Today, Local Spins partners with a local filmmaking team to launch a new video series examining the plight of several West Michigan concert venues shut down by COVID-19.
Before They Were Stars: Future Islands are among many acts that have played The Pyramid Scheme on their way up. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Today, Local Spins partners with filmmakers Michael Whitenack, David Darling and Kari Cohen in debuting the first episode of a new video series, “Destination Live Music: Comeback Road.” These short videos will spotlight the plight of several beloved West Michigan concert venues shuttered by the COVID-19 pandemic – outlining their vision and what they see as a way forward under trying circumstances. First up, it’s The Pyramid Scheme, with other venues featured every other Thursday at Local Spins.
Since 2011 when it opened its doors, Grand Rapids’ The Pyramid Scheme has hosted as many as seven concerts a week – from local and regional favorites to up-and-coming international stars such as Lizzo and Future Islands.
As co-owner Tami VandenBerg puts it, the 420-capacity music venue has allowed Grand Rapids audiences “to see so many different artists perform in such an intimate spot” for shows “they’re going to be talking about … for years.”
That is, until March 14 of this year when the venue shut its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic – with no clear path as to when The Pyramid Scheme might open again. The spring of 2021? Perhaps.
“You’re trying to prepare for every possible scenario,” she tells interviewer Michael Whitenack in today’s “Comeback Road” video, the first in a series showcasing the plight of West Michigan concert venues amid the pandemic.
“Clearly, none of us were prepared for this.”
VIDEO: Comeback Road: The Pyramid Scheme
To purchase Pyramid Scheme shirts and merchandise: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PyramidSchemeTShirts
To learn more about the National Independent Venue Association and to show support in its campaign for federal and state funding: https://www.nivassoc.org/take-action
More Local Spins stories about The Pyramid Scheme:
Dead Prez to Cabildo to Pinback to The Coup: The Pyramid Scheme’s Top 10 Memories Playlist
The Pyramid Scheme toasts five years of charismatic, eclectic and sweaty live shows
Nicole LaRae: Pyramid Scheme booking guru, record label owner, music scene badass
Copyright 2020, Spins on Music LLC
