Blistering rock dominates this weekend’s roundup of images, but there was also the fetching indie-folk of Kalamazoo’s Thunderbolt & Lightfoot at an inspiring CD-release show.
Customized Beauty: Teen blues-rocker Jake Kershaw debuted his new signature Heritage guitar in Kalamazoo. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
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At many junctures during a rowdy, sweat-drenched and VERY loud set at Grand Rapids’ Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill, Low Cut Connie frontman and piano-pummeler Adam Weiner expressed his affection for the equally pumped-up crowd bouncing in front of the stage.
Tip Top Rock: Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie. (Photo/Kendra Kamp)
“I love you,” he gushed again and again.
The feeling was clearly mutual, with the Philly rock ‘n’ roll band’s third appearance at the cozy West Side watering hole getting the sort of turnout and elbow-to-elbow rambunctiousness on Thursday that the up-and-coming quintet deserves.
After all, the group that critics across the country have dubbed one of America’s best live bands didn’t disappoint during its Grand Rapids tour stop: Standing atop his piano bench or battering the keys of his tattered upright piano affectionately dubbed Shondra from his knees, barking into the mic and high-fiving fans, Weiner led his happy co-conspirators through a bevy of new songs from the group’s latest album, “Dirty Pictures (Part 1),” including standout tracks such as “Dirty Water” and “Revolution Rock ‘n’ Roll,” as well as favorites “Rio” and “Shit, Shower and Shave.”
Even when Weiner left the stage (after the main set and again after a three-song encore), he slapped hands and hugged fans on his way out of what can only be described as a thoroughly satisfying, blistering and invigorating performance with a vintage rock ‘n’ roll vibe. (Check out a video below.)
PHOTO GALLERY: Low Cut Connie at The Tip Top Deluxe
Photos by Kendra Kamp
That was just one of several inspiring rock spectacles that West Michigan music aficionados had a chance to embrace this past week.
There was the triumphant return to The Pyramid Scheme by seasoned punk icons the Melvins and the Bell’s Brewery Beer Garden debut by Pennsylvania punk heroes The Menzingers, a show hosted by Heritage Guitars. And speaking of Heritage, teenage blues-rock sensation Jake Kershaw fired up The Union Cabaret & Grill in Kalamazoo — the first show featuring his brand-spanking new custom Heritage guitar, which he picked up some six hours before he took the stage.
Later in the weekend, Kalamazoo hosted indie-folk duo Thunderbolt & Lightfoot celebrating release of their new album at Louie’s, a show featuring guest musicians that impressed Local Spins photographer Derek Ketchum. “The crowd was glowing after this show; so many great people from the Kalamazoo music community were involved in this project and show. What an incredible collaborative effort making for an amazing night of music at Louie’s.”
In addition, Kalamazoo’s Lushh hosted a release show for its new album at the Union.
PHOTO GALLERY: The Melvins, Spotlights at The Pyramid Scheme
Photos by Katy Batdorff
KALAMAZOO PHOTO GALLERY: Jake Kershaw, The Menzingers, Thunderbolt & Lightfoot, Lushh
Photos by Derek Ketchum
