upbeat and upflifting evening ensured that Wonder’s words and melodies would remain planted in the minds of concertgoers for a very long time, reflecting a line from his show-ending “Another Star”: “For you there might be another song, but in my heart, your melody will stay with me.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Stevie Wonder at Van Andel Arena Photos by Anthony Norkus
SET LIST: Stevie Wonder at Van Andel Arena Setlist.fm
VIDEO: Stevie Wonder and Fans, “All We Need Is Love”
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