The May round-up of music news takes a look at Marshall blues-guitar sensation Jake Kershaw making a splash in Texas and the end of a popular bluegrass venue in Howard City.
Texas Guitar Fest Heroes: Jake Kershaw, center, with drummer Chip Herbert and bassist Andy Merrild in Dallas.
For Jake Kershaw, attending last week’s Dallas International Guitar Festival was “a networking bonanza,” a chance to rub elbows with other up-and-coming musicians and a rare opportunity to showcase his eye-popping skills for an audience outside Michigan.
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Top Two: Karshaw with contest winner Anthony Cullins.
The 17-year-old Marshall guitarist also wowed some judges: Kershaw finished second in the “10 under 20” competition, performing “Angel of Mercy” during the contest featuring 10 other finalists.
Anthony Cullins, 17, of San Diego, Calif., took first place – and won a $10,000 scholarship – with his rendition of a Dick Dale tune.
On Facebook, the gracious Kershaw said he was “humbled to take second place” and posed with the winner and his “new rocker bud” Cullins.
“We met tons of great people and performed many times,” Kershaw wrote of his trip to Texas with his band (drummer Chip Herbert and bassist Andy Merrild). “Texas certainly got a taste of Michigan blues-rock from these guys.”
Kershaw’s father, Andy, called it a great time that allowed Kershaw to make connections with numerous manufacturers and musicians, not to mention try out some classic guitars. “Jake befriended dozens of world-class players that are Facebook-ing today all about him,” said Kershaw, adding that the guitarist already has been invited to return in 2019.
ZELLIE’S OPRY HOUSE CLOSURE ENDS ERA IN HOWARD CITY
This time around, Zellie’s Opry House won’t be back in the building where it regaled bluegrass fans for years.
On Stage: Ruth and Max Bloomquist at Zellie’s.
After a decade of staging folk and bluegrass concerts in a 150-year-old Howard City church, Terri and Keith Grannis have sold and moved out of the building that was lovingly named after Terri’s grandmother.
The final concert, starring the Edgar Loudermilk Band, took place at Zellie’s, 230 E. Edgerton, on March 31.
“We have sold the building,” the couple wrote in an emailed newsletter. “Within the past year, we’ve had new avenues open that will allow us to continue working within the music business, promoting various festivals and performers, emceeing events, and, of course, keeping us actively ‘chasing the music.’
“Our website and social media pages will have a little different look to them (so slight that you may not even notice), but you will still be able to find us in the same places. The Zellie’s Band (Steve, Andy, Tia, & Terri) will be alive and well and out on the music trail keeping the toes tapping. Zellie’s Opry House will periodically send email blasts as a way to let you, our music lovers, know what’s happening, who’s appearing locally, etc.”
They called themselves “caretakers of a pretty special old church building. Her walls and the good Lord have blessed us every step of the way. In addition, you — the best group of audience members and performers we could ever ask for — have believed in us and joined us on one of the most delightful musical joy rides we could ever imagine. For that, we are forever grateful.”
Renovated Church: Zellie’s Opry House during its heyday in Howard City.
Back in 2015, with sale of the church pending, the couple closed the doors of the venue but later reopened it for concerts with a new sound system after the sale fell through.
Since 2008, the renovated building which once housed the Getting’ Picky instrument and music supply shop has hosted local and national bluegrass and Americana roots music acts, including Detour, Out of the Blue, Ruth & Max Bloomquist, Nu-Blu and many more.
The couple wrote in an April newsletter that the “last event was filled with music, laughter and a few tears. Thank you to all who joined us for the day. … The banner came down, the building sign came down, the building has been emptied and the keys have been handed over to the new owner.”
Terri Grannis didn’t immediately respond to Local Spins questions about the closure or future use of the old church.
End of an Era: Zellie’s banner has come down.
Copyright 2018, Spins on Music LLC
