Local Spins’ Festival 2016 Music Picks: The Zannies, Dante Cope, Watching for Foxes, The Suburbans, Lipstick Jodi, Ty Beat and more

Thousands of West Michigan performers will pack stages in downtown Grand Rapids this weekend. So once again, Local Spins has some well-known musicians and its writers pick “The Best of Fest.”

 

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE LOCAL SPINS LIVE PODCAST WITH TIM PERRY & JEFF OXFORD

It’s been a tradition for nearly a half-century: Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts probably showcases more West Michigan musicians — from young newbies to veteran professionals — in a single weekend than any other event.

With 250-plus performances on six stages over three days, the free-admission festival – which kicks off at noon Friday and runs through early evening Sunday – boasts a dizzying array of diverse acts.

Once lunchtime ceremonies light the fuse on Friday, it’s performance after performance all weekend long — from the contemporary folk of Greg & Kathy Proulx to the epic rock/pop of The Mines to the Beatles tribute band The Liverpool Experience.

And as always, there’s the annual, audience-pleasing late-Sunday flurry of sets by Festival regulars Rev Charles’ PotatoeBabies, Mustang and the Bethel Pentecostal Church Choir.

To help sort through all of that, Local Spins once again presents its picks of Festival sets to check out, courtesy of some well-known local musicians and its staff of writers.

See the full Festival schedule at festivalgr.org, but these gems below are a good place to get your weekend started.

MUSICIANS’ PICKS

JOHN NOWAK
Drummer, Desmond Jones
(Desmond Jones plays the Outer Fringe/Di Suvero Stage at 6 p.m. Saturday)

Watching For Foxes, 1 p.m. Friday, City Stage – WFF is a self-described ‘flannel rock’ band that has been playing all over the scene in Michigan and beyond. Listen for well-written and harmony-driven songs off of their full-length album “Undone Bird” which they released at The Pyramid Scheme in April.

The Zannies, 5:15 p.m. Friday, Calder Stage – “Wannabe,” The Zannies’ new EP, is the current soundtrack to my road trips. Their high-energy songs and catchy hooks will get in your head and stay there all day, in the best of ways. They call themselves alternative rock, but good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll is what I say.

Mary Rademacher & Friends, 2 p.m. Friday, Calder Stage – I had the pleasure of working with Mary this past winter and was blown away by her warm personality and musicianship on stage. While many Grand Rapids music fan veterans may know this talented voice, I urge younger or unaware attendees to check out this smooth jazz singer.

SCOTT RIDER
Drummer, Valentiger
(Valentiger plays the Calder Stage at 9:15 p.m. Friday)

Lipstick Jodi, 3:30 p.m. Friday, City Stage – We played a show with them a few months back and I was very impressed with the songwriting and energy from this young band. A few of the songs are pretty infectious.

Dante Cope, 5:45 p.m. Saturday, City Stage – If you’re looking for some hip hop I would highly suggest Dante Cope. I’ve heard the name around, but just recently started to dive into this eclectic multi-instrumentalist. Impressive.

Mark Swanson, 3 p.m. Sunday, UICA Stage — I’ll guarantee he will have the best sounding guitar at the whole festival. Mark is a perfectionist when it comes to sound and tone. Perfect for a mellow Sunday afternoon.

TIM PERRY
Co-founder of Grand Rapids Songwriters Alliance, which hosts member performances at 2 p.m. Sunday on the City Stage; Tim Perry and Jeff Oxford play the City Stage at 6:15 p.m. Friday

Jukejoint Handmedowns, 9:15 p.m. Friday, Circle Stage — Band members Tim Foley and Nathan James met at one of our GRSA meetings a number of years ago. I’ve had the pleasure of watching them emerge and grow into a fully fleshed-out act that never fails to delight with its off-kilter and unexpected set-list selections. Though they turn a mean cover tune, their collective strength lies in their songwriting. They are the real deal. “Miss them not,” he said.

Tom Messink, 4:45 p.m. Saurday, City Stage — Tom is another active, longtime GRSA member who is an absolute delight to listen to. Tom digs deep into his emotional well and leaves it all on the table. Wonderful voice, beautiful, emotive lyrics and clear, distinctive guitar playing. Festival’s best-kept secret.

Grand Rapids Songwriters Alliance (Joel Comstock, Jim Searles, Jack Maynard), 2 p.m. Sunday, City Stage — These are our guys! Joel Comstock and Jim Searles are GRSA newcomers, while Jack Maynard is one our our original members, still with us after 12 years. This will be an exhibition of widely divergent styles and content that showcases what Grand Rapids Songwriters Alliance is all about.

MARY RADEMACHER
Singer
Mary Rademacher & Friends play the Calder Stage at 2 p.m. Friday

Beer City Saxophone Ensemble, 5:45 p.m. Friday, Calder Stage — I’m going to drink in this accomplished, kickin’, tight, blastin’, smooth group made up of excellent, seasoned musicians (many of whom I am proud to have worked with) with exciting and beautiful arrangements of jazz standards and originals as well. It’s six saxes out front with a rhythm section to round it out. And all proud members of the Grand Rapids Federation of Musicians Local 56.

Slugspoon, 3 p.m. Saturday, Clock Tower Stage — Sounds iffy, plays spiffy! Young and talented is this group led by brother/sister pair Julia Hernandez and Rey Hernandez. She’s dope on bass, he’s soulful on electric guitar. They play an eclectic variety.

Wake Up Autumn, 3:45 p.m. Friday, Calder Stage — I like them. They’re Josh Eid-Ries and Rachel Varley, native-born Michigan kids who pull inspiration from the unpredictable landscape of our home state. A newer duo, their whimsical, memory-driven lyrics combined with raw vocal harmonies complements an unlikely array of instruments. Part folk, part Americana roots, part whatever the hell you’d call it. Looking forward to a very pleasant time, sittin’ back and feeling the sun on my face.

JOE BOCKHEIM
Guitarist, lead singer for The Legal Immigrants

Melophobix, noon Saturday, City Stage — Bouncy jams. Very talented group all around. Was fortunate enough to catch their first show ever (in the history of the world) and left the joint happy as a clam.

The Rev Charles’ PotatoBabies, 5 p.m. Sunday, City Stage — The Rev is fascinatingly unpredictable for a man of the cloth and a true mensch. PotatoBabies are the fun-official closing ceremonies to FOTA.

Feathers & Fur, 8:45 pm. Friday, Outer Fringe/Di Suvero Stage — Am yet to hear any music from this band, but two of their members quit The Legal Immigrants shortly before and after our release of Drugs to Roses. I’m quite curious what they sound like.

WRITERS’ PICKS

RICKY OLMOS
Local Spins writer

Lipstick Jodi, 3:30 p.m. Friday, City Stage — Shimmering indie-rock trio Lipstick Jodi will tout its upbeat, vibrant songs at the City Stage on Monroe Center. Playing songs from its latest self-titled release, the group has experienced fast success in the Grand Rapids music scene, and we’ll likely be seeing more and more of the band in years to come.

Desmond Jones, 6 p.m. Saturday, Outer Fringe/Di Suvero Stage — The funk-fueled jam band will let loose its vibrant tunes to launch Saturday evening’s performances with a bang. These musicians’ energetic and entertaining set is a can’t-miss of the Grand Rapids scene; a party that begins onstage and ends in the crowd.

MEGAN DOOLEY
Singer-songwriter, Local Spins writer

The Bootstrap Boys, 5:45 p.m. Friday, City Stage — The Bootstrap Boys’ freshing take on classic outlaw country will have you ready for long summer days and proper hijinx with friends. Fantastic lead vocals with harmony over driving rhythms and crisp, sly lead guitar. Their fun, punchy originals and fantastic cover choices will satisfy audiences of all ages.

Rochelle and the Spoilers, 4:45 p.m. Sunday, Clock Tower Stage — Rochelle and The Spoilers always deliver with their danceable, upbeat take on Chicago blues, served up with a heaping portion of front woman Rochelle Sund Lutz’s velvety rich vocals and a healthy side of rock and roll. If you’ve had a rough week and need to let it out, this is the place to be.

MATT MARN
Local Spins writer

Watching for Foxes, 1 p.m. Friday, City Stage — Watching For Foxes are an energetic group who put on a great show live. From guitars and drums to a cello and keyboard, they mix a wide variety of instruments into their indie-folk songs. Just starting to play behind its new full-length studio album, Watching For Foxes is definitely a set you’ll want to catch.

Fast Hands Blues Band, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Outer Fringe/Di Suvero Stage — Up-and-coming Grand Rapids blues group, The Fast Hands Blues Band puts its own unique spin on classic blues legends and their music. Working on expanding their set list with originals as well, the influences of blues and soul artists are evident in these musicians’ originals.

Ralston Bowles, 8:15 p.m. Saturday, Calder Stage — A passionate songwriter and guitarist, Ralston Bowles’ lyrics move you to think just as much as feel. His intricate stories within the songs paint a new, fantastic picture every time he takes the stage.

DESHIA DUNN
Local Spins writer

Ty Beat, 11 a.m. Saturday, City Stage— The type of music this artist performs is different than the norm of what’s expected from the Grand Rapids music scene. He does electronic music in a way that’s inclusive to all ears; an act worth watching live.

Hey Marco!, 1 p.m. Saturday, Clock Tower Stage — This band incorporates a funky, down-to-earth dynamic in its tunes. They’ll definitely do the job of effortlessly keeping the audience engaged.

HUNTER GAMBLE
Local Spins writer

The Suburbans, 5:30 p.m. Friday, Circle Stage — The Suburbans’ funky take on punk rock makes them an incredibly fun live band. Their Red Hot Chili Peppers-esque guitar riffs and vocal melodies are sure to be a highlight at Festival of the Arts.

Infinity Pilot, 7:45 p.m. Saturday, Circle Stage — With punchy guitar riffs, powerful vocals and smooth-flowing guitar solos, Infinity Pilot is definitely a band to check out at Festival of the Arts. Their blend of vintage and contemporary rock make them the perfect summer festival band.

ADRIANNA WALKER
Local Spins writer

Wake Up Autumn, 3:45 p.m. Friday, Calder Stage – The Grand rapids-based indie-folk duo brings its mellow Americana energy to the festival this year. With raw vocals, acoustic guitars and a ukulele, Wake Up Autumn encompasses a folky Michigan summer.

Brother Adams, 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Clock Tower Stage – You don’t want to miss “folk-rock” Brother Adams’ riveting energy and roaring performance. The five-piece pairs acoustic and electric instrumentation to create a thick, rolling sound.

Valentiger, 9:15 p.m. Friday, Calder Stage – Grand Rapids’ Valentiger mixes delightful pop-rock with a side of folk. The band’s soft and easy-going melodies guarantee a perfect nightcap to Friday’s lineup.

Get the complete Festival performance schedule online here.

PODCAST: Local Spins Live with Tim Perry & Jeff Oxford

Copyright 2016, Spins on Music LLC