The ‘Mexo-Americana’ group and singer-songwriter Heather Maloney earned a warm welcome from fans attending Wednesday’s concert at the new Grand Rapids venue. Review, photos at Local Spins.
The Official Debut: David Wax and Suz Slezak of David Wax Museum on stage at Listening Room. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
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Wednesday’s rude arrival of an early winter snowfall was no match for the warm reception of the crowd at Grand Rapid’s Listening Room.
After “soft opening” shows for the downtown venue in October, those in attendance — about 100 of them — cheered for every song and delivered standing ovations for David Wax Museum and special guest Heather Maloney to help celebrate the first official event on the venue’s calendar.
Maloney, a New Jersey-bred, Massachusetts-based singer-songwriter, brought her impressive prose and vocal range to the stage, touring behind her most recent album, “Soil in the Sky.” In the intimate space, Maloney had a chance to tell more of the back story and heart behind her original tunes, sharing what inspires her to continue to write and perform.
Opening the Night: Heather Maloney. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
“What a joy, an honor it is to be here for the inaugural night of this amazing venue,” Maloney said. “Thank you for giving this opening set your ears and your hearts. I felt it. And I thank you.”
Headliner David Wax Museum followed with a lively set. Performing as a five-piece band, the “Mexo-Americana” group led by David Wax and Suz Slezak did its part as well to get the Listening Room off to a rousing start.
From digitally impacted tones to accordion and violin accents, to songs influenced heavily by Mexican cultural styles, David Wax Museum brought a variety of music — including songs from its new album, “Line of Light” — that some fans in the audience had enjoyed before at past shows across the country and were happy to enjoy once more.
But others in the crowd were new to the group’s music — which, as lead vocalist and guitarist David Wax noted, was also a wonderful testament to the music community here in West Michigan, coming out to support the start of something new.
“We are honored to be here for the opening,” Wax said. “We’ve seen venues all over the country, and what’s beautiful about a place like this is it will bring great music, and grow, and become a part of your community. It’s a real treasure you guys have here. Thanks for letting us break this in with you.”
PHOTO GALLERY: David Wax Museum, Heather Maloney at Listening Room
Photos by Anthony Norkus
