New and familiar West Michigan venues hosted spirited performances by the likes of Bigfoot Buffalo, Olivia Mainville, Lady Ace Boogie, Mavericks & Monarchs and others, documented in Local Spins photos.
Anticipation and curiosity.
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They always greet the debut of a new performance venue, and such was the case Saturday night for Long Road Distillers on Leonard Street NW in Grand Rapids when it officially christened “The Rickhouse” upstairs, attracting a sizable and lively crowd.
Of course, it helps when you pump up the lineup with one of Grand Rapids’ hottest psych-rock bands, Heaters, and add popular hip hop artist Lady Ace Boogie (plus special guests) to the mix — both of whom didn’t disappoint the audience with engaging sets that showed off the venue’s sound capability. What the upstairs quarters lack in terms of stage lighting (which amounted to a flashing string of Christmas lights), it makes up for with a groovy, enticing atmosphere.
Long Road Distillers will host live music regularly in coming months, with everyone from Mark Lavengood to Hannah Rose & The Gravestones to Alexander Lynch playing the distillery/bar at 537 Leonard St. NW. Check out the photo gallery here, with some video snippets below.
PHOTO GALLERY: Heaters, Lady Ace Boogie at Long Road Distillers
Photos by Anthony Norkus
• The Accidentals brought their Traverse City-bred indie-folk exuberance to One Trick Pony in Grand Rapids on Thursday, and not surprisingly, again packed the intimate venue to the gills with fans who appreciate the youthful trio’s ever-likable music and stage presence.
The Accidentals followed this on Friday with yet another sellout, this time pairing up with Grand Rapids folk-rock band The Crane Wives to entertain a capacity crowd at Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo, even performing together. Local Spins photographer Derek Ketchum praised the “fantastic sound” and compelling original music, noting that Grand Rapids hip hop artist Rick Chyme made guest appearances with both acts, “adding to an already amazing show.”
PHOTO GALLERY: The Accidentals, The Crane Wives
The Accidentals/One Trick Pony photos by Tori Thomas
The Accidentals, The Crane Wives/Bell’s Brewery photos by Derek Ketchum
PHOTO GALLERY: La Famiglia, Mavericks & Monarchs, Dear Tracks @ Founders
La Famiglia photos by Anthony Norkus
Mavericks & Monarchs, Dear Tracks photos by Anna Sink