A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Lao-tzu
Although this is the popular form of this quotation, a more correct translation from the original Chinese would be “The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one’s feet.” Rather than emphasizing the first step, Lau Tzu regarded action as something that arises naturally from stillness. Another potential phrasing would be “Even the longest journey must begin where you stand.
Much success to you, my friend! You can count on my support, out of gratitude for all you have done and will continue to do for my beloved West Michigan music scene!
Thanks again for all the back pats and warm wishes from so many of you as word has gotten out. It may be a cliche, but everything happens for a reason and I’m looking ahead with optimism to 2012. I’m hoping many of you who check out this blog will subscribe for email updates and check back in regularly. Thanks!
You will be missed by me personally and all of us here at The Intersection. I know we will work together many more times, and I look forward to where this new chapter in your life takes the local music scene. Please know that your footprint on the music scene in Grand Rapids does not go unnoticed by those of us in the industry who bust our butts to bring that same good music to the area. You are the one that gets the word out to all the good people around GR and for that I truly appreciate all your hard work. And in this digital age, like you mentioned, please let us all not forget there is a face behind the keyboard and that face is someone like John….someone who actually takes the time to go out and see the band’s meet the people and write the words…
A most groovy Web site Sink. Looks to me like a promising new venture and venue for your gifts. Very nice send-off column in The Press today too. Although I was looking for the comment from the AC/DC fanaticker in the Netherlands who told you to go back to “your loser apartment with your gay Honeytones!” Now that one hurt.
Carry on my friend. It’s a long and winding road, and you’ve just taken a very interesting turn!
Charley
Thanks for reminding me about these guys. Its a Shame About Ray was released when I was in high school and I’ve always loved the song but haven’t bought the album for my collection, yet. I will have to go out and get it soon.
Oh joy. The Obamathon comes early to Michigan. Vote For Change Three. Ooops! Can’t call it that. Nevermind.
Arguably cheesy populist sentiment notwithstanding, the new Springsteen single picks up where “Queen of The Supermarket” left off. It’s awful. His voice buried amidst Radiohead-like twitters’n’bleeps is just weird. I LIKE to hear new music when I go to shows, if it’s any good. I’ve seen Bruce perform Born To Run enough to last multiple-lifetimes so I’m going to save my shekels for the plethora of other shows you mention.
There’s expression like Water’s “Wall” which I’ve seen on pro-shot video and is absolutely incredible (can’t wait for the real deal) and then there is lecturing, preaching and full-blown advocacy which is what Springsteen has passed off as art for the last 6-8 years. Given the choice between paying $110 a head (all in) to be berated or twice that to be stunned, ala Waters, I’ll opt for the latter.
My first Bruce show pre-dates BTR and my last was “The Rising.” I never missed a tour in between and, politics not withstanding, I’d likely still go if the new music he was making was worth the time and expense.
I have a theory, borne out by numerous artists, that as their political activism increases their artistic relevance suffers in direct proportion. Examples: John Mellencamp, Jackson Browne, Tom Morello (I KNOW Rage’ was an ardent leftist band but they roared, Morello bores), CSN (last gasp, ’79) and Melissa Etheridge.
Hey R, you are so full of S*!T. Roger Water’s show is so any establishment, government, etc…., and you are paying $200+ for a tickets. The only political Statement Bruce makes is about giving to local food banks. He occasional you don’t win unless we all win. Oh the horror. But I for one am glad you will not be there
I never said the Waters show wasn’t, any(sp) establishment, Shawn. If you’ve seen it then you know he tackles all manner of totalitarianism along with a healthy dose of organized religion (the root of all war IMHO). All of it presented in a stunning fashion which leaves the audience pondering a wide array of points of view. That’s real art. On the other hand, Bruce WAS what you describe until 2004 when he became another leftist shill with Vote For Change and continued to do so with his personal appearances for first Kerry and later Obama. Now he’s as artistically relevant as Janine Garafalo as borne out first by much of the ‘Magic’ album ALL of ‘Working On A Dream’ and likewise the forthcoming “Wrecking Ball” if the lead-off single is indicative. The more activist he has become the more his music has suffered. To his credit Bruce still donates $10K a night to the local food bank for whatever town he plays in. That’s about 5% of his guarantee.
It could also be noted that Santos Party House, where Stepdad is playing one of their first Black Bell shows, is co-owned by Andrew WK, himself a Michigander.
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Nice crop of folk nominees. Here’s a vote for Steve Earle, who continues to write passionate and memorable tunes about the work of love, whether in a relationship or a prison cell. A true American original, and a survivor for sure.
Interesting thoughts John. You say the Bon Iver record has little chance of taking the award, as they were only nominated him to “give an indie guy some love”. Thing is, I’m guessing it will go to Vernen, in just the same way Arcade Fire took a few awards last year, just for the sake of the Grammy’s regaining some so-called “credibility”. P.S. I’m not a Bon Iver fan.
Let it not be said that the Grammys don’t have socially redeeming value. Thanks to them (and the kudos of Mr. Sinkevics here) I am currently listening to Civil Wars and enjoying them very much, thank you. Lovely stuff.
So John, have you weighed in on the new Foos? Is it indeed an instant classic? Or merely louder than anything they’ve ever played?
I’ve been listening to The Civil Wars again myself this morning. And yes, this is the Foos best album in many years. Aggressive, with a couple of standout tracks to be sure.
Garrett and the band were awesome for all four shows at our venue (Seven Steps Up) last weekend. We’ll be hard pressed (I think) to book anyone in the future that can sell out four shows in two days.
Congratulations to my husband, John, on this Legacy Award honor. He loved his job writing about West Michigan music so much that he reprised it here on localspins.com.
John, Congrats on your award! Richly deserved. Keep on writing because I really enjoy your articles and blogs and they expose me to so many different bands and singers that I might otherwise miss.
Yes, so sorry to have forgotten to mention Nicole. I’ve now amended the post to include her, and I should also acknowledge all the volunteers and programmers and sound folks who spend so much time making this all happen. Nicely done.
Johnny, i agree with the AC/DC decible range generated by these gents, but i once had to sit 10 feet away from a Pat Traverse Marshall!!! Needless to say that i was literally in a fog for a couple hours after his show. It was almost like riding a 1973 Kawasaki 350 for 5 straight hours then just jumping off the bike…. i couldn’t feel my feet or the top of my head!!
Also… you forgot one very important show this weekend. It’s at Billy’s. Come down to see the HAdden Sayers Band. Trust me on this. One of the most talented singer, songwriter and guitarist that nobody’s ever hear of!!!! He’s not the big string bender like a lot of the young white boys are but he’s from that Texas tradition of , lets say Ian Moore….. or maybe a Mark Selby. He’s also nominated for blues song of the year also.
Ask Ruthie Foster what she thinks of him…. better yet, ask Lucky Peterson.
Yup, actually mentioned the Hadden Sayers show at Billy’s in an earlier post: Part of the always-intriguing Cabin Fever Blues Series sponsored by the West Michigan Blues Society.
They don’t wear loincloths anymore because they’re getting a little long in the tooth…
I recall a Spin magazine article in the ’90s stating that Megadeth and Dinosaur Jr routinely hit 120 dB at live shows. Perhaps not coincidentally, both are among my all-time favorite bands.
The loudest bands I’ve ever seen were Slayer (specifically, in 1990) and The Rollins Band. Pretty sure both contributed to the permanent ringing I have in my ears now. Not a joke…
It is an absolute honor to be a part of this competition, this band, and metal music in general! Thank you for the kind words and the awesome video! Thank you to John Serba and 101.3 The Fox for hosting this event along with The Intersection and Moshpit Nation! Thanks to all of our fans and even those who didn’t come to see us and voted for us! Much metal love \m/\m/
My wife saw the Monkees in concert in Battle Creek back sometime in the 1960s…. Davy Jones was her favorite. – She still has an autographed pennant from the band.
Okay, there is potential here, but begs considerably more polish ,i.e.; Increase guitar volumes and soften the sharpness of the voice and percussion especially. With those adjustments, this band could be very remarkable and far more enjoyable to the listener …
In a small space like that, it’s impossible to adjust the volume of the snare. It carries above the rest because that’s what it’s designed to do. They did try to help the listener out by only using a snare, instead of a whole kit. And though they appear to be mic’ed, I’d venture to say that audio system feeds into on-air radio, and not into the camera that was used to shoot this video. What you’re probably hearing is the natural volume of the guitars and the vocals, without being boosted by the microphones.
I thought their performance was very good! It’s difficult to perform live without a monitor. Kudos, Kari Lynch Band.
PS. I love that guitar part in the beginning. Killer.
Actually, the drummer used a cajon (drum box) in the studio. Sometimes we can put one of the mics directly on a guitar, depending on how many musicians we have in the studio. With four of them, there just weren’t enough mics to go around! But I do think they sounded terrific and it’s a fine acoustic rendition of a catchy tune.
I guess I’ve got to be more selective in my wording on comments. I agree the group did a very good job over-all as I noted their positive potential, I sure did enjoy the acoustic guitar music, though to me it was way too soft on volume.. I was simply trying to express the truth about what I heard. If the studio is a tough location to produce and listen to live music, then I’m wondering why some necessary improvements haven’t been done at the studio to reduce the sound challenge for quality of music done live there. I think we all want these live performers to have the best chance possible to sound great not just to you in the studio, but to everyone who makes the effort to listen to your live music Spin Show. I’m hoping something can be done to overcome the substandard quality challenge so that excuses wouldn’t be necessary to explain away any deficiencies.. You have a great presence, John and we applaud you for making the local music scene a spot light location here in Grand Rapids for all local G.R. entertainers to be show-cased. Hopefully with some tweaks, we all will be able to shout HURRAY for the John Sinkevics Local music Spin Show- He cares and does an outstanding job of providing excellence for all the performers and listeners alike…
HURRAY for the John Sinkevics Local music Spin Show- He cares and does an outstanding job of providing excellence for all the performers and listeners alike. The Conklin Ceili Band: ‘Local Spins Live’ Artist of the Week sounded great. Thanks John for the attention to excellence and doing what needed to be done to achieve it. On behalf of all your Spin show performers and listeners, thank you! It’s easy to see why we all think you’re the BEST!!!
Thanks for the kind words. Up this week: the up-and-coming folk-rock of The Northern Skies (who also will play the Local Spins Live show with Kelsey Rottiers on Saturday night March 24 at One Trick Pony, so c’mon down).
I have loved – LOVED – The Black Keys ever since the first moment they hit my ears. We have a group of hoopers and a lot of us absolutely LOVE to hoop to their rhythm. It’s dripping with raw sexuality and the beats are incredible. Their music is a driving force that moves my soul on so many levels. I am always saying “they are my Led Zeppelin” (I was sooooo pissed I couldn’t find my Led Zeppelin shirt for the show, as I, too wanted to show that connection and pay my respects) – this is our very own panty dropping blues rock, baby – and I hope they never stop!!
Although I have never had the opportunity to see them in a more intimate setting (and, am dying to), the show was still absolutely fabulous. It’s amazing to see them come so far!!
Absolutely fantastic interview John, I enjoyed it all completely and especially appreciated the friendly atmosphere; Nicely done. The music video gave me a desire to hear more. Nice stuff, this was a blast!
“The wind and wild birds sing their own song” and I tap my toe as Drew moves along with invigorating cadence that sets the mood and delight of Drew Nelsons flight through music that comes alive right before our very eyes. It was a Fantastic live duet;
Drew ad his guitar. I loved it!
The Gordon Thayer Band will be playing legendary country and rock hits at The Vestal this Saturday. The have been around for a while and are extremely talented! Free show.
First concert I ever went to as a teen, was Eric Burdon and The Animals, LIVE at the Amarillo Colliseum (1968 or 69?). My date didn’t seem that enthused, maybe because she got ignored as I was mesmerized by Burdon’s stage presence. I think the tickets were about $6 back then. Great to see that he’s still rockin’ out.
Just so happy to see you all at grand Haven High School this year, Just love how you sing your song it was so Amazing to us. If you wont to Add me on facebook that’s fine with me. my name is Miracle Too Cool Wynn.
Great music Jonathan. Time to write more of that kind of good sounding up-beat. After hearing this fantastic song, one is easily convinced you’ve got more good stuff in you trying to get out….Let it go brother!
Blues and jazz are at the root of pretty much everything we hear in modern music. That’s why I find it eternally fascinating, especially in a live setting.
“The Trace” will be bringing their brand of classic acoustic rock favorites in 3 part harmony on Sunday, 1:45 at the Clock Tower Stage. Hope to see your smiling face for a sing along!
Also, speaking of after-Festival music, the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra will be at Founders on Sunday at 5:30, the jazz jam session at HopCat starts Sunday night at 7:30. and don’t forget jazz on Friday and Saturday nights at Ottawa Tavern, right in the middle of Festival!
Good point. Not only that, but Ottawa Tavern’s jazz (John Gist Group and Checkers Morton tonight, Paul Smith Quartet and Sunny Wilkinson on Saturday) is right in the thick of things downtown. Better yet: It’s indoors. Great way to warm up…
Thank you, John. I had a free ticket offered me but I had a prior engagement. This bit of the show served to show me what I missed…a great show with a dedicated audience!
I’m still sputtering and drooling. It’s hard to believe that show came to GR and we got to see it up close in what was likely the SMALLEST venue in the whole two year tour. I mean they just finished a run of soccer stadiums in South America and GR was squeezed in between Yankee Stadium and one of the Chicago MLB parks.
And yes there WAS a USAF cargo jet that flew low-and-slow the length of downtown, from East to Wast, over Oakes street about 7pm. It was much lower than ANY plane, let alone a four engine jet, should have been. Coincidence?
Jimmy Cliff – CLASSIC – but does anyone give a rip about dead weight like Foreigner and Steve Miller – & why is an “arts” organization booking crapola???
All in all, it’s a shame. Here’s Al Green in this beautiful setting, a homecoming show no less, and all he can muster is a shy hour of tunes? Yes, he sounded great, but at $160 for a pair of tickets, that seems disrespectful. I know I was far from the only one in shock when the show ended. I expected a 20-minute encore at that point.
Green often leaves his shows without performing an encore. But playing to his hometown crowd, I was hoping he’d add something extra to his set, especially considering that the weather ended up being pretty comfortable.
I LOVE Al Green and we were there at 5:30 to get great seats only to be subjected to a terrible warm up by Al’s saxaphone player playing along with an ipod to a few 70’s pop songs. FMG should have hired a local band like Crane Wives or one of dozens of other bands to play warm up. Since they knew a storm was possible they should have started shortly after the grand standing of the sax player who asked for applause every time he tried to hit a high note. Instead they waited another 50 minutes before even taking the stage at 8:40 and played a scant 45 minutes of a rushed hour set. I was very dissapointed in the concert and FMG. I don’t think I will be attending another concert at FMG this summer. I feel the FMG did a great disservice to the sold out audience. Wake up and hire local bands to warm up for these popular acts!!!
Kudos on the idea of talented local acts opening some shows at Meijer Gardens because we have many talented options here. When asked, I’ve provided band contact information to the concert booking representative, and several regional artists have opened shows there. But there are times when the headliner dictates who will open a concert and there’s no opportunity to bring in someone else.
Speaking of local bands: The Tuesday Evening Music Club Series at Meijer Gardens, which spotlights the best regional music, kicks off with Funktion and Garrett Borns on July 3. Here’s the full lineup: https://localspins.com/?p=1622
Would it be correct to call Frank Salamone a Grand Rapids country blues pioneer? I recall going to his home in the early 70s to see him play and discuss country blue recordings. When I was a teenager I bought records from him at Flaming Rat Records. He was one of the first musicians that I met who was totally aware of the depth of country blues music, though it didn’t mean much to me until later. Frank didn’t ram it down your throat, but he was on fire when it came to country blues music. Frank will be at least partially remembered for his concert performances at Fountain Street Church and many other places like Grand Valley State College, many with Jim Steigmeir (Jimmy Stagger). It would be nice if someone that knew him real well would write a fitting article about him. If you’re from Grand Rapids and you’re under 70 and like what you call “blues” music, then you may owe some debt to Frank for exposing it to our community, as he was a proponent of the “real deal” way before people like me got on the blues bandwagon. Thank you, Jimmy and John for creating this piece in honor of Frank.
Please don’t forget that St. Cecilia Music Center has been presenting incredible jazz for that past four years and will continue to bring world-renowned jazz artists to Grand Rapids. So all is not lost and we hope that jazz fans in town will support the concert series in 2012-13 that will bring guitar virtuoso John Pizzarrelli along with his legendary dad Bucky. It will most likely be the last time folks in this area will get to see Bucky as he is 86. We also have Tierney Sutton, the Dave Holland Quintet and the Bill Charlap Trio on tap. All in the exquisite setting of Royce Auditorium located at St. Cecilia Music Center. If you come to the concert you also get to meet these fabulous musicians after the show. For more info about SCMC jazz go to http://www.scmc-online.org.
Indeed, there are some attractive options for jazz in Grand Rapids, with St. Cecilia Music Center central among them, along with other venues which host jazz artists on different days of the week. And there’s Jazz at the Zoo on Monday nights and the Sunday night jams at HopCat. But I know many hope another nightclub “home” for jazz gives the scene the foundation it deserves.
The sad part about this whole affair was the fact most of the audience could have cared less about coming to actually listen to the music and was only there because it was just the hip thing and a new place to be seen (and heard of course). With all the self-serving gabbing and chatter was truly a shame for the few that actually came out to listen to the music and appreciate the art itself. Unfortunately people can’t sit still and shut up for five minutes. Gilmore can tell you what you want to hear but they pulled out because they were realizing that this wasn’t making an immediate impact to the bottom line of their business. The were simply attracted to the hype that a Jazz club could bring the potential revenue envisioned. Doing this for only six months and trying to expect an immediate return on profit is challenging in itself and extremely unrealistic. Obviously there had to some misleading and mismanagement going on between the expectations of management and the personnel empowered to book the entertainment. Additionally, miscommunications, misleading, and backstabbing going on didn’t help much either. Either way, it’s unfortunate that the whole idea had been mishandled the way it was. I’m only surprised it took six months for Gilmore to tuck it’s tail and run the other direction…
I forgot to mention – I listened to the clip on the pianist and the audience is just as loud if not louder than the music itself, so I rest my case. What a shame and total disregard and discredit to the talent and art these musicians attempted to convey to the audience. Great that the place looked pretty full, but the crowd could have cared less. I enjoy going to places where talking is minimal and the artists are engaged with their audience as well. There are a few places out there I’m sure, but rare to find!
Unfortunately, venues like St. Cecilia and Jazz at the Zoo don’t create a scene. You really need clubs that are committed to jazz music. A club doesn’t have to be a bad thing. This is truly a major disappointment and set back for the jazz scene in Grand Rapids. Every new person that I talk to who comes to Grand Rapids always wonders where to go to hear jazz. You need consistent, weekly shows in order to create a scene and clubs are the way to do that.
Gilmore knew if they wouldn’t see a profit to their bottom line shortly after they chose to do the Jazz joint scene, they would have never renewed the lease regardless on what you think. They were probably talked into creating this ‘so called’ Jazz club and thinking it would spark a huge interest, and expecting money would start rolling in a couple of months. Either way, they were at the end of their lease and this was probably taken as a low risk loss the can wash away when they do their taxes anyway. Think just second about this… How unrealistic can you possibly be, featuring very technical and sophisticated music (that most people think is dated anyway) is going to somehow inspire a huge renaissance and draw in sudden popularity, let alone trying to realize a quick profit for Gilmore’s bottom line. Additionally, the two times I went I couldn’t even hear the music above the noisy people and chatter anyway. People are looking more and more for the instant gratification and possess less and less class and sophistication anyway. Those people could have cared less who was playing there and can’t understand what the hell their playing anyway. The music is just noise to them. I even saw people glare at the musicians because they had to raise their voices to talk over them. There are always a small handful of folks who do understand and ‘get it’… and maybe in time this could have turned out with patience in being slow and consistent. Not in this case. I’m not surprised at all.
I must admit that on this 6th time of seeing Brandi, my husband and I were extremely disappointed and most of that had to do with the RUDE crowd. I have found that she has the rudest “fans”! Don’t really know how they can be fans when they are constantly talking during the performance and oblivious to anyone around them. I feel a fan will listen while the artist is performing and not be talking amongst themselves and totally disrespecting the artist as well as others who paid to hear the performance! Must admit that is the biggest negative to a Meijer Gardens show.
I witnessed this conflict a couple weeks ago @ the South Bend Blues Festival. It actually came down to a couple guys being hauled away in hand cuffs which brought a huge cheer from the crowd as these guys were quite obnoxious.
For example, Meijer Gardens. Set aside a portion of the front area, to the left or right of the stage, maybe even both for standing people, reserving the center for people who prefer to remain seated, excepting the occasional standing ovation.
Do the same for the hill area.
Tickets should state that you are buying a seated only area or a standing only area.
Violations in the seated area not related to a standing ovation result in removal.
Draconian? Perhaps but fair. Nothing worse than not seeing a concert you paid good money to hear AND see.
The seating/standing option when sold could also determine how much of the venue is reserved for one or the other.
We absolutely loved Khaled and dub fx and jimmy Cliff. Also our favorite place to eat was the crepe store where we got bacon and cheese every time. Mmmmmmmmmm!!!:) We thoroughly enjoyed bangra dance workshop and had heaps of fun!!!
Absolutely two of my favorite guitarists. They have this incredible innate sense of when to get aggressive and when to hold back. Although they have chops coming out of their ears you never see them step on each other, which is one of the hardest things for a guitar player to do.
On top of all that, they are two of the most humble, gracious guys I’ve ever worked with. Go see them!
The Head And The Heart is such an amazing group of people. I’ve never heard more beautifully composed music. Definitely worth driving two and a half hours to see. Charity Rose Thielen is simply an inspiration. Her voice, her violin, and her presence just radiates originality and talent. Getting her autograph, a picture with her, and letting her know she’s my girl crush screamed “fan girl”, but it was so worth it. She’s so down to earth and humble, and that’s just beautiful http://t.co/FutCdnT9 Josiah and Jonathan’s voices together… Just straight up heaven. What a gift they have, seriously.
And props to Kenny on the keys, I love playing piano, and just seeing his passion for it makes me want to play their songs for hours. The Head And The Heart are the kind of band that not only performs beautifully, but they connect with the audience. When you look up at them, seeing how much fun they’re having, it just makes you smile. Over all amazing performance, props to Charity, Kenny, Josiah, Jonathan, Chris and Tyler.
It was an unforgettable afternoon all right, and it’s an unforgettable tune after those dozen-plus run-thrus. Plenty catchy tune and upbeat lyrics, along with a fine community vibe thanks to all those tail-waggers. Well done MLC, and thanks to Dan and Lisa at One Trick for hosting the affair!
Finally, Here’s the man on John Sinkevics Spin on Music. Steady,true and worthy, Ralston is a winner in all of western Michigan where I’ve seen him at many venues, He never disappoints.
Randy Marsh is a world class jazz drummer and it is great that some businesses recognize his formidable talent. Sellers sound like a cool cat to boot. Nice of him to take a chance on it AND to help find it a new home. He gave it a go, it didn’t work for him, but he saw it as potentially viable elsewhere and he pitched in. Very nice! Somethings are bigger than one- dimensional bottom line profits. Grand Rapids really is the musical jewel of the state and should be proud.
Thanks for covering this exciting music portion of ArtPrize. Should be an EXCITING weekend of music at St. Cecelia’s. Lots of inspirational vibration!!!!
Thanks for all you do to follow and capture the breadth of great talent in the music world for us John. I was at the performance of Pete Weatherhead’s song “G Rap City” yesterday and have to say that I haven’t been as moved by a song in a long time. It is a call to make the streets of our city safer. In the wealth of beautiful sounds and sights during ArtPrize 2012, I encourage your readers to listen to this passionate plea to “get the guns gone” or “lose our freedom”.
You captured a bit of a different song they did at St. Cecilia’s but anyone can hear “G Rap City” at http://www.artprize.org/pete-weatherhead/2012/g-rap-city. I congratulate the Weatherheads and friends for bringing this important issue out in this artistic venue. For all of the people we welcome to town each year for ArtPrize and other events, and for all our residents and neighbors, banning guns is not a violation of anyone’s freedom, it would help guarantee that our freedom to peaceably assemble is not lost.
thanks for the great review John! Love the clip where I am going crazy on the keys haha! Nice! Hope you had a great time!- Christian J. VanAntwerpen (Lucas Wilson Band)
Shannon Wood’s piece took great effort to compose and orchestrate. He then gave the parts to the soloists who spent the past 3 months practicing and studying the piece. The 70 musicians in the GR Symphony received the music 2 weeks in advance and practiced their parts individually. Finally on Wednesday, September 19 the composition was read by the entire ensemble and battery of percussion with the only complete run through occurring during the dress rehearsal. Kudos to Shannon, a great orchestra and the public for welcoming new classical music.
This is great! I really enjoyed spending some time at St. Cecilia’s listening to the live music and then checking out some of the other entries downstairs. I didn’t realize they were providing a separate prize for the musical entries. Congratulations to the winners!
Congratulations to all the participants and not just the winners… of course, most of you have been winners for a long time and maybe just weren’t able to enjoy that financial boost and increased exposure that this little opportunity presents. Best of luck to you all and Keep on Keepin’ On!!
What an amazing legacy! How many new hunger-fighting advocates are out there as a result of Feedback, how many families are better fed and given hope knowing that thier community cares about their needs? Thank you, Feedback (especially John and Charlie), for sharing your time, talent and heart for such an important cause. Best wishes!!!!
Upon a suggestion tossed out during Local Spins Live today, I’ve got another song to add to the list of songs about hunger: “Hunger Strike” by Temple of the Dog. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUb450Alpps
And I suppose I could also add the hopeful “Imagine” by John Lennon and “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.
Thanks for coming to cover this John! It was a great night and so gratifying to award the first ArtPrize music prize money to our winners. SCMC is really proud to have brought new exposure to music in ArtPrize. Thanks to all who entered, to Michael Crittenden and Mackinaw Harvest Music Studios who partnered with SCMC in this endeavor again this year and to ArtPrize for letting us give music it’s own stage. – Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia Music Center
Quite possibly the best concert of the year! Jimmy Carter (the only original member of The Five Blind Boys of Alabama still performing?) has more energy, charisma, and charm than any five boys from any state! As always, Sinc’s review says it all!
These fellows are remarkable and their music is good. Really like the bold commanding nature of the songs done here. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening and watching. AG Silver music is satisfying and fulfilling, a real joy!
I couldn’t agree with you more. Knopfler’s song writing, guitar playing and singing are very under-rated. The world is missing out on a great thing. I don’t think Knopler cares. He seems happy to do what he enjoys and play for those that love him.
My wife and I have been hosting house concerts for many years. We started as an alternative to the smoking, beer guzzling loud socializing lounges that were not an appropriate “listening” room for great music.
Our concerts are limited frills but offer an intimate, reach out and touch atmosphere for world class musicians from Ireland, Germany, Scotland and the UK. A main feature is an opportunity to “jam with the band” with post concert music sessions that include dozens of local musicians. Our pricing goes directly to the band and the balance of their compensation is accomodations at our house for a day or two–which is by far the greatest reward for hosting. We have made and maintained some of the finest relationships with some of the finest bands currently touring.
As for competing with other traditional venues, we cannot sell alcohol or offer food service. Our guests come for quality sound and generaly when they attend a concert here, they will follow that band to hear them again at any festival or any local venue. The bands have become their new best friends.
House concerts are the best. Both from an audience member and musician perspective. Mikes place (O’ Mulders) is a really great local (house concert) venue.
Indeed, there never will be another Dylan and I appreciate that he tries to continually make his art new. Not easy when you do 100 shows a year for 50 years. Those people who left early were likely there primarily for Knofler and would have been completely satisfied by that stellar performance. Personally, I enjoyed both.
You know…
I grew up with Bob Dylan’s music. Songs of his shaped my musical tastes when a teen.
How many studio albums has he produced? 35 or something close. Many of which are masterworks.
YES. He’s an American musical icon. I admire and greatly respect him.
I attended the concert last night. And I admit to leaving early. I couldn’t bear to listen to him gargling with liquid bleach. His harmonica [the only high point to me aside from a fantastic backup band] was lackluster and lazy.
I could barely see who was who on stage from my seat. I had to ask where he was on stage during the first song. Oh, there he is. The lighting was moody and intimate but hardly works in a large venue. It would have been wonderful at Billy’s Lounge.
Many songs remained a mystery to me until I audibly understood one out of every 20 lyrics.
I began to get bored and I’m a not a kid with a short attention span.
I got up out of my seat, walked around. Looked at framed pics of all the acts that have performed at Devos over the years and left.
Sorry Bob. I’ll listen to you on my turntable.
You know…
I grew up with Bob Dylan’s music. Songs of his shaped my musical tastes when a teen.
I could barely see who was who on stage from my seat.
<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Where was your seat? It matters. Having sat in almost every seating place in Van Andel, this time I made sure to have the best. We sat in the first tier up on the close right to see the whole stage and every musician. Both Dylan and Knopler came through clear and we could hear every word and instrument.
I left during Tangled Up in Blue…I’ve seen Bob several times and I just couldn’t do it this time. I get the whole artist at work thing and I totally get that he’s Bob and I am just a guy, but even so, I just felt that he has lost his sparkle. Truthfully, the only sparkle that is worth mentioning was that of Mark’s National guitar…
Wow, Bob, you’re even crankier when you write about your own performances!
Aw, come on, John – while I’m not trying to be an old-fart apologist, I think legends DO deserve to be legends, and Dylan was never very traditional anyway. Even if the straight entertainment value has begun to disappear into the widening gaps between fame and performance capabilities. I’ll bet everyone (perhaps with the exception of Serba) who wanted to hear Dylan once in their lives were satisfied to check that box on the list.
Out of town as I am, I couldn’t get there, but would have liked to. Your expert performance appraisal is certainly appreciated and probably fair. I’m sure it was more memory than music, at least from Bob himself. That’s okay – he IS Bob Dylan and you’re not! And I doubt anyone buying a ticket expected him to be in 1960’s form.
I have to defend all timeless performers against the popcorn-brain modern mentality of less mature folks than us who diss someone like Paul McCartney a few years back as a Super Bowl halftime act, wishing for someone more, uh, worthy. There IS no one more worthy, and the list of those who are NOT starts with every Super Bowl act SINCE.
I like David Winnick’s comments above – a good blend of honesty and respect. Maybe it IS time Bob hung it up. But if he’s happy playing to partially-full arenas in the likes of GR, God bless him. He’s earned it. I saw Michael Jordan play for the Wizards, and he wasn’t as good. But you know what? I saw Michael Jordan play.
Hi, John. And for all the rest of you – hey, get off my lawn! 🙂
“Zink”, I enjoyed myself immensely. There was no other place I wanted to be. You seem to understand the Poet Extraordinaire. It is a “seeking to understand” thing.”
I wouldn’t miss a Dylan show for the world. As I told my pal afterward, it was still an exceedingly entertaining evening because you really never know what Dylan has up his sleeve. He is as intriguing and as important as any American artist of the past half-century, and I’m ceaselessly interested in his fable and his foibles.
GREAT article/review John…………Bonnie and I loved the show!! as did our 22 year old son Caleb and his 21 year old companion Terra. Having been a longtime Dylan fan, I just turned 60 (first time I’ve seen that number in print! Ha!) Zimmy, in my opinion, is better than ever………….I think he has finally become what he has always been striving to be, a”71 year old black blues man”!!
Don;t bother, dude. No one cares….unless you’re opening for Bob Dylan.
It was a GREAT show if you’ve kept in touch with his music. If you expected Blolnde on Blonde or his Lay, Lady, Lay voice….you should stay home and listen to your turntable.
See him while you can, as much as you can, when he’s gone, he’s gone.
We’ve been hosting house concerts since 2007. I think it’s a win/win for everyone involved. The audience gets an intimate, personal experience with music and the musicians get to play for an engaged, attentive audience that is there to see the music. Many establishments don’t promote their shows at all, require musicians to sell a certain number of tickets in advance, etc. House concert hosts bring together a bunch of music loving folks, provide a free place to play and help them sell merchandise.
I do think that there is room for music venues (the ones that care, like you said) and house concerts to thrive and even work together. Being able to set up a couple of shows in the same area will make it more attractive to musicians, and I would guess, cut down cuts for the venue. Unfortunately, I don’t think venues feel the same way. Our local venue tried to shut one of our shows down.
p.s. the bottom pic is from our very first house concert with Brian Vander Ark in 2007! We now host 5-6 a year.
wow, john this is really cool stuff. i can’t imagine how i missed the fact that dylan and knopfler were playing together in my backyard this week (maybe it’s that i had a new baby last week?), but i’m pleased as i could be to read this bit. dylan is an artist and can do whatever the hell he wants. and so are you! i love this approach. now that you have your own medium you can be boundless, and that must feel great!!
Great art isn’t always pretty or presented in the way you want or expect. I think your review indicated Dylan’s music goes outside the boundaries of what you like, but I think you are the one with the limited imagination and idea of what the truly original and creative artist does. I think your deeply cynical idea of Dylan’s motivations and intentions are way off, he’s exploring new territory, and the results aren’t always pretty or good, but he is moving his music forward, he’s not repeating his past. I have been listening to Dylan since 1965 and have followed the ups and downs of his career over the years, and I thought his version of “Visions of Johanna” from 1966 was a real highlight. I think there was a lot of creativity to be appreciated Monday night, but I think you already had your mind made up and were not open to it and missed it.
@ Mark……….”Visions” was excellent! The power of “Ballad of a Thin Man” was amazing as well. Your opinion of John’s review is a bit off though (I think?)……..What I take away from the review, is nothing short of his love for Dylan. peace………
Great review by John Sinkevics, and a great illustration of the type of concerts that I relish. I go to a show to see an artist do their thing. I’m not interested in hearing a performance that “Sounded just like the CD!” as I have heard many other concert goers exclaim as if it were the greatest endorsement possible. I am there to see and hear something that I can’t buy somewhere else, that may never happen again. I am there to experience a moment in time where I may bear witness to amazing brilliance, or stunning failure, but I am there to see an artist, not a jukebox.
You need to be into the output from the last 5 years to appreciate his concerts. If you’re expecting old Bob, you’re out of luck. You should already know this. Maybe listening to one or two of his records from the last 15 would have clued you in.
Came from Memphis to see the show, primarily because Knopfler opened. The tour comes nowhere close to home. The review and the linked review by John Serba are certainly fair, but I fit with those who understand what to expect and usually find something great to enjoy. All in all, I prefer Dylan out front on guitar rather than on the keyboards; his vocals seem to get lost and he is more self indulgent on keyboards. I have now seen him in both formats several times now and there seems to be a pattern. Knopfler, as expected, was a great craftsman with a crack band. Completely worth the trip just to see him.
These folks are great. Alexis has got a fantastic voice. I love Joshua’s bluesy stylings. Luke and Stephen really round them out. Not only are they fantastic at music, but they’re also wonderful people. If anyone deserves to hit it big, it’s this band. I can’t wait for their release show tomorrow (12/6)!
This group is amazing. When listening to them, you can truly hear the thought and emotion put into the lyrics and every beat and strum. Their music isn’t only true, but it will definitely move you if you take the time to simply listen.
if you recognize bob’s quote in my email site you know this former trumpet playing triumph riding genius!!! my brother is bob dillon…. i play as corey steele on reverbnation…at 67 i still tour….i am the dive bar grand master of tours….let’s face it….the tall trees get the breeze and bob is usually in hurricane force winds….thanks Bob ps i played trumpet and own a 1970 triumph motorcycle but the comparison stops there check out my reverbnation.com/corey steele originals m dillon,m.d.
Brian has said publicly that this may be the last Verve Pipe holiday show, that this pre-Christmas event has run its course. But that doesn’t mean TVP has run its course!
JS, you always do a fantastic job at promoting great West Michigan music. Would love to see you spend sometime with some of the blues rock singers especially the females that get over looked in our area. I was at Nick finks a few weeks ago and heard a voice that was unbelievable! Rochelle from Rochelle and the Spoilers. She stopped folks in their tracks. Come to find out she was a Christian singer and songwriter turned Blues Singer. Might be an interesting story to cover and certainly an amazing voice to broadcast! TD
Great interview with a true talent. If I were in Michigan I’d be at that concert in a heartbeat but unfortunately I live in NJ and rarely get to see Brian Vander Ark or Lux perform around here. Will the concert be video taped at all? Would love to see/hear some of it!
It was a great concert last night. I was blown away by the singers and the songs performed – straight from the heart. This is definitely a new jewel in St. Cecilia Music Center’s concert endeavors and we are excited to hear much more!! Thanks John for having a “gem” of an idea and bring it together with Michael Crittenden and St. Cecilia Music Center (Cathy Holbrook).
Seems like Delilah DeWylde & the Lost Boys would be regular entertainers in Pentwater during the summer season, but no. Might have to start my own bar.
I plan on attending the KJ Phelps show, but wish it was at the theater and not Wealthy Theatre Front Studio/Annex. After playing the Ark in AA this week, it’s kind of a step back for him to play the small, uncomfortable, low ceiling annex. Can you get a beer there?
Thanks Don. I’ll see if I can talk Sink into Jumpin’ Jack Flash, but you can bet we’ll be doing Wild Horses. Personally I’d love to do Monkey Man, which features a fine keyboard part for our piano pal. See if you can talk him into that will ya?
We at River Rock Church are so fortunate to have Cameron as our Worship pastor. When both he and Jill share in our worship music it is truly inspiring. What a great talented couple. RWK
It will take place again at SpeakEZ Lounge in the near future. A date hasn’t yet been set, but when it is, Spins on Music will include it in its weekly Big List/Concert Guide, which appears every Monday. And you can get alerted by signing up for email updates by scrolling down on the lefthand side of the page.
Thanks for sharing these, John. Great stuff!! I really wanted to submit too, but found out a little late. Hope Brian does this one more time 🙂 Love your blog.
Sorry I can’t be there this year. It’s one of West Michigan’s primo music events. I love the wonderful musicians community here, thanks in no small part to our friends at WYCE. Jam on everyone!
Who are these folks who rue the move to Friday? I keep hearing that and wonder who be they, eh? As for me – My baby (the Jammies) is on my birthday this year (YEE-HA!) AND my OTHER baby (may daughter) will be there as well… Change happens – Embrace it!
What a FANTASTIC concert in Grand Rapids. My husband and I saw him preform numerous times at Mt. Holly in the late sixties. Only nature, for our 42nd anniversary we would go a see him perform . In a few years when we turn 67, I hope we can still move that good.
I loved how Bob smiled the whole time and seemed to have as much fun as his audience. I loved how the audience sang along to his slow songs that it was almost all you could hear. I teared up on a few songs as I was truly touched by his beautiful music and the fact that I was lucky enough to be in the audience. Also saw him in Indy 2 years ago and it was just as awesome. Thank you Bob Seger!!
I’m very sorry to hear this. YCE has done a great service to musicans and worthy organizations with the Hat Trick series. Thanks to our friends there, and to Dan and Lisa for providing a gracious venue for 12 good years!
best concert I seen in yrs . waited along time to see him since i was 16 now 49…. It was a concert I will never forget….love bob ..thanks for the great nite. god bless you through your other tours….
Whoa…..what about: 1. Good Day Sunshine – Beatles
2. Summer In the City – Lovin’ Spoonful yet outdone by
Quincy Jones
3. Summer Nights Van Halen
4. Girls in Their Summer Clothes – Springsteen
5. Groovin’ Young Rascals
6. Up On The Roof
7. Summertime by everyone.
8. Summertime Blues by everyone else.
BTW Thanks for not mentioning ‘Summer Breeze’!!!
Double BTW Wheels in motion for Rascals to re-unite.
Thanks for the referral Karisa and John! Hope to see lots of people in our audience for April’s concert, and to host Karisa herself on the 2013-14 series.
Keb Mo put on a great show for a very enthusiastic crowd. He played lots of audience requests and conversed with fans. We had front row center seats and had a fabulous time!
The last time I was in The Corner Record Shop, they had a reissue of a rare old rnb 45 for an awful lot of money (high for the original even).
I explained that he was selling a reissue and not the original, which was implied, and was told, “I know that, but a lot of my customers don’t know the difference.”
As the parent of a young (rock) guitarist, I appreciate what a gift this is to our community. Thank you for mentoring young musicians! You will no doubt have a positive, life-long impact on many students. I wish there were more people like you!
Hey John, this is Bunny (Josh) Villaire from Corrosive Kids, the reason why we returned to Record Store Day, graciously asked back by Herm Baker, was because we were putting out another split vinyl with Tennessee band Modern Convenience. Thats why I brought Modern into town for our record release show at Mulligans and the Record Store Day the night after. Really wanted to expose that awesome band to the city. Sorry you didn’t get to see them they were so cool and you would have photographed them! Anyways I’d like to send you a free complimentary copy of our vinyl we made…Do you have an address or PO Box for that?
Way to go Mark! I am so very proud you are taking your abilities and getting people to listen while you are helping others. I missed it again! Next time please let me know so I can be there. Sounds like a really great time. We have come so far from back when hey. Love ya! Paris.
John,
Thanks for airing and posting the info.
As a contra dancer, I appreciate Bruce & Becca for their fine playing and for their willingness to work with the community to help other musicians come up to speed on their playing. There are lots of other places in Michigan and throughout the United States where one can learn to dance this traditional form–and there must be other places where novices are invited to join the pick-up band–but GRFAS First Friday Contra Dance is the only one I know of! Thanks to Bruce for his leadership. Hope everyone can come out on May 12.
Many thank to all who came out to attend this event. The help was heartfelt and much needed, as we work to sort out our destroyed home and move on with our lives.
Love,
Bruce and Becca
I sat through Styx and REO for my wife. Ted, for my son. Ted was highly entertaining, as always. I hadn’t seen for over ten years. I had no idea venison and bear meat were so… caloric.
Sorry, I’m not a band. I WAS a sound guy for the open mic for a few years back when David Molinari was host. It IS correct I will be around that night though. The musicians make the night though: the new ones wanting to get used to playing out and the established ones wanting to try out something new. It’s still one of the more welcoming places in town for such things.
i think there ok the fiddle player sack is awesome so is the gautier player but i think the singer sounds to tinny a voice i couldnt listen to for a long time it is like finnger nails coming down a board hahhaha but the music its self is good they at least blend
Well that is not very nice to say at all. Obviously you dont know good music because all 4 of them are amazing. The lead singer’s voice is amazing and I think that they are one of the best bands I have heard in a long time. I hope they make it big, what will you be saying then?
Loved the show, John. Great story. Love the part about Jon McDonald sending a portrait backstage. Steve said is wasn’t as much about the music as being in the presence of Royalty. Great pic too.
I love going to the local shows. Problem for me is often the start time of the show. Has anyone considered offering live music during the 5 – 9 time frame? There are lots of us that would pay cover and would love to hear local music but don’t want to start our night at 10 pm.
I am just getting familiar with The Pyramid Scheme but the 2 shows I’ve seen there both were 7 – 10. Perfect!
Then there’s Deborah Kay & The Bluebloods – We’re playing EVEN THOUGHT WE DIDN’T APPLY to play, but somehow ended up being scheduled – Clock Tower Stage at 4pm on Friday
My favorite comment of the night came from some stuffy swell in the men’s room line who sniffed, “They didn’t sound like that on Spotify….”
Seriously, it was a different feel for a Mule show, especially in the second half. Very mellow with quite a few quiet, mournful songs. Perhaps to address volume issues in the second half? I don’t know. I do now I saw a lot of people leaving during the second set while they seemed rivited to the hill last year.
Speaking of the hill, did anybody notice they removed one (or more) of the levels at the top?
I am not sure what the people were doing behind me on the hill, but I was front and center and I know my feet didn’t stop moving the entire night. It was a great show!
OH! He was introducing “Midnight Hour” with the Depends rap. I thought he was referring to the previously played “Green Onions” which is used to schill Viagra. That said, I hadn’t seen Frampton since the “‘Comes Alive” era but last night’s brilliant show was far better than I remember.
Thanks for the look at Alejandro. When he is in full rock and roll mode he is fierce. Felt bad for him drawing the opening set with a crowd who for the most part was unaware of WHO HE IS!
He really was the class of the night and the Sensitive boys don’t play notes because they can. They all mattered. A great night. Hurricane was a pure channel of Neil. Neil would have loved it.
Thanks for the review/pictures. This is the second time I’ve seen them – Alejandro was a great addition. I also thought the last half hour of the concert was incredible. The bassist for Lonely Boys was playing out of his mind! The stage manager was pacing and giving them the “end it” sign, but they ignored him. They just kept on playing.
I’ve followed Alejandro Escovedo for about a half a decade and the discovery of his music was a great find, not unlike Lou Reed in the early days when about six of us would show up at one of his gigs. Alejandro should be getting a bigger listen by people. His version of Pale Blue Eyes is probably the best cover I’ve ever heard.
I first interviewed Alejandro about a decade ago. I’m convinced that pretty much everything he touches is gold, making him perhaps the most important, under-rated musical artist working in America today.
Alejandro was great and he was treated pretty badly by the crowd. His music was upbeat and should have had more people up and rocking. I’m sure part of the reason was the average age of the crowd, probably 40 – 50, but that didn’t stop them as the night progressed.
I know I will be aware of him now and will be buying a CD or two.
Tell him he should come back and give GR another try.
Tuesday Evening Music Club is truly a blessing to the community. Thank you to Meijer Gardens and thank you to Ralston Bowles for starting this and carrying the torch for local music.
Twas a delightful night indeed. Byrne’s theatrical skills were clearly in play, and Clark was a charming marionette. A fortuitous pairing of wildly talented originals.
So many wise words from one so young! So very true – often have to remind myself that persistence not perfection gets us to our goal! Our Young People need motivators like you!
Nice write up about The Stolen Horses Band. They did a great acoustic number on their song “Live Myself to Death Before I Die” I love going to their gigs.
John and Mary – great article! Glad it worked out and you were able to get a hold of Mike Bont. We are pretty proud of what Mike and Greensky Bluegrass have accomplished in a really difficult music business.
And all this great talent right here in West Michigan – priceless!
Started listening to this band about 5 years ago and have just kept wondering why they haven’t broken out.
I like a lot of different music – jazz to heavy metal – and this group hits a lot of different areas.
I wholeheartedly agree that the energy and passion make a huge difference at concerts. This band, and especially Grace, just look like they’re having an awesome time and want everyone to share in that.
No one every says enough about the LYRICS these guys put forward. They are far too young to be this deep.
I also appreciate the “sibling like harmonies”.
Just an awesome group I hope to see big things for these very nice guys. 😉
I like these guys they are very talented they played for my dtr’s wedding and we had a blast. they played anything we asked and it was right on! very good musicians
The first day of GRand Jazzfest was a combination of great weather, a great crowd, and one of the best selections of jazz artists to play in Grand Rapids. I’ve never seen Nick Colione before, high energy, and yes, the sharpest dressed man in jazz
‘…. a lot of guys stay hush because they gotta make a living.’
Would it be helpful to list the venues that DO pay musicians a reasonable fee? And to shame those that don’t? (Of course, “reasonable fee” would need to be determined.) Musicians could use social media to promote the good venues and educate those that need some work. If musicians open up about what they are getting paid and make that information widely-known, venues may have to start paying attention. If you don’t let your fans know how little you make, they assume you make far more than you do.
I would like this conversation to include the fee scale discussion Sondra has mentioned. I am part of LowellArts that hires musicians for our Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts and I know that we pay musicians at a level greater than many of the other community “free” outdoor concerts in the summer months that happen in our region. That said, unless I (we/LowellArts) have a basis of understanding fee structure to work from it is not possible to know if our pay is “fair”. Thank you for responding either here or by contacting me at LowellArts
Nice article, John, I manage/book Brett Mitchell & the giant GHOST. Brett is a full-time musician, plays solo and full band shows and is highly sought after and constantly touring all over Michigan. I was lead vocalist in a band in high school. That was in 1970. I specifically remember our 4 piece band being paid $500 for a school dance gig. I don’t need to tell you that, though all gigs are not like this, I have booked Brett’s band in a bar for that low in today’s market, occasionally. In such case, you dare not add up load in/load out time and travel time and divide by the pay or it would be discouraging. On the other side of the coin, I’ll be honest, the way I see it, live music does not always make the venue money. I understand some venues have a hard time paying bands. Sometimes I think it just saves them from going under or gives them a slight edge over the bar with no live music. But a slight edge is important. Brett and my methodology is to just be the best at our craft so the band is number 1 on its list when the venue gets ready to hire. A band who is respectful of owner and staff, keeping sound levels to their liking, giving a full show with reasonable breaks, being reliable, keeping the crowd happy without having to be a human juke box and not taking advantage of the generosity of the host with food and drink is going to be hired before a band deficient at those things. When you’re number 1 on the list, you can ask for more compensation. Most venue owners I deal with are honest with me as to what they can afford and we negotiate, if we can, to get them the show they want. I rarely do contracts and prefer email confirmations, but when a venue reneges on any deal, I simply do not book there again. That’s what all bands should do. If a band reneges on a venue, the venue should not book them again, it’s quite simple. They can only burn you once. Live music is making a comeback, I believe, and Michigan is recovering slowly but surely. I would love to see my artist compensated at the level I believe he deserves and until then we will just continue trying to be the best at what we do.
Back in the 70’s and 80’s, you played at the same venue for 5-6 nights a week. Now you’re lucky if you play 2 nights at the same venue. The older I get, the more I have to set up and tear down equipment and I play almost every weekend. When I started playing in bars, most musicians were my age. I find that most musicians playing on a constant basis are still my age. My kids see how hard I work at this and how much money I make and have no interest in playing in a band. And honestly, I don’t encourage them to do so.
Thanks for the discussion John. The North Country Flyers appreciate you brother! As a songwriter and band leader all my life, I’ve been able to make a good living – but – not without a lot of hard work and of course, support from friends and fans. People who support “live” music are the last best hope for humanity!!!! 😉
My thought is that years of summer free shows by radio stations which are the worst offenders for underpaying gigs have devalued the worth of local entertainment. The other side of the coin is that the casual user who does not follow a scene is left in the dust for finding quality entertainment sometimes. If you are 22 and into the bars scene nightly, you know who is awesome, but the 40 year old who could afford to support a real ticket price stays away in favor of really getting his targeting musical selection at Bikers on the Mall, or Thrifty Gardens.
About 15 years ago I was in a local band in Grand Rapids. We got a weekly, Wednesday night gig at the old Intersection. Those were the days before the Internet was ubiquitous and social media was obviously non-existent. We worked like dogs to promote ourselves, printing flyers (a new design every week) and handing them out and posting them all over town. This, of course, cost us a lot of money (printing, gas, time, etc.). The Intersection paid us a grand total of $25 a week. $5 each, per band member, per week! Being under 21 we had huge “X”s on our hands and didn’t even benefit by getting free drinks. We started drawing larger and larger crowds every week, with lines out the door. When we felt like we had enough clout, we asked for a Saturday night gig and to get paid from the take at the door. That night, we made $1500. The moral is, you’ve got to build that audience, create a demand for your music, promote the hell out of yourselves, and don’t be shy about asking for what’s fair. Should we have gotten paid more for the Wednesday gigs? Absolutely. But these bands need to be willing to build their brand by putting in the work. Supply and demand. If you, as a band, are worth more money, prove it.
I’ve been a vocalist in one band or another since 1975. I am much more talented today than I was back then and I often make much less than I did back then. Just thought I would throw in that the equipment that the bands have to trap sport,, maintain, set up and tear down costs thousands more than they usually make in a year. Clubs and even larger venues (casinos) either don’t provide PA and/or lights or what they do have is in such bad shape you can’t use it. You also take a big risk every time you plug your equipment into some ancient electrical outlets. We’ve all payed those joints where you have a massive hum all night long because of shoddy electrical or eve had expensive equipment burned out.
Isn’t it a supply and demand thing? There are so many bands that do the exact same thing; when you have that kind of situation then of course an audience, a bar owner, or a booking agent are all gonna devalue it; because you can get it anywhere and anytime. As small as our town is I can walk into a bar in Grand Rapids any night of the week and hear someone playing Mustang Sally, Moondance, or any number of covers or originals that are rooted in very popular and mainstream rock and blues styles; why would I, as an audience member, put any value on something that is so readily and easily accessible??
I recently ran across this article, and I agree on so many points. This is the one I chose to reply to.
Corey, to put it simply, if you are at a venue and you hear the same old music over and over and you don’t like it-you’ll either stop going out or find another place that has a better band/selection. If you are there, and you are being entertained, there is value in that. Period.
New Flash: ATTENTION MUSICIANS…UNLESS YOU ARE ONE OF A VERY SELECT FEW, YOU ARE NOT GOING TO MAKE A LIVING PLAYING MUSIC.
I’m sure at one time a blacksmith could provide for his family but then, when the railroads came, he needed to think of another line of work, even though, I’m sure there were many smithies who could have been considered an artist in their field at the time.
What is the reason for this paradigm shift? A typical working musician will blame the audiences, club owners, too many entertainment choices or Karaoke instead of his peers. I ask you to really look around at your contemporaries.
After years of steadily slipping expectations, I now envision, when I see a sign on a tavern advertising, for example, “Acoustic Duo” tonight, two fat guys, sitting on stools, in hockey jerseys and silly hats, reading the lyrics off a music stand. Probably, only one of the duo should be allowed to sing and most likely one, if not both, are rudimental guitar players at best. Playing the odds, I’ll probably be 5 for 6 in my prediction. Where is the entertainment I’m playing cover for?
I could care less about how much time is spent practicing and writing songs, only that I am not being entertained in the here and now. Should the songwriter actually succeed in selling his/her eight minute composition about an old girlfriend/boyfriend on a commercial level, will he/she split the royalty checks with all the people that supported them during the lean years. I doubt it.
As for the 80’s, a time when people would pay a $10.00 and wait an hour and a half in an anteroom for a table to open up where they can sit quietly and enjoy a show, those days are, sadly over. However, in a time when restaurants are opening in Detroit at a furious pace, people spend extra money for craft cocktails and beer and still want to go out and have fun on the weekend, I think the musicians are the cause of their own fate. Too many awful singers reading lyrics is the reason for Karaoke.
“Hey, I can entertain better than that guy”. And now, they can!
Your opening statement was right on the money (so to speak), John. I was in a five-piece band in the early ’70s, and each of us could make $50.00 per man, per night, in local clubs. Today, a trio is hard-pressed to get that much. Forty years later. What happened? Disco. Club owners found out they could hire one guy to play records and pack the house.
That doesn’t happen so much anymore, but clubs still want to pay that “one guy” rate. Not only that, but coffee houses? Tips. Little promotion. And that’s for accomplished musicians with original material, who drive 40-100 miles just to perform for people who listen. “Exposure” is good when you’re just starting, but considerably over-rated when you’re trying to pay the bills.
Too bad there’s not a union for musicians…oh, wait….
Thank You Very Much For The Recognition Of All Of The Hard Work And Hours Involved Before The Entertaining Begins. The Entertainer Has This Feeling That Takes Their Complete Body Make-up Over—It Runs In Their Blood—They Can Not Help Themselves—-They Must Learn—They Must Perform. It Is What Allows Us To Be Used And Abused In This Business. I Thank You For Taking The Time To Notice Musicians And Writing The Article. Thank You Again.
The east side of the state is bad as well. I have been performing for almost 40 years and have never seen it this bad. It’s tough to have your craft taken so lightly.
Great and sadly a very true article. “Devalued” is certainly the word that sums it up. Compared to the 80’s it is certainly a joke at where the pay scale is today for both hobby musicians and even more sadly for the professional musicians. Way to many bands out there who are more than willing to play for the almost next to nothing pay scale which makes it difficult for everyone, and the venue/bars owners are certainly aware of this fact and know that if a certain band will not pay for what they are offering they can always find a band that will. Glad you mentioned the out of sight work that goes into putting on a one night show…Thanks for putting this out there.
You know, this is why the West Michigan music scene has ALWAYS been “emerging”. I remember in the 90’s it was the same way. This just hasn’t changed. The culture here simply does not support the arts in a sustainable capacity. Particularly the music arts.
I do speculate as to why this is. Are bars/clubs simply not profitable enough to share some of the pie? I know in some regions where liquor licenses are easier to obtain (and there are more venues per capita competing against each other) the bar gets raised immensely in terms of pay to musicians, which is directly commensurate to an audience’s willingness to pay for admission or drink/food premiums.
Or is it the unwillingness of some of the more talented acts in the area to stick to a minimum rate?
Then again, I think it’s a long-standing culture of cheapness that pervades this area. To say that this are is populated by tight-wads might be an understatement.
Meanwhile, those of us trying to make a living in the industry either visit Michigan in the summer or live here part time.
Very good question..My first real bar gig at the Shamrock was for $50 a night, Wednesday through Saturday. I was 15, my Dad told them I was 16 so I could get the gig. The year was 1965, and so glad to get that money. It paid for high school (CC ’69), I was able to buy clothes with my own money.
I’ve played many gigs for $50 a night over the years , but have also gotten paid over $1,000 a night in my hey day.
Fast forward 40 years and I’m backing up Larry Ballard again, and guess the pay?? $50.00
Given the standards of economy today, I believe live bands – whether weekend warriors or 5 nights a week gigs, should be able to earn enough to live on. If that means bumping up the cover charge – so be it! A band worth listening to, is a band worth paying for..
Contributing to this issue might be the fact that there are not many large clubs left. Loud music sounds best in large spaces (think Orbit Room, or Club Eastbrook, as it used to be called when “bar bands” played there). It’s very challenging to get a full band sound in a small room without being blisteringly loud. Our band (Paris Blue) works very hard at this.
great subject Johnny.yes there a lot of fine musicians working around here for peanuts,because the places they have to play in won’t pay them anything.i’m just grateful for their love of the music and dedication to go out night after night and play there hearts out to the people who do enjoy watching and listening to them.
The sad part is, after doing all that work, if a band does start getting paid well as they climb the ladder, they’re scorned by their peers as “sell-outs.” I’ve seen it more than a few times. Misery loves company, unfortunately.
It’s been my observation that it is not about the music or the band. It’s about selling beer. A venue has to sell a lot of drinks to pay a band a livable wage and still make a profit for itself.
Hi John, great topic!
Musicians, artists, sound and lighting providers – all really undervalued in the market today. Seems a bit of a vicious circle in some venues. Lowering the pay can lower the average quality resulting in lower attendance which leaves less for pay ….and so on.
Ironic that high quality entertainment gear has never been more plentiful and affordable but all the other increased costs that make up one’s overhead have more than erased that benefit.
I would like this conversation to include the fee scale discussion Sondra has mentioned. I am part of LowellArts that hires musicians for our Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts and I know that we pay musicians at a level greater than many of the other community “free” outdoor concerts in the summer months that happen in our region. (We also encourage the selling of CDs and other items to increase their income and do not take a commission … This has been very profitable for groups1…) That said, unless I (we/LowellArts) have a basis of understanding fee structure to work from it is not possible to know if our pay is “fair”. Thank you for responding either here or by contacting me at LowellArts (Lorain at 897-8545)
Making a $100.00 per band member was the norm back in the day. We also used to play for and or a portion of the door years ago which sometimes meant it was a very lucrative night and sometimes it was not. Very few places charge covers anymore and if there is a cover the patrons know there will be another bar right around the corner that will not be, no brainer there. We really cannot forget the fact that many people, especially my age, do not do the bar scene any longer due to the fact that the probability of getting pulled over by the police now a days is pretty high, I know most of my friends refuse to do the bar scene. I also know a ton of bands that have been stiffed by club owners for not bringing in crowds, so a contract is highly recommended. With all the stuff mentioned in these posts we sadly just have to remember that the times have changed, and “sadly” not for the better for a working musician/band…Hang in there everyone…Side note, the $100.00 per band member was working in the Washington, D.C. area where I grew up..
I have been in the music business for over 25 years. Two points. Carlton Macksam mentioned musician’s unions. Want to be treated fairly? There is strength in numbers. Second, too many bands do not run their band as a business. Operating in the black market without a contract, they are asking to be underpaid and cheated, as they have no legal recourse. I’d be interested in whatever thoughts you have on these matters, John. Thanks
John,
Nice review! Any chance you can join us for Hannah’s solo show here in Spring Lake tonight?
We’ve got a pint of Founder’s draft beer with your name on it. 🙂
I was part of the Grand Rapids scene for many years before joining the USAF bands and music program in 1991. Another part of the “disconnect” in this conversation is the fact that prices of other parts of a nightclubs’ income stream haven’t risen and kept pace with inflation either. When you can still by $1 drafts and $1.50 cocktails, no one’s going to truly profit.
One commenter remarked about the need to “build your brand and audience”. Certainly you/we do but, at the same time, the club owner needs to have some “buy-in”. If only to ensure the club makes a profit. All need to work together and, respectfully, the crappy bands need to self-realize this and limit themselves to having fun in their garages. That will help immensely with the dilution of the market for the true professionals.
Another commenter remarked about having to hear “Mustang Sally”, “Moondance”, etc. over and again. Yeah, they’re “staples” of the genre but, do you know why bands play them? It’s certainly not because they love the tunes, it’s because audiences (of all ages) demand to hear them. Looking at the industry as a whole, there’s not a lot of “real” music being made in the rock/pop genre these days and probably not for the last 15-20 years. Very few catchy melodies…. no sense of lyricism in the text of the songs…. no message of any sort…. and the youngest audiences these days are, unfortunately (IMO), caught up in rap (to a lesser degree it seems) and hip-hop. The bulk of this “music” is simply noise to me as there’s no melody whatsoever, no accompanying harmony, just high decibel sound. What lyrics there are are generally (not always) racist, demeaning to all — especially denigrating to women, and contain lyrics that if performed in a nightclub could result in the club being shut down and the band being arrested — depending on locale.
Right now, it seems to be a lose-lose for most true musicians.
If we can get this article to the president or make it National News then we might get change..A lot of musician don’t know their worth so they are willing to do a lot of thing’s that make it bad for musician who know they are worth far more then club owners are willing to give and pay.So nothing is gonna change until the powers that be bring’s awareness to this problem which to me it’s as important as Homosexuality,Racism,and many other worthy cause’s that needs to be changed,Once it become news and talked about I think it will be important enough to people then we can @ least make club owners promoters and all the people involve to realize that there is truly a problem that can be look @ on both side’s and we can change the way the club owner do thing’s and the way the musician do thing’s as well…And it could be a better working relationship for the generation’s to come..
Interesting comments. I have been pondering this topic for a long time. My navel gazing thus far:
1) Musicians need to quit giving it away. “Excuse me, but that’s not enough” is a useful phrase.
2) Musicians *are* in business if they are contractors providing a service in a for-profit situation. Being aware of this basic fact could certainly help bolster #1 above.
3) There is nothing wrong with playing for free or paying to play: that’s what softball and bowling leagues are for.
4) How much do plumbers or hairdressers charge for their services?
5) If a venue can’t afford having a band: don’t have a band!
6) Supply and demand works for commodities: some musicians are great, some musicians are OK and some musicians outright suck—none are equal to each other and are therefore not exact substitutes for one another. The market would work to weed out the suckier musicians in a hurry if #1 were applied more regularly.
7) If #6 were instead true—that is, all musicians *are* equally substituted—it would be very easy for ALL musicians to get a raise: simultaneously say, “That’s not good enough.”
8) Venues need to understand that they have to promote their venues to the public as much as the bands should, and probably more since they have the same address all the time.
9) Musicians’ overhead is just as important as venues’ overhead.
Anyone posting here recognizes that the musicians we speak of play for vocation or avocation: there is effort and energies that should be rewarded equitably. There are so many more places to play for free (or cheap: pass a hat at a party and you might make more than at a venue). Houses of worship, tailgates, neighborhood block parties, beachside hootnannies, bonfires or barn dances, basements or garages with a few simple tweets or FB posts and anybody can play for free or chump change any time he or she wants to.
Interesting comments. I have been pondering this topic for a long time. My navel gazing thus far:
1) Musicians need to quit giving it away. “Excuse me, but that’s not enough” is a useful phrase.
2) Musicians *are* in business if they are contractors providing a service in a for-profit situation. Being aware of this basic fact could certainly help bolster #1 above.
3) There is nothing wrong with playing for free or paying to play: that’s what softball and bowling leagues are for.
4) How much do plumbers or hairdressers charge for their services?
5) If a venue can’t afford having a band: don’t have a band!
6) Supply and demand works for commodities: some musicians are great, some musicians are OK and some musicians outright suck—none are equal to each other and are therefore not exact substitutes for one another. The market would work to weed out the suckier musicians in a hurry if #1 were applied more regularly.
7) If #6 were instead true—that is, all musicians *are* equally substituted—it would be very easy for ALL musicians to get a raise: simultaneously say, “That’s not good enough.”
8) Venues need to understand that they have to promote their venues to the public as much as the bands should, and probably more since they have the same address all the time.
9) Musicians’ overhead is just as important as venues’ overhead.
Anyone posting here recognizes that the musicians we speak of play for vocation or avocation: there is effort and energies that should be rewarded equitably. There are so many more places to play for free (or cheap: pass a hat at a party and you might make more than at a venue). Houses of worship, tailgates, neighborhood block parties, beachside hootnannies, bonfires or barn dances, basements or garages with a few simple tweets or FB posts and anybody can play for free or chump change any time he or she wants to.
Uh oh, you’re stirring a hornets nest with your talk of parking 😉 Rather than adding more parking, I wish The Rapid would find a way to operate hours more in line with the city’s pulse, i.e. late night runs until after the bars close.
Glad to hear they’re working on the sound, and I can’t wait to check it out. The acoustics have been bad in that building from day one – it’s always been hard to hold a conversation even when there’s no band – so anything would be an improvement.
Also, I didn’t realize the previous capacity was about the same as The Pyramid Scheme. Do you think the increase will attract a different type of musician?
If you are playing a show out of town, I completely understand the desire to get paid, but if you sit there, playing a show two blocks from your house and want to get paid while there are touring bands that need gas money and shit to eat, fuck you. Don’t be a fucking twat.
Very sad to hear that Don passed. A great man who made major innovations to the West Michigan scene as well as being a very cool individual all around. He will be greatly missed. How can anyone follow an act like that. Blessed journey Don.
Wow, very sad news. I worked for Don at his beloved Orbit Room for years. He was one of the good guys, and I learned a lot in my time working for him. He will be missed.
Donald..My Big brother…Thanks to my parents for giving me the greatest gift of all…” A brother ready and willing to take care of his little sister.” My Brother !! Donald you were my greatest fan. I love and miss you forever………ME aka “Sissy”
Don shared the in’s and out’ the entertainment industry with me starting in the late 80’s. I worked with Don in many different capacities over the years, even as his Operations Manager at the Orbit working with Don and Ron daily.
We had many great talks and laughs……too many stories to pick just one.
His passion for the industry and for all that had the honor of getting to know you will never be matched.
Thanks for this honest article Drew. You are exactly right that you never know what your music has done for people. I would guess that with as much as you have played, it has been infinitely more important to some than you are even aware of.
absolutely love the Liverpool story………all road musicians have had a similar encounter……makes us humble and grateful for doing what we do! Touching a soul is why we do this, correct?
“I once wrote in a poem about reaching the point in life when I would have the courage to admit my life.” -Jim Harrison
“How few there are who have courage enough to own their faults, or resolution enough to mend them.”- Benjamin Franklin
“Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.” – Erich Fromm
“The only service a friend can really render is to keep up your courage by holding up to you a mirror in which you can see a noble image of yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw
“I never thought I could have come this far
Through miles of mountains, valleys, streams
This is the right stuff filling my dreams
So come on, get up on your bike.” – Luka Bloom
Thanks for giving musicians a voice on your show and on your site, John! I think it goes without saying that I love Drew’s article and am proud of him for working to succeed despite the odds. Thanks for being such a big supporter of Drew and the many local musicians that also deserve support and encouragement!
you told me once years ago to sing my heart out because music is good for the soul. Your music has always lifted my spirits. I love your stories, they touch the heart.
I wanted Drew to write from the heart in describing the travails of a life in music and he more than succeeded in doing so, showing courage and honesty in the process. This is an important essay for musicians and non-musicians alike: It’s an inspiration for performers who’ve shared some of the same highs and lows, and an inner snapshot of the emotions and rigors of a touring artist that many non-musicians simply don’t see or appreciate.
Thanks for sharing, Drew, and thanks, John, for providing a forum for these insights. I cannot imagine what it is like to be so gifted as a musician — the raw talent, the passion, the creativity, the challenges, the highs, the lows, and dealing with the “business” side of the music business.
Hey John, I was planning on going to the BoDeans show at Wealthy Theater this week. From recent pics / videos I’ve seen, Sammy Llanas is absent! I’ve always thought of them as the cooler roots version of Hall and Oates, and would miss Sammy’s vocals. Is he NOT involved with this tour?
Hi John,
I’m curious about this house concert phenomenon particularly this nascent one that is emerging as a business model albeit a scaled down one. Do the promoters expect to pay themselves at some point? Do they pay the homeowners? Do the promoters pay 100% of travel expenses for the musicians or just a portion? How many artists, musical or otherwise donate their time one hundred percent in order to as the old expression states, get exposure? Do travel expenses for musicians include a place to stay? If money is made at some point, does all the many roll back to the musicians or will the promoters pay themselves first and then the musicians if there is anything left over? Just curious.
Bruce
It’s very informal and the way pay is handled varies a lot. But there’s a lot of show trading — artists and musicians in one city will help host house concerts for other artists from other cities and vice versa, with the artists usually just staying at the home of one of the hosts. Often, all of the money collected at the door for an individual house concert goes to the performing musicians, but I’m guessing sometimes those hosting the shows share in some of the take. And artists such as Brian Vander Ark have turned this into an important part of their business. Here’s another Local Spins story about this phenomenon.
Very nice reflection John. There’s something haunting about those black and white images of the JFK funeral procession, and something timelessly magical about the footage of the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. The joy of the latter helped pull us out of the grief of the former. What a time.
I’ve often thought that one reason for the Beatles’ colossal and rapid success in the U.S. was the instant joy antidote they brought to a nation in deep darkness and mourning. Thank God they did.
We are a group of very hard working and talented musicians. We’ve all been in the game for 30 or more years each. We are getting paid the same and sometimes less than what we got in the 70’s. We work less because clubs don’t advertise their entertainment. Nor, are the clubs responsive to the difference between ‘great talent’ and ‘no talent,’ opting instead for cheap as it gets. As musicians we spend our money on new equipment and repair of equipment, gas money to get the equipment to the shows, time spent loading in, setting up, tearing down and loading out, marketing and building a following. Venues don’t seem to understand that your following is not going to travel miles and miles to see you. Bands rely on venues to offer something of value to their local clientele so the venue should also have a following. It is the band’s job to make the venue’s following happy. Don’t get me wrong, we can get our followers to travel pretty far to see us, but it is not always easy. My band spends a ton of time and money marketing our upcoming shows and the venues where they will be held using every available means possible. I would love to say ‘That is not enough,” however, I know that another band will play the same gig for less. Because of our love of music, we endeavor to continue to play as often as possible and continuously look for more ways to promote ourselves in a very lean market.
I’m sure that most people’s “I can’t believe they were inducted” band from this list of inductees is going to be KISS. I have to say, I’m not a big fan of their music or (lack of) talent, but I don’t think you can deny the impact that their over the top concerts had on the evolution of live shows.
KISS is definitely deserving – no question there. Let’s swap out Nirvana with “Deep Purple” – Nirvana can get their chance later. I’d also toss “Yes” in before Pete Gabriel. Not sure about that Cat Stevens and Linda Ronstadt choices. Seems like “Chicago”, “Moody Blues”, “Doobie Brothers”, and “Dick Dale” should get in before those two – not that they aren’t deserving.
Nirvana is definitely at the top of the class. The Replacements should have gotten in before Kiss. I still can’t believe bands like The Cure, The Smiths, and New Order are not in the RRHOF.
The rub is in the name of the organization, “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”, the definition of rock and roll, who defines rock and roll and who approves new members. This makes the whole damn thing the antithesis of rock and roll.
All of the shenanigans that exist today existed back in the late 60’s and thoughout the 70’s and even early 80’s. Club owners didn’t promote well, Some would try to “revise” the contract (we always had contracts), when it came time to pay us after the gig, etc. That kind of stuff, bad as it is, most musicians are used to.
But the fact that pay scales now are the same or even lower than they were then, is really tough to swallow. Equipment, transportation/travel costs, PA rental and everything else now cost far more than they did then, not to mention that of course, today’s dollars are worth far, far less… And back then, one could even optimistically dream of the possibility of getting a recording contract to supplement income. Also, the AFM union was a factor in pay scales, at least in larger cities.
Anyway, you’re completely correct – it’s harder than ever to make any kind of living playing music. While I don’t gig regularly today, if I was, I’d be none too sure of what could improve the situation for musicians.
I do think it’s really important (and, greatly appreciated), that you’ve taken the time to point this out to your readers. Many thanks!
Thanks to Troy, Tricia and Brian for bringing me up to date on 2013 just in time before it ends. And to “Love More, Worry Less” for giving me a new mantra just in time for 2014. Now go watch “Almost Famous” and thank the good Lord for rock and roll!
You have so much to say and you say it so beautifully Drew. That’s why I have been nudging you, maybe nagging you, to write. Well done my friend. More please.
The correct spelling of the lead singer for The Static Affair is Zach Sheneman. It would be wise to feature him on your 2014 up and coming artists. Although I am his father, I do not think I am demonstrating too much bias.
Sincerely,
Kurt Sheneman
Grand Rapids, Mi
There was already a great deal of momentum before the Sullivan show. There were thousands of fans waiting at the airport, and reporters were following their every move… tickets for the shows were sold out.
They became my best friends…they taught me how to love through their music and lyrics….how to express my feelings and think contrary to what was the normal acceptable flow at the time…(along with The Everly Brothers, Elvis, Roy Orbison) gave me the desire to learn the guitar and songs and become a singer/songwriter and entertainer myself….I can’t think of a single album or song that I didn’t like….and with the skills of George Martin they touched on every style of music with charmful mastery to give us the templates for learning…as well as delve into their own unique and ever evolving musical stylings. I am filled with sincere gratitude for their lifes works.
I first caught the Beatles on the Jack Paar Show. He had a clip from when he saw them in England and showed it on his show. He was less than impressed, but because I had just recently immigrated to the United States from the Netherlands in 1961, and still had strong ties to Europe where the Beatles had already established themselves as bona fide musicians, I was immediately drawn in by their charm. I have been a fan ever since. My Beatle collection proves it. Favorite Album: Abbey Road. Favorite song: And Your Bird Can Sing.
I too first became aware of the Beatles via the Jack Paar Show. I was fascinated by their music and the energy created by their fans. I remember telling my mother about what I had witnessed: “These guys were playing great rock music, and they had long hair. Thousands of girls were screaming when they played. This is something that’s going to be really big”
You can learn almost everything about being in a band and the music business from studying the Beatles. Friends that went from being a covers band playing in dingy clubs. Being turned down by every record company in England before finally being signed ,not so much as musicians, because of their personalities. The were a huge hit in England and still Capital record refused to release their records in America because they weren’t good enough. You can hear their development as song writers, As great as they were in the beginning they became more and more creative. Their hair is nothing radical these days, but it was then. Despite the money and the fame you can follow the band slowly becoming more like individuals than a band. Coming to and end as bad business deals, pressures of success, the pull of domestic life ended a great band, What is truly amazing was all they accomplished in 7 years in he public eye.
It’s impressive to see the range and breadth of musicians from different genres who were blown away by The Beatles and found a way to incorporate their innovativeness into their own music. And don’t discount the hair thing. It was a truly revolutionary look at the time, earning real revulsion and condemnation from the conservative establishment. I wear my hair long to this day mostly because of The Beatles … to my parents’ never-ending chagrin. But even they grew to love their music.
NYEve: State Theater: Sgt.Pepper and Abbey Road: singing full throated in the front like a kid.
The Beatles opened musical ideas that were beyond our experience. I was not impressed by the Yeah, Yeah, Yeah stuff and even more by the adulation. My hair was long too in the fashion of the boys and not the provincial small town I grew up in. The innovative and delightful and still fresh songs were surprising somehow intellectually engaging so much more than the harsh Stones sound.
I fell in love with the Beatles at a very early age and they are a huge influence on me as a musician. My group, The Luke Lenhart Band, performs a lot of there music. I’d have to say that my favorite album I’d Abbey Road.
My mother brought home several of the first Beatles albums and we listened to them over and over. They motivated me to sing, play guitar and entertain and edify others with music. I still play several Beatles songs and always get a rave response, no matter the age of my audience. What timeless, powerful, fresh, and refreshing songs they have brought to us. Thanks!
My brain hurts trying to imagine what our culture would be like without the Beatles influence.I was nearly 10 yrs. old when visiting relatives, the teenager put on the Ed Sullivan Show. I can clearly recall the joy I felt when I heard She Loves You, all those years ago. My favorite album is Rubber Soul, maybe because in the 70’s, my husband & would listen to it on 8 track for road trips. My favorite song is In My Life, but right now I find it unbearable to hear or sing, as my mom just died. Let It Be another fave, is comforting at the moment & She Loves You , again feels joyous.
My first album ever was “Meet the Beatles” and I still have it. I saw them perform on the Ed Sullivan Show when I was 9 and it was so exciting, even though you could hardly hear them performing above all of the hysterical screaming. We followed them through all of their years – the songs, the movies, the “is Paul dead?”phase, and the Maharishi. It was a sad day when they broke up. And then there was George Harrison’s rise and He turned out to be the most amazing Beatle who took his music to the next level. Ya, ya, ya!
I believe the Beatles had to arrive when they did, but if they hadn’t, it would have taken longer for other rock bands to start writing their own songs and rock would not have expanded like the phenomenal Big Bang they created. It’s hard to imagine the culture without them. Because of them we came to see music not just as a source of entertainment but as a community, an energy that could change the world with the force of its sound and ideals. They brought together people across countries, ages and races with their vision of universal love, and still do.
Favorite album: Rubber Soul (In My Life, Nowhere Man)
For more on my take on their ethical/ spiritual influence, read on: http://www.mlive.com/living/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2014/02/charley_honey_fifty_years_on_b.html
I just finished a mini-Documentary on our local baby boomers music scene under the title of
“The Shamrock Bavarian Inn Reunion Concert” all these musicians were influenced by the Beatles back then they were all in their teens. Performing in and around West Michigan. The Shamrock was known for having some of West Michigan’s finest bands at the time.
The Video will be on Public access TV sometime this week. They set the air dates.
The Beatles music is timeless and will still be listened to 500 years from now. I believe that’s what sets them apart from the rest of their contemporaries. My first Beatles album was Hey Jude. I can vividly remember jamming with my air guitar to Revolution when I was supposed to be doing my homework. Love that song! Favorite album is Revolver, followed closely by Abby Road.
Some great videos here. Music videos are kind of a lost art. Which is strange because YouTube is the 2nd most popular search engine on the web. Why doesn’t everyone make videos?
Alternate history interests me from time to time, but I find people often take it too far when they assume a hole that in reality wouldn’t exist. Nature abhors a vacuum. If the Beatles didn’t exist, another group would occupy their slots on the charts, their space in the record bins. We can’t assume people who bought Beatles concert tickets and record albums wouldn’t have bought anything. They would have bought tickets and albums from another artist or artists, so some group or groups would have gotten the attention they didn’t get. That said, the Beatles pioneered the use of orchestra overlays in pop/rock. They had the interest, the money and the record producer to make it happen. Had they not paved the way, pop/rock likely would have continued on a trajectory of sticking to guitars and drums with occasional horns for many years.
Fitz is also a remarkably talented bass player, too. He asked me if he could join my nascent band The T-BONES in 1987 playing bass. Originally, since I couldn’t find the right bass sound among a group of locals who auditioned, I launched the band’s debut at Ladies Literary Club in April of ’87.
Fitz and I played together in the Jimmie Stagger band so I only knew Fitz as an extraordinary guitarist. He played a vintage Dan Electro Long Horn bass and fit right in with the sound I was looking for. Fitz played bass with The T-BONES from 1987 up to the point I dissolved the band in 1990. You can hear his bass playing on “stripped to the bone,” the band’s only recording still played now and then on WYCE.
I worked at the Parkway Tropics in the late 60’s and The Daze End was one of my favorite groups. Johnny Boggs played “Hey Jude” the very best, in fact better then the Beatles in my opinion. At another bar, he played “Try a Little Tenderness” it was so great. Is Johnny still kicking?
Actually, “Sunshine & Whiskey” is my preferred Summer anthem from Frankie’s album. It’s right upthere with “A Buncha Girls” from his EP a couple years ago. As far as other Summer tracks I would encourage folks to seek out “Waves” from the new Blondfire (ex-Nectar, GR) album and “When the Sun Gets In Your Eyes” by Railroad Earth. The new Wishbone Ash has one full of Summer imagery called “Down South” complete with a dandy dualing guitar coda. Bruce Springsteen’s forthcoming “American Beauty” looks like a Summer smasheroo, too, if the cover art is any indication.
Try country music next time…we find it’s drawing the larger crowds…Some bands here in Lansing are switching their set list to country. ..look at the B93 birthday bash, fastest horses fest..and the east side of the state Jigawa Island over a hundred thousand people there..our schedule is packed since we switched to country…
My husband came home empty- handed after waiting in a long line for Jackson Browne tickets. He saw plenty of people coming out before him with 19 tickets (the limit). We were pretty surprised to see tickets for Browne being sold by ticket brokers on the Internet — also Santana on Craig’s list for $300 a pop (member price $150.00).
Takes away from the sweetness of being a “member” at the Gardens.
Disappointing article, John! One tiny paragraph that barely acknowledges the extreme problems with members not being able to get tickets. To blatantly post a picture of someone buying 24 tickets just proves the point that the system is broken. FMG should not be allowing anyone to buy that many tickets. Period. You should revisit the FMG Facebook page to see how many more disgruntled members have posted. But I guess it doesn’t matter much to someone that gets a free “press pass” to the shows.
Actually Jim, there’s been a lively discussion on my own Facebook page in which I’ve participated that definitely speaks to the heart of some of these issues and I’ve urged readers such as yourself to post comments about this at Local Spins to continue the debate. The story I posted wasn’t meant to diminish the concerns of those who didn’t get the tickets they sought; it was posted before even some of these complaints came to light. Indeed, I checked with several ticket-buyers and their reaction was mixed — some were very happy because they managed to secure the tickets they were seeking online, others did not. It’s understandable that those who are frustrated would be more vocal about their displeasure. But I also agree that it’s time that Meijer Gardens consider further limiting the number of tickets that Meijer Gardens members are allowed to purchase during the pre-sale. Frankly, this concert series has become more popular than I think even Meijer Gardens officials expected — and that sort of thing can pose problems. It does matter to me, and my free “press pass” simply gives me the ability to do my job (which as any reviewer will tell you, involves hours of research ahead of time and several hours of work “after” the show when most concertgoers are relaxing at the bar or tucked in their beds). Put it this way, I’m not a very good concert date. Local Spins will follow up on this as the pre-sale period continues, but you’re absolutely right: It’s a concern, and unfortunately, probably not something they can change for 2014. The horse has left the barn.
Standing in line was people’s first mistake. The staff out there is much too slow. The second is FMG employing StarTickets as their internet and ancillary outlet. I tried buying tickets online for 20 minutes or more and I couldn’t access my account. I got through on the phone about 10:20 and the operator said to me, “Gee, you have three accounts here” which I acknowledged was highly probable as I’ve had difficulty accessing my existing account(s) in the past. I got tickets for all the shows I wanted (“casino” Santana holds no appeal for me) and I’m not surprised the household names (Sheryl, Moody Blues, et al) sold out. I AM surprised that marginal acts (Ziggy), up’n’comers (Ray Lamontagne) and one-hit wonders (Cake) sold out as quickly as they did. I assume there’s resale potential in those acts and plenty of tickets will show up on eBay and Craigslist. As for limiting the number of tickets members can buy, why? That’s one of the perks of membership. Also, I’d guess that big old (the bigger the better) wad of money goes to cover the deposits for every show on the schedule and hence limiting that potential is unlikely.
The Tip Top Deluxe has been an amazing and underrated addition to the Grand Rapids live music scene. Lucky for us, it has been “our little secret” on the northwest side. Best place in town for local bands, rockabilly, punk, alt-country, cult bands like The Red Elvises, legendary bands like The Del-Lords and The Blasters, and singer-songwriters like Tommy Womack, Eddie Spaghetti, and Fred Eaglesmith. They have the best open-mic comedy night in town, too, every other Tuesday. Keep up the great work, Ted!
Love the article….
Songwriting is a craft. You start as an apprentice, then you work to improve your skill; so someday you can be like a master carpenter or plumber or machinist, able to build something that brings joy to others. Each word needs to be a polished stone that compliments the word before and after. String enough polished stones together and you create an image of something beautiful.
“The latest word from organizers is that the complex scheduling of acts …. will be completed early next week, “and performers will be notified by the weekend.”
Cute idea but they were going to do this in rented homes? In other words homes belonging to someone else? Did the landlords know? I doubt it. If somebody fell down the basement stairs, in an “overcrowded and unsafe environment,” looking for the bathroom the landlord could be responsible.
For those who appreciate great guitarist Johnny Winter at Bell’s was the place to be this past Saturday. He may be old and frail but when he sits down with his guitar he surprisignly comes to life. Overall a great crowd, great song selection, and an excellent blues rock performance. Johnny was awesome but so was his band, never seen a tighter blues band. Here’s a snippet from the show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5gCU0fWJZE
Hi John, what did you think of the Muteflutes set at Festival? Saw you there. For me, that was the discovery of Festival ’14. Bought both CDs and am thoroughly enjoying. How does a band this good fly so under the radar for years? I had never heard of them.
I love Junior Valentine and just about everything he has ever done musically. His new CD is great, and this play list is full of home runs; but WLAV has ruined Steppenwolf and Steve Miller for me, as they only play about four songs from each band’s catalogue, and that sort of familiarity has bred contempt.
i love you fankie i cant get over you ooooooooooooooohhhhhohohohohoohohoooohhhooohooohooohohohoohohohohohohohoohooohohohohohohohohohohohohohohhohohohohohohhohohohoooohooohoohooohhhhhhhhhhhhhoooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhohohohoh
Not only do Valentiger make great music. they are great people. The personality of the band is simply fun to watch. hear, and experience. I’m a fan of each of them.
Well said, John! It was a lovely show, and Jackson Browne is (refreshingly) one of those musicians who has been around for years but hasn’t lost his touch.
Spot on! Those that wished for a full band might have been a bit disappointed, but for all of us faithful in the audience THIS was the night we’d hoped for. Every year for the past several I’ve hoped for Jackson Browne’s name to appear at the end of April on the Meijer Garden’s site. It was a wonderful combination of place, crowd and performer last night – and the weather was just another thing that was something fine.
It was interesting to me how many people approached me to ask why there was no band or whether it was advertised as a solo acoustic show. Part of it may be that fans in a nostalgic mood want to hear the songs the way they were played on the radio, with band backing. Personally, I think it’s all about expectations. If you expected to see a full-band rock show, it may have been a difficult adjustment. If you were there to hear a songwriter display his tunes in spare fashion, you were probably mesmerized.
I had no reason to expect either, but I was thinking band. I was not disappointed; nay, I was delighted, and I echo Tracy’s sentiments about the place-crowd-performer confluence. I can still see JB’s face when the crowd took over on “Stay” at the very end. He beamed.
Thanks for the write-up, John – and for everything we’ve collaborated on during my time at WYCE.
I would like to say, for the record, that the photo of me talking on my cell phone and pointing is the most staged-looking, non-staged photo that has ever been taken of me. 🙂
I applaud Kevin for completing the build to 10k that I started when I was there (believe me – we could both write books on that boondoggle) – He was a “trainee” when he first came through – but he done good – Best Wishes on the new adventure Kevin!
Excerpt of Michelle’s spiel before introduction of artists on the stage at Seven Steps Up (Spring Lake): “…we ask that you not talk during the artist’s performance. It doesn’t mean you can’t lean over and quietly say ‘I love this song’, what we’re asking is that you not go on and on about all the other songs you love or what you did last night. If you can understand that, you’re in for some magical moments tonight. So please be respectful of your neighbors and the artist who’s literally spent a lifetime preparing for tonight’s performance…”
The Pin Drop Concert series at Seven Steps Up Live Music & Event Venue.
What is concert security good for if not ejecting people who are acting inappropriately, and without consideration of other audience members? Granted, perhaps Mr. LaMontagne may have wigged out, but let’s not fault him for his exasperation. I suppose it would have bode him better and gained favor of the audience if he could have managed a cooler nature and stated that the show would not continue until these inconsiderate louts were removed. As both a musician/performer and someone who enjoys attending shows, there is a growing epidemic of this type of self centered & rude behavior among audience members. This is just another sad example, that’s all.
People are rude by nature when it comes to live musicians. My own friends carry on talking while I’m singing my heart out. I’ve been entertaining for over 42yrs. It means so much when you have an attentive audience that sincerely appreciates your creativity! I feel LaMontagne’s frustration!
Let’s be clear. I DO NOT condone Ray’s behavior at the Gardens last night. He is a professional and should have acted as such. On the other hand, the talkers who were dead center right in front, continued to talk through his whole set. They were asked several times by others around them and by Ray and his band to quiet down. At that point, security should have stepped in and told them to talk in back of the venue. Think of your favorite artist or band. If they did the same thing would you feel the same way? Let’s all take a chill and remember it’s about the music. We have all reached that point at some point in our lives. Ray just made a poor decision the way he addressed it. I think the fact that the doors opened at 5 and alcohol was being served and Ray did not come on until about 8 may have something to do with it too. So, if you are a concert goer, you do have a right to talk, you paid the money, but if you are talking through the whole show, don’t sit in the front row. Save those seats for the true fans who are there for the music.
We were bemoaning the fact that we missed out on tickets for his show, but I guess I’m not quite so disappointed now. We don’t “do” vacations, so buy tickets for eight to ten shows per year, so have a pretty good “feel” for the venue, and unfortunately the experience is not quite what it once was.
Security is still doing a decent job of getting most people parked, are on top of the chair height and over 21 banding, seem very consistent in checking coolers and containers, but rule enforcement relating to issues of crowd control is inconsistent, and traffic control for departures has been nonexistent. We have tried speaking directly to security members about issues, but have been disappointed in their responses. We have not taken the step of contacting garden officials this year, so shame on us for not being part of the solution.
Jon,
Outdoor concerts, especially without reserved seating, are somewhat understandably difficult regarding crowd control. As a musician who has performed at MG (& countless other venues) I am used to audience members talking, etc. In fact, when an audience actually listens, I can feel a little unnerved at first! But here’s what the ‘talkers’ may not realize, at least when I’m performing: I interact with the audience if they are quiet (or even mostly quiet). I have trained myself, as a pro, to ‘read’ the room & try hard to guage how to present the music. Am I ambient music or am I a show? The hardest thing, and what often happens, is when the audience is mixed and I have to split the difference. My tendency is to retreat into the background, say nothing on mic, & just provide some music as a sort of soundtrack for the evening. But, if people are relatively quiet, I take that as my cue to engage with them inbetween songs & the evening can become so much fun! It is unfortunate that the ‘talkers’ apparently don’t have a clue what they are missing by being so self absorbed. To be fair, the performer onstage is obviously self-absorbed or he/she wouldn’t be onstage in the first place. But the performer is there to engage the audience and, hopefully, provide everyone an experience that CAN’T BE HAD BY LISTENING TO A RECORDING AT HOME! With some performers this means a lot of banter & interaction with the audience, while others may simply play their music. But, no doubt, the performance will be different depending upon whether the audience is engaged with the listening process or not. I don’t know who Ray is but I wonder if that’s why he was initially ‘boring’ or, at least, not engaging the audience with dialogue.
Another related comment: Of great concern to me are the posts I am reading in which people say “I don’t go to concerts because of this.” Indeed, I am somewhat in that category myself! I would like to see someone do more informal research on this (a survey???) and include venue managers in the results because I wonder if they realize how much business they may be losing by NOT handling crowd control better. For some venues there is a relatively simple fix: seat people accordingly, i.e. seat those who want to talk in the part of the venue that is removed from the performance area. It puzzles me why this isn’t usually done, at least not in my experience in GR. I am enjoying all of my gigs up north this summer partly because the venue managers are doing this! Everyone has such a better time that way. The partiers are far enough away that they can relate to the music as ambient, whereas the people who are there to be entertained are seated up close. Of course I am talking about a more controlled environment (most recently, a small outdoor venue & some restaurants). When the short-lived jazz club (?) was open a few years ago I heard from several customers that they would never go back there again because they couldn’t hear the music what with people yakking it up. To finish, I would love to see a venue in GR that had a listening policy. And I wonder if all the people who don’t go to live pop concerts due to crowd noise would show up, spend money (OMG, a cover charge??), and have amazing experiences together. As GR tries to become a first class city, I think it has to have at least one such venue for it to happen. I believe a ‘listening policy’ would only bring in more $. I’m not aware of a venue that really has one, at least, not for jazz and related music.
One of the most fun concert experiences I’ve ever had was “heckling” Dave Bennett, the
youthful clarinetist/born-again Benny Goodman tribute artist. This was at Celery Flats at a special event, essentially rained out, and attended by about five audience members. Dave was in his early 20s at the time, playing with a band of senior musicians.
He’d be taking a solo, and I’d say “higher!” He’d smile around his embouchure and move up the scale. Afterwards we greeted each other, and he let me know he appreciated the cheering section.
Perhaps a more seasoned performer demands sanctuary-like silence. Dave and his band had a lot of fun with us sopping listeners that evening.
I would wager that Lamontagne’s meltdown was aimed at all of the inconsiderate boors throughout the audience. I know there were plenty of them being a veteran of the situation there. Unfortunately for them, the inconsiderate boors directly in front of him bore the brunt of his entirely justified wrath.
It’s about damned time somebody said something. Between the chair Nazis and the blathering ninnies, going to FMG is no fun anymore.
I’ve attended countless outside music events over the years and and have enjoyed a few at FMG, but have encountered a lack of respect for the performers as well as fellow concert goers. By far, my favorite outdoor venue is the Newport Folk Festival. For over 6 decades they have strived to present an eclectic mix of music for the pure enjoyment of the performance, while maintaining a loose, fun, and completlely safe enviroment.
The following is a statement that Jay Sweet just released following this past weekend’s Newport Folk Festival: Dear Folk- Words can not express how we feel after this weekend. Luckily, we have music to do that for us. Our volunteers, vendors, partners and staff continue to make us proud; our artists continue to deliver immense joy, understanding, emotion, and unparalleled talent; however, what truly makes this festival unique, is not the location, nor the weather, nor even our fabled history. It is you who makes us what we are. Thank you for being a model of what an audience can and should be, kind, caring, attentive, understanding curious, critical and most of all respectful. Every artist I spoke to mentioned it, some with tears of appreciation and some laughing in flat out awe that audiences likes ours still exist in today’s music world. For that we are eternally grateful. Until next year, be safe, be kind and FOLK ON
-Jay Sweet
Well put Dr. Bowe. Besides your spot-on point about sloppy reporting, this speaks to me of the ego-driven nature of so much of the blogosphere, where many writers feel they must come loaded with attitude and say something/anything about everything in order to continue being noticed. They shortchange the research in order to get their opinion out there.
As for cellphonioma, I believe it was Louis C.K. who said, “You should look at the real thing happening BEHIND your cell phone. The resolution is amazing!”
Did the guy who wrote this article pay attention enough to see jack’s off microphone screams to the audience while he and his band took a bow?? Maybe pay attention to jack if ur gonna write abt him. Or how he stopped the crowd during Hardest Button to Button when they finally showed life to tell them (ironically or sarcastically) to calm down…this is not the whole story either…but good luck dancing about architecture cool guy…
But I wasn’t writing (much) about Jack per se, I was writing about the bloggers who weren’t there misrepresenting the event on the basis of one reviewer’s account. My critique was about the subsequent journalism, not the performance.
Sometime you should see my Mies van der Rohe foxtrot. It’s pretty fantastic.
Nick Cave dropped a fan’s phone in a cup of beer? What was the reaction of the fan and the people around them?
Tracyanne Campbell from Camera Obscura made a similar request at their show at the Loving Touch in Ferndale last week. She said it had been a while since the band could “smell the crowd” due to the close quarters of the venue and subsequently asked if people not stick their phones in her face (There are two youtube ‘in your face’ phone vids from the show online now).
It’s interesting what that must look like from an artists perspective. “Am I playing to an audience or to a phone?”
I wondered about the reaction of the phone owner (and the beer owner, for that matter). I couldn’t see the reaction from the scrum, and I haven’t seen anything else online. I would imagine the person was steamed…
Totally agree with you John, Dawes is not just an opening act – they are greatly in demand on the summer tour circuit. Many fans that I talked with at the show were there to see Dawes. I thought Oberst, backed by Dawes was a perfect combination.
The front section was young and enthusiastic, but more than anything … courteous and respectful of the music experience. My wife and I (60somethings) were midway in the mix when a group of revelers asked “you wanna get up front for some pics?” Let’s go!
Outstanding show. I went with my 20 year old son who turned me onto Conor’s music about three years ago. I have been a fan ever since. Amazing song writing and an exceptional performance. I will be certain to catch Conor, and whatever incarnation of a group he performs with. His previous solo album from 2008 is all great songs, be sure to check that out if you haven’t already.
So glad the verdict on 2015 is YES! 2014 was wonderful – great music, wonderful weather, well organized, fun camping. I wish the Grand Rapids Press had given a little publicity to such a home grown event.
It was a great weekend all te way around. The vendors, food booths-shout out to Whip for whipping up fresh omelets and breakfast burritos. Pizza was great as was the Angus burgers donated by the Shagbark Fark being cooked up by Caledonia Fire members. Everyone for volunteering.
BIG shout out to the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts that walked around the entire area that was opened for the Happy Campers and stage grounds.
A Great Time for all – can’t wait to do it again next year. I am a little biased on the music – anytime Buddy Twist is around, especially when Jimmie Stagger is joining them….Great Things Happy. Loved the stage prop for Buddy Twist!! Just an Awesome show and the music on Friday the last band; Afro Zuma what can I say, play it and they will come. I wouldn’t be surprised if they sold every last CD they had. Thank You Farmer John for putting on a great time!
I’m no stuffy conservative by any means, but it just blows me away that soccer moms think this woman is a good role model for their daughters, let alone to being their kids to her shows in the first place. Witchcraft, female domination of men, pyramids, role playing, occult symbols all over the stage and her over produced records and videos….and yet they think she is “inspiring” to their their kids ? She is just another meat puppet pop star playing a role and selling a political/spiritual agenda to the mindless masses. KP is also not the brightest bulb in the box, so what people see in her music is beyond me. Even her “pastor father” has shown his narcissism by hanging onto her fame and adopting his new rock n roll image. Apparently the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
i saw R y G at the Fox Theatre in Oakland, Cali, and was STANDING in the front row…Your friend stated it accurately about not know what hit them. An incredible fantastic show…besides the GREAT music, i had another “what memories are made of moment”…my friend and i had a couple beers before the show. it was crowded where we were, so the only place to put my empty beer cup was btwn my feet. rodrigo came over and tossed a guitar pick into the audience near me. a bit of a scramble but it was dark on the floor, i couldn’t see anything. a minute or so later, my friend, clinton, turned to me a said, “you know rodrigos pick landed in your beer cup..hahaha good stuff
great take on their show…I’m going to paris in november and have tics to see them at the zenith…gonna be awesome…
Just to be clear – there were no drug arrests at Hoxeyville in 2012. The arrests did not come as a result of a festival itself, rather the wolf-packing of the state police resulting in 327 stops and only 2 felony arrests over the course of the weekend. One arrest was (to our best knowledge) was a DUI, the other was a warrant.
Everyone has a different music album they have clung onto since they were young. They can be a token of appreciation for a loved one. Creighton Emrick, who currently plays in the band ORGY, played bass guitar.
One of the Goo Goo Dolls jammed a Q-Tip too far into his ear and it was bleeding. I couldn’t confirm whether it was Johnny Rzeznik, though there was concern about his use of in-ear monitors. But they eventually found a physician and got it cleaned up so the show could go on.
We’ve been lucky here in New England to have Lake Street Dive working their musical magic for years, and it so great to watch them make a huge splash everywhere else, especially back in my hometown!
I agree with Nik, though I think there is a certain “kind” of exposure that is wrong and hurts musicians more than helps. I’m not talking about a genuinely great opportunity to get your music “out there” wherein the sponsoring venue cannot pay you directly. I’m talking about specific instances where a venue CAN pay but do all they could to avoid doing so, and then make the rewards they DO offer and exposure sound much better than it actually is. I don’t take these anymore, and I think at times it’s flat out wrong for venues to behave this way.
I agree with the premise that people do it for the love of music. But even this you need to be careful with, lest people forget that the musicians they love cannot pay their bills, support their families, and even OFFER more music on music passion alone. Also can’t stand when I hear people immediately label a musician a “sell out” because they actually WANT to make money. This is an interesting article, but I hope people see this as a call to improve the economics of music, not just assume “loving music” is enough.
Great coverage, John. Every year I get a chance to check out some music that I wasn’t familiar with. This year … looking forward to seeing Sarah Jarosz and Pokey LaFarge.
Crowell along with Hiddleston and band wrapped up the 3 day show with a great rockin’ cover of Tobacco Road, followed by Ain’t Livin Long Like This. The lineup gets better every year!
Oh hey, white people dressed in the ceremonial headgear of Native Americans. I’ll bet their drug fueled spiritual journey was dope and not at all stupid.
Dude! You are pretty much the only person I have ever heard suggest that X is not a punk band. They are absolutely emblematic of the idiosyncratic L.A. punk scene that, to a large level, rejected rigid formulas. And there’s plenty of evidence that others consider them an integral part of that scene. They were featured alongside the Germs, Black Flag, Circle Jerks and Fear in the first “Decline and Fall of Western Civilization” documentary, which is one of the most definitive punk rock films ever made. And the Minutemen name-checked John Doe in “History Lesson Part II.” Those two facts alone make them more than punk enough for me…
I hope its okay that I used two of your photos on my Facebook page, I didn’t crop out your watermark or anything. I am also a photographer and understand that. Plus I wanted to allow others to see your work too.
That’s often true, of course. But this band has such an infectious pop sensibility and such success with its videos, you’d think that they’d be far more popular and commercially successful than they are.
From Grand Valley student and walking music encyclopedia Steve Aldrich: “Was not there, but had Karate class the next morning in the dome. If I’m thinking of the right show, Dr. John opened, still in his Gris-Gris phase, we had to sweep up the glitter, because we couldn’t get any footing.”
I was setting in the front row with a super 8 movie camera and a roll of film … so a bit of documentation was in store! Excellent concert with a crack band and his drug induced theatrics!
I saw the same show in Toledo a couple of weeks before. Even did the poster for it (see website, scroll down). Lou was jacked-to-the-gills on god knows what. The band did the Sweet Jane intro and Lou appeared, seemingly floating like a ghost albeit with a handler at each elbow, at the rear of the stage. For some reason the overhead lights had been left on at the opposite end of the basketball fieldhouse and as soon as Lou saw that he wouldn’t go any further. He retreated. The lights were extinguished and another, different, Sweet Jane intro was employed to bring the deranged, meth-head out. It was my first time seeing Lou. I saw him 7-8 times in subsequent years and not one of those nights didn’t have a show stopping incident of some sort.
Mr. Aldrich is right — Dr. John was included in the Lanthorn ad. What an amazing show that must have been. I’m a sucker for that era Lou and that era Dr. John.
What a trip. My daughter forwarded this story to me simply because as much as she’s heard me talk about Lou over the years, she was sure that I must have been there that night and I was. Right in the front row – and I have the pictures to prove it. I was taking a lot of concert photos in those days, but that night was one of the most memorable. I have a picture with Lou standing right over the top of me looking like he was going to bust my head wide open with his microphone stand. And yes, I’ve got photos of Dr. John as well (along with the glitter shooting mortars). Believe me, having him open that night sounded as weird to us back then as it does know. Rest in Peace Lou. We miss you and if there’s any justice in this damned world we’ll be inducting you into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame again this year.
How wonderful to hear that your little one is recovering well! We are fellow Michiganders and we too, have a little one with Craniosynostosis. He had surgery for Saggital at Motts hospital as well! Dr. Buchman and Dr. Murazco were his docs and they are fantastic. As unfortunate the circumstances, it is always nice to “meet” another family dealing with similar circumstances 🙂
I remember seeing you play at the park downtown, in Fremont back in 1972. I was amazed how good your proCo bi-amp p.a. sounded! That show inspired me to learn how to play “Train kept a rollin” by Aerosmith. You guys did your homework! I remember hearing a awesome version of “James Dean” and “Amy”. After seeing you perform I knew I wanted to be a lead guitarist! Keep up the good work!
I’ve been pushing this kid (Diego) since he tried working for me at 18. I say tried cause he wasn’t the best worker but his personality, and his talent just blew me away. I use to take him up and down the west coast to all the karaoke bars when he was under 21 and once he sang all the girls in the bar would keep coming up asking him to sing a song that they liked. And yes I admit I used him as my wing man. I can’t wait to dance my ass off to this very hard working band tonight. I just wish he’d sit down and sing one acoustic Spanish Love Song. It would blow you away. No pressure here Diego, sorry.
It was the best of the six GR performances Bob has unleashed since 2006. Though it’s essentially the same set he’s been doing since ’06 Bob was in better form vocally. He’s tan and fit instead of pasty and sweaty. His wife (or somebody) got him to wear a nice, tailored black sport shirt instead of a t-shirt. There was more lighting for dramatic effect and even additional colors compared to the all aqua/maroon/purple of previous shows. He even added rudimentary video for the folks up back. He seemed very happy. Almost giddy.
I could watch the J. Geils-less Band run through that set every week for the rest of my life but, as good as they were last night (and last month in Detroit) there’s a groove lacking without their namesake guitarist. Nonetheless, they were consumate pros and Wolf is still a helluva entertainer.
I agree with you on all points, Richard. I saw the first show in 2006, and, while it was a thrill to see the first night of the first tour back, you could tell Bob still had to knock off some stage rust. It’s weird for somebody’s voice to improve over time like that, but the difference was really remarkable.
Re: J. Geils, I think that is both a compliment to them as well as one of their deficiencies. They were pros, super tight, completely enjoyable. Like you, it would take me a long time to tire of seeing them. But I found they lacked Seger’s vitality. They really are a nostalgia act, so far as I can tell. (Which is nice work if you can get it, but I like how Seger is still growing as an artist).
Aw, jeez man. You are so right. I’ve asked the editor to change that. (That’s one of the drags of writing on deadline half asleep, sometimes you make dumb mistakes).
Seger has been underrated throughout his career & at times abused by the
critics in the most unfair ways possible. The new CD Ride Out is borderline brilliant. To see material like this from Seger at the age of 69 is incredible. There is no musical peer of Seger’s including Springsteen, Jagger, Bono or Young that could produce something as creative as Ride Out.
His voice is indeed better than when he came back in 2006. Seger has learned to embrace his lower register properly without trying to strain like he did at times in the past. Great review Brian…..nice to see someone understand Seger & just how gifted an artist he is.
I attended that very same concert with Ned Rouse and it was an incredible experience! I may have caught Little Betty’s Leg as it bounced off my knee into Neds lap had I not been taking 8mm movies of the event! I caught a few more concerts there after the Cooper concert!
I was there. I ended up sitting by the city council members. When a passing joint came down our row, I couldn’t quite offer it up to them so I passed it back.
It was a great show, like nothing I had ever seen before.
I think I even attended a Ravi Shankar concert there. And of course there was the MC5 gig! An interesting time for Holland.
Robert, that 8mm sounds amazing. Any way possible to see it somehow? Or maybe trade a digital copy of it? Have an extensive colelction of Alice Cooper material on video if you’re interested… 🙂
I saw this concert…took a city bus downtown to the Greyhound station…took the Greyhound to Holland…got there quite early..and went into a bar to kill time,and the bar served me beer…even though I just turned 16!.Don’t remember much of the show…too long ago…
I do have 2 color Holland concert photos of Alice holding Little Bettie’s head just before he kicked it, somewhere. Robert Shooks and I took many Super 8 movies of various concerts back then. The don’t transfer well. I have a lot of Welcome to my Nightmare footage I shot at the LC Walker arena concert, when Alice’s album first came out. Carl (friend) and I were pushed through the glass doors that night, but I didn’t get cut, but Carl did though. I shared the footage with guitarist/friend Dick Wagner, just before he died. I shared a lot of music with Dick, since he never really had time to own, or even listen to his many bandrecordings. He was just too busy.
I mention the Muskegon nightmare show in a post below, but it’s interesting — that was the second night of that tour, which opened at Wings Stadium in Kalamzoo…
Brian….nice article. Don’t bother posting on the SickthingsUK website. If it isn’t 100% about solo Alice Cooper – you will be ignored. I am the brother in law of the late Glen Buxton and my wife and I have a facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/280523658684684/ (Glen Buxton’s Shiny New Dime.) I’d be happy if you’d post a link to your article there.
Thanks for taking the time to write, Bob! Glad to hear from you. Glen was a huge influence on my own guitar playing…I’m not on Facebook, but I’ll see if my editor will post the link there.
Thanks! Many of Alice’s later bands are wonderful, but I think the original Alice Cooper band is one of the must underrated groups in all of rock history…
I was there as well – Weren’t there TWO Alice shows there? It seems I recall an earlier show – Maybe Easy Action era – in Holland. We were very fortunate in Michigan. the band resided in Detroit and would play Grand Rapids many times. Nice article!
Thanks, Michael! I talk about this a bit in a post below, but there’s a difference in the number of concerts Alice Cooper is alleged to have played around here vs. the number of concerts that have been documented. I know this is all back in the mists of time, but I’d love to see some of these gaps filled…
Re: earlier Alice Cooper gigs, the Alice Cooper, I decided not to get into it, but there are also stories of shows at the Grand Haven Roller Rink. Would love to know dates on those — none of those are listed on the Alice Cooper eChive (http://www.alicecooperechive.com/tourdates/). That site lists a Oct. 16, 1970 gig at the Grand Valley Armory and a May 17, 1971 show at Kentwood Memorial Hall. There are plenty of shows on the east side of the state, but the Holland show might be the last performance in West Mich. of the original Alice Cooper band. The next dates are March, 1975 in Kalamazoo and Muskegon, on the “Welcome to my Nightmare” tour.
Of course, that archive is imperfect. I know the person who runs it would love people to send in corrections and additions (as well as ticket stubs and such).
Brian – There were numerous concerts with Alice at a Roller Rink off Division near 54th – at the Armory and other places. I recall seeing the band at least 8 times early in their career – they also played somewhere the same night that BB King played Ft Street Church and ended up at the BB after glow (no, it wasn’t on Mars). I opted for the BB show that night
Top Ten LPs for 2014 based on simple criteria:most times played.
1. Damien Jurado, “Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son”
2. Joseph Arthur,”Lou”
3. Reigning Sound,”Shattered”
4. Angel Olsen,”Burn Your Fire for no Witness”
5. Lucinda Williams,”Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone”
6. Strand of Oaks, “Heal”
7. Future Islands, “Singles”
8. Sturgill Simpson, “Metamodern Sounds in Country Music”
9. Tweedy,”Sukirae”
10. Ex Hex, “Rips”
Tough to only pick 10 this year. Also: Lydia Loveless “Somewhere Else”, Protomartyr “Under Color of Official Right”,Wussy “Attica”,Dave and Phil Alvin “Common Ground”, Cloud Nothings “Here and Nowhere Else”,War on Drugs “Lost in the Dream”,Parquet Courts “Sunbathing Animal”.
1. St. Vincent- St. Vincent. She’s always been a huge hero of ours, and her album took a turn for the wild and crazy this year. We love her!
2. Morning Phase- Beck. With a full orchestra playing behind him, this album was perfect to tone down with after gigs.
3. This Is All Yours- Alt-J. Diverse and with their familiar acapella feel, we really liked to rock out to songs such as “Left Hand Free” and “Every Other Freckle.”
4. Lazaretto- Jack White. What’s not to say?!?! WE LOVE THIS MAN. We were so excited to meet him in the same year of the release of this album!
5. Salad Days- Mac Demarco. Sultry and smooth, Mac’s got a wizened feel to his songs that we really admire.
6. Bad Self Portraits- Lake Street Dive. Lake Street Dive is one of our favorite bands. We love their RnB fusion and we jam to this on every road trip!
7. Song Reader- Beck. We are all about collaboration, but Beck takes that to a new level with every single song of his covered by different bands such as Jack White, Jack Black, Norah Jones, Tweedy, and more.
8. Sonic Highways- Foo Fighters. Need something to head bang to? Look no further than this album. We earned some cred by picking this up at a Grand Rapids guitar center.
9. Reconciliation and the Mystical Beyonda- Seth Bernard. We love Harvest Fest, and we love the man (and new father!) that started it. This album is a fantastic one to listen to everywhere.
10. Are We There- Sharon Van Etten. Another hero of ours, we were excited to find out that she recorded this album in the same studio that we are currently recording our upcoming albums in! Crazy small world.
1. Sturgill Simpson- “Metamodern Sounds” Old school country at its best. Must see show at the intersection.
2. St. Vincent- ” St. Vincent” Hope she comes back to Meijer Gardens.
3. Sharon Van Etten- ” Are We There”
4. Hurray For the Riff Raff- “Small town heroes”
5. Angel Olsen- “Burn your fire for no witness”
6. Alt J- ” This is all yours”
7.Jenny Lewis- ” the voyager”
8. Old crow medicine show- ” Remedy”
9. First Aid Kit- ” Stay Gold”
10. Nickel Creek- ” A dotted Line”
Also on my list would be Jack White, Lucinda Williams, Tweedy, And Lake Street Dive. All great new music. Hoping for a great 2015 in new music releases!
Umphreys McGee- Similar Skin
Sturgil Simpson- Metamoderrn Sounds In Country Music
Lake Street Dive- Bad Self Portraits
String Cheese Incident- Song In My Head
Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood- Juice
Greensky Bluegrass- If Sorrows Swim
Medeski Martin Wood & Cline- Woodstock Sessions Volume 2
Kyle Hollingsworth- Speed Of Life
Drive By Truckers- English Oceans
Chris Robinson Brotherhood – Phosphorescent Harves
Bahamas -Bahama is Alfie
Jackson Browne–Standing in the Breach
Mary J Blige-The London Sessions
U2-Songs of Innocence
Stars-No one is Lost
Sturgil Simpson-Metamodern Sounds in Country( seems to be a theme here)
Benjamin Booker-Benjamin Booker
Jack Black- Lazaretto
The Black Keys-Turn Blue
Phox-Phox
Radiator Hospital – Torch Song
Real Estate – Atlas
Mac DeMarco – Salad Days
Solids – Blame Confusion
Jenny Lewis – The Voyager
J Mascis – Tied to a Star
the Soil & the Sun – Meridian
The Pains of Being Pure At Heart – Days of Abandon
Modern Baseball – You’re Gonna Miss It All
EPs:
All Dogs – All Dogs EP
Beach Slang – Who Would Ever Want Anything So Broken?
Diarrhea Planet – Aliens in the Outfield
I looked this up to see what was released – which begs the question: Did no one release a Jazz or Symphonic album this year? Trendy popsters every one of ya! 🙂 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2014_albums
I heard that Holland was still building the old police station so it was temporarily in the BASEMENT of the Civic Center when this concert happened. Was it really? Or is that just a rumor?
While I spent a good portion of my 2014 figuring out how I was going to write about each of my 815 records in my collection, a few gems from the year caught my ear. These are my top 10 records of 2014 (in no particular order).
1. Planning For Burial – “Desideratum.” A good way to describe this record would be atmospheric black metal, if there is such a thing. Chill, but with a forboading aggression that layers the entire record. (The Flenser)
2. Old Man Gloom – “The Ape of God.” I didn’t think I would see another record from Old Man Gloom, but they surprised me with one of the heaviest records of the year. (Profound Lore)
3. Pharmakon – “Bestial Burden.” Margret Chardiet made my 2013 year end list with her debut LP, “Abandon.” She doesn’t make music for the faint of heart. This is music for your nightmares, or to drive that terrible roommate out. (Sacred Bones Records)
4. Institute – “Salt” EP. Hailing from NYC, these gents make music that is quintessentially New York. This ep brings to mind early Voidoid and Television records, while also creating a path all it’s own. (Sacred Bones Records)
5. Chain and the Gang – “Minimum Rock N Roll.” I put a show on for Chain and the Gang over the Summer, and it was great! If you were there you know where i’m coming from. Ian Svenonius in the past has fronted the bands, The Make Up, The Nation of Ulysses, and Chain and the Gang picks up right where those bands left off. (Dischord)
6. Swans – “To Be Kind.” The mighty Swans. All hail. (Young God Records)
7. Ryan Adams – “Ryan Adams.” This is Ryan Adams’ best work since his solo debut, “Heartbreaker.” Every song on this record is indispensable. (Pax Am)
8. Creepoid – “Creepoid.” Brothers and Sister in arms. The shoegaze-stoner-punks follow up their self-titled debut with a collection of ambitious, and mesmerizing rock songs. (No Idea Records)
9. Shellac – “Dude Incredible.” It has been 7 years since the last Shellac record, and it has been worth the wait. Again, like the mighty Swans, All hail. (Touch & Go Records)
10. A Pregnant Light – “My Game Doesn’t Have A Name.” Damien Masters returns with his “purple” metal project, and the results are fantastic. His finest moment under this moniker. (Colloquial Sound Recordings)
Thanks Josh! You’re tied for #92 in WYCE’s top 100 this week, as has often the case since the release of Old Laminate 🙂 You’ve Made It; we’ve Played It. http://www.grcmc.org/wyce/charts
I’ve only been attending the Jammies for the last eight years but one of my memories is the year they were held at Wealthy Theatre during a blizzard! More than a few bands couldn’t make the show and there was a lot of scrambling to keep the music going.
Performance wise, Afro Zuma was definitely outstanding last year. Looking forward to another awesome night of homegrown music at the highest level.
I don’t see that there’s a problem with collaboration (producers, artists, etc …). Where I take issue is when many of these collaborations add absolutely nothing new to the mix; no effort, no creativity. They are just cheap shots at publicity. (I can’t imagine the Paul McCartney of 1985 even considering a mash-up with Kanye West and Rihanna. But – there he was at the Grammy’s – Sir Paul McCartney in the background of a poorly executed performance.) The Jammies reflect all that’s good about collaboration and support. One of the things I’ve most appreciated about the Jammies is that the audience comes to listen to ALL of the music; fans of bluegrass listen (and dance) to Americana, folk fans loudly applaud good ol’ rock-n-roll. It’s a GRAND celebration of music and the relationship between fans and artists.
“Microphone-like” – Freud would have a field day (Holy Marconi – I hope you know I have a sense of humor)…. It was the best of times and it was the worst of times…. Every articles says – it was the best yet… They’ve all been good – if you’ve been there and reveled in the moment… Otherwise… Yeah, it was a hoot!
Best Jammies Ever!! Of course I say that every year:).All the sets were amazing, first time seeing The Accidentals and Jesse Ray who both killed it in the Stache………
What an incredible show! Just to be clear, SWANS tour manager said they blow fuses often, thus it wasn’t a rare occasion. I was proud of our little engine last night!
Loved the Seth Bernard and May Erlewine video with Seth’s dad and the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital patients and staff. What a very cool story and awesome entertainment moment for those on hand. Kudos to Seth and May.
Thanks for posting this. I was backstage with Dr John and Lou…he really was shooting up…and drinking Johnny Walker right out of the bottle. We literally carryed him up to the stage. One of the highlights of my brief gvsc career. I was the first on air jock at WSRX..that’s how I got to be backstagee.
Somewhat-interesting trivia – two West Michigan band now on radio stations across the U.S. once played the same WO-Stock event” Willamena, and Pop Evil.
Considerations: the average age of attendees, who bring their own chairs, the fact it is on a hill, there’s minimum shade, sun will be in musicians eyes, available parking nearby.
I do enjoy the jazz series and look forward to it every year, regardless of the location
Terrible concert by Heart. This show was a over-amplified duet by a mediocre bass guitar player and drummer. The Wilson sisters were basically backup noise, screeching to be heard over the train-wreck of a sound system. The light show was enough to induce seizures. My wife and I walked out after about six songs.
Fortunately, Joan Jett was still pretty good, for a 50 something punk 😉
Heart was actually awesome — it was the mixing that could have been better.
Luckily I was near the front right in front of Ann Wilson so I could actually hear her vocals — which were as impressive as I’ve ever heard live, especially considering (but not because) she is in her mid 60s. I think what I walked away from the show with is a firm belief that Ann Wilson is the best rock vocalist currently active, male or female. And “Alone” was phenomenal thought I would have preferred it to be plugged in like the original.
Joan Jett was really good too, though admittedly I’ve always felt like her songs were more novelty than serious rock. Hard rock and metal usually has some dark mystery (like Barracuda, Magic Man, etc) whereas Jett’s music is either cliche’ (I Love Rock and Roll) or remake (Crimson and Clover).
In spite of the sound mix, this was a great rock show and Heart rocked as hard as I’ve ever heard them, crossing the metal barrier a number of times. This wasn’t a show I was real excited about initially (I was somewhat dragged to the show by my girlfriend) but I came away a much bigger Heart fan than I’ve ever been.
Great concert. Whoever handles the audio should be redirected to cleaning stalls at the local bus station. Murky, muddy, overpowering bass/drums etc. Heart couldn’t have been better and hasn’t seemed to have lost anything over the years, just wished I could have heard all that was going on. Not as familiar with Jett but it was a power driven performance. From the get go you could tell that these were two bands that had earned their chops a long time ago and hadn’t lost a thing.
The main mikes were terrible. Could barely hear Ann. Really enjoyed Alone when I could hear her really sing. She still sounds great! The encore was disappointing. 2 Plant songs when there were more Heart songs to be played. Would love to see them in an unplugged setting.
Great Review, the sound mix for Heart was horrible??!?! The Vocals were so low you could barely make them out half the time. Nancy was almost inaudible. We were at the same show?
I did mention that Ann’s vocals were under-mixed, though I also should point out that some of that can depend on where you’re sitting in the arena. And I certainly agree wholeheartedly about Jett. She still brings it.
Agree with everyone’s comments. The sound was terrible, fortunately you could hear bits and pieces where you could tell it was not the talent of Ann and Nancy that was lacking just the skills of who was running the sound.
The fans and Heart deserve better. Maybe they can look for a new mixer with their time off!
Sorry to hear the sound was bad at concert. Concert was awesome! Saw concert at The Palace & it is me & my husband’s first time seeing Heart. We were like a kid on Christmas day! We just LOVE them! Beautiful & Talented Women!! Forever Fans of Heart!!!
I was an early follower of Steppin’ In It, introduced by my kids when they knew a few members. Joshua has taken his music to a whole new level…he’s fabulous! Good luck to him in this opportunity to show how much he can bring to the music world! Btw…my kids are now residents of TC…. His home town?
Naomi: No, TC isn’t his hometown. He moved there a few years back ( I want to say 2?). He is originally from Metro-Detroit, with a splash of Yoop, and I know he spent a lot of years around Lansing too.
Very cool that they are spending the money that it takes to pay the broadcast company to have a public screening of this. It ain’t cheap – so kudos to them
A lot of redundancy here relative to past years but, hell, who doesn’t love Steve Miller or the Doobies. A Farnerless Grand Funk? No. Styx? God, no. Diana? Absolutely if only to see her rail at the blabbermouths. Her new album is wonderful but it’s q-u-i-e-t. Lot of acts coasting on their laurals i.e. Haitt, Harry, Jr., Franti, McCoury. Vince Gill? Should be very interesting. Trombone Shorty too. I wondered about Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga as a possibility. I guess I was half right. He will be the first tickets I buy. The missus and I toyed with not renewing our membership but did so just the other day.
My favorite local band is Billy Strings and Don Julin. I have seen them about 18 times in as many months since first seeing them at Wheatland 2013. They are absolutely amazing! I also really love the Accidentals right now.. they have so much talent for such young people and I think they are only going to get better and better. They put on a great live show! Thirdly, Mark Lavengood’s Bluegrass Bonanza put out a great album and put on some amazing shows last year.. everyone involved is so talented and Mark is such a great ambassador for Michigan music.
My three favorite Michigan groups are Greensky Bluegrass, UV Hippo, and Billy Strings & Don Julin. I picked these groups because they all put on great live shows.
The Eric Engblade Trio, Hannah Graves and Justin Wierenga, and the Rag Birds are my recommendations. Why? Eric has had a couple of different configurations as far as bands go, but his music and the show he and his band mates put on is always excellent. I love Hannah’s bluesy voice along with Jason’s talented guitar playing. The Rag Birds are a perennial favorite, but a band I haven’t had a chance to hear in a while..
We seriously brainstormed a radio hour on Friday mornings where we have in studio antics involving a live squirrel roaming in the studio, Kole being covered in peanut butter and nuts, running on a record, etc. brainchild of us loitering in WYCE’s parking lot.
“If anything, this week’s competition proved that a lot of it comes down to song selection: a questionable song choice by the judges — involving a tune with which few were familiar — almost cost Davis a shot at the next round.” Thanks for making that observation, John.
We weren’t sure what Levine was thinking either. It seemed an odd thing to do if he’s trying to keep in the “game.” Fortunately, Joshua didn’t “back down” and his talent and professionalism clearly outshone that of the other remaining performers.
Music is love – its at its best when shared.
Thank you for sharing Sink. http://www.localspins.com is the bomb and it’s blowing up.
Devin and the Dead Frets is my pick because at their shows it’s like Bob Steger said “every ounce of energy, you try to give away” with these guys.
You didn’t mention the Wilson Brothers, Andy and Joe, in the article’s paragraph about the homecoming concert at the State! They are such an integral part of the band!
This is a really terrific article on Joshua Davis. You have captured the importance of the entire Voice experience for Joshua and what he has to look forward to from his tremendous efforts as a singer songwriter. Thanks
Nice article, Jordan. It should be noted too, that WMJS members receive FREE handicap accessible parking for the entire summer concert series. I am excited for the Jazz in the Park summer concert series. I can see the crowds increasing every time too.
Loved this review . . . partly because it is so real and partly because it was from an unexpected source. I tire of jazz that is not ‘jazz’… as described in this review. I hear a lot of jazz and solos and musicians and most of the real ‘jazzers’ are trying to find a way to keep working and try to hard to please a public that is mostly grooved in to other kinds of music. BUT, I heard a group out of Detroit that played in Leland in the winter. I was there to photograph and didn’t expect much . . . but they did more real jazz than I’d heard in a long long time. The audience was enraptured by it. This was not a ‘jazz audience’… but a group of folks looking for some place to go mid winter in a closed down summer vacation town. The kicker however, is that the next day they played again at a hotel nearby and served up competent but far less interesting ‘smooth jazz/ R & B. I wanted the guys who played the night before to show up. sigh… Jazz is a tough world. You often play to an empty house.. unless you are Wynton or one of the other well known folks… and even then, you rarely get to do your real stuff. 🙂 Anyway, thanks for the review.
The greatest thing about the group, is their approach to greeting the fans in a totally accessible way, especially to the kids. They come right down to their level and talk to them and show a genuine interest. They have ignited a spark in our youth to appreciate not only their indie style but enjoy the classically trained musicians that they all are.
We are delighted to pay a cover charge if we want to go hear a particular act. But the venue needs to start charging at the door. I guess if there is no cover charge, we should be laying some money on the stage for the musicians…which we are happy to do.
Here are some reader comments posted recently on Facebook where this column was shared.
Barry Bazza Crawford: “Live and recorded music has been devalued right out of sight for local bands in every city. The mindset that’s been with us for generations is that an out-of-
town band must be better than what we have. Switching towns is called “touring.”
Steve Middendorp: “Support local music (by) going to shows, buying CDs, etc. Grand Rapids has an amazing local music scene, and Michigan as a whole.”
Casey DeMink: “Great article, really great to see someone point out the issues us working musicians come across.”
More musicians should recognize poor fiscal arrangements and walk away MUCH sooner than the band mentioned in this article did.
Musicians/bands are not commodities: that is, they actually ARE NOT interchangeable. Venues tend to pretend that they are commodities, but their customers—aka the musicians’ audiences—know the difference.
Acknowledging that musicians can find plenty of opportunities to play for free, in the spirit of Labor Day musicians everywhere should recognize financially inequitable scenarios and stop participating in them. Perhaps tip jars in their rehearsal spaces would earn more funds than accepting the questionable bookkeeping techniques of cheapskate venues?
I have been fortunate to have made a meager living being a musician. During a 10+ year span, it is all I did. However, no matter how much I made, anywhere from $250 a week to $2,500 a week, it took a lot of effort, working connections and developing relationships to keep it going.
I decided after those 10+ years I wanted a home and family, and became a part time weekend warrior, and began a career in management..Today I am in a position where I perform for my own satisfaction and contribute to the control of what venues we accept. We negotiate our performance fee, and we have a minimum, or we won’t play. It’s worked out for our band, we do have a fan following that supports us and we really appreciate them. And, it becomes a mutually beneficial arrangement between us and the venue.
I’ve been performing since I was eight years old, these past 50 plus years have been most rewarding.
I support my musician friends as much as I can.
Get out there, listen to the music and support our community.
I have been playing the West Michigan club scene actively since 1975. The cost of everything in those clubs has doubled or tripled in some cases over that time frame but band compensation in many cases has not changed. It’s art and when people want to share there, art the compensation becomes secondary. That’s a very exploited and unfortunate circumstance working musicians find themselves in. True working musicians that have been here all along battle with this simple truth every day. When some retirees deside to ” put the proverbial band back together ” and go out and muck up the compensation equation for the rest of us who are not collecting pensions and are struggling to make a living here that doesn’t help. A rising tide raises all boats. Treat your art as a business. Create the best product you can and sell it for a fair wage. Stop giving the milk away if your trying to sell the cow. My two cents.
Joshua Davis is fantastic. There is another finalist from The Voice (a few years back) who is also a Michigan native: Tony Lucca (w/ band) will be playing the Talsma series at Rosa Parks Circle on Thursday October 8th.
Wow! I’m dizzy just reading about all the music and venues… and don’t forget another new one: The Harris Building. They are having music most nights during ArtPrize, too, and I am leading the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra there on two of those nights: Oct 3 and Oct 9. Lots of LIVE MUSIC in GR!!
I suggest you check out Jason Elmore from Dallas Texas. I saw him at the Silver City Blues Festival when I lived in NM. He tore up the place. He has many videos on You Tube, several albums, a web site, his band is the Hoo Doo Witch and they also have a web page. I hope you are pleased with this performer.
The Eddy has such potential and so much invested in it. Perhaps they need to invest in Marketing and Advertising. Heck, the bar down the road had NO idea what was going on. People in line waiting to enter The Eddy were asking what The Eddy was. Saturday should have been as sold out show and even though I know what The Eddy is, I am still having to look here and there to find out what bands are playing when. It’s just a little frustrating cuz I want more of this to come to my hometown. And this was not marketed to succeed. 🙁
Whoa! This time Josh used too much hair color! I miss before-the-Voice-Josh. He was a genuine musician, nowadays there’s hardly anything authentic about him: he conceals his bald patches, relies slightly too much on hair color and make up, wears skinny jeans (those jeans don’t really work when you are neither young nor skinny!), and covers Sting and the Beatles. Don’t get me wrong, I really like Josh –been a fan since Steppin in it. I just wish he’d focus more on his music than on catering to teenage girls (which at his age is kind of creepy): folk fans really miss you Josh, don’t forget about us!
Event information was hard to find. The lack of promotion did not help either.
Great idea, I’d like to see it happen next year, different time of year would be good. 3 or 4 day event similar to Rock the Rapids.
I am a production manager for Porterhouse and wanted to chime in and share our work. I canceled the band on Tuesday in a short email but was not trying to be unprofessional. The team was in the trenches trying to sustain and support all the artists best options for a show and due to very low weekday traffic we had to let artists know last minute that it was not working. We spent many hours supporting them, marketing and booking local talent and it is not fun to cancel. It was the first show Porterhouse canceled in 17 years supporting the arts. Sam and crew are amazing people and work so hard to make the best of any challenge like we faced. I watched us dig deep in our resources to support over 200 artists for this event and we felt strong purpose in activating an unused green space driving ideas for future cultural and economic opportunities for the Grand Rapids arts community. This should be celebrated and all come down and dance with us for Charles Bradley and Sierra Leone one of my favorite African based reggae world beats bands on the planet with an amazing story. Anyways, below is some of the email I sent to the band referred in this email and felt it was worth sharing.
–,
I saw you quote in Local Spin and wanted to again apologize as we were honestly looking out for the artists and your best interest since we had literally no one that day for lunch or the two days prior and that was why we cancelled at 4PM as we waited till the last minute. Please come to any show this weekend as our guests and Sam wants to extend this to the entire band as he really cares about all relations and this event kicked our ass. We bleed for the arts and really appreciate your time and support to help us attempt this arts experiment. It is never perfect and we made mistakes trying to communicate to many. We were buried that day in making tough decisions to cancel our main headliners so we can continue supporting thousands of artists annually all over MI. We appreciate it. Cheers, Johnnie
I think with some better promoting, this could have been a huge hit. Everyone I have talked to thought the tent was just set up for the Avett Brothers. Hanging informational posters (with times, website, etc) in different music/ High traffic venues could have helped. I saw the Eddy poster with all of the bands on it, but was confused as to if it was just a one day thing or what. It’s a bummer all these acts had to be cancelled. But, Billy Strings & Mark Lavengood rocked the Speak-EZ 🙂
I really think the promotion was a huge issue. Looking up information about this venue and its events was too difficult. I haven’t personally had any information about this show in my facebook feed…until now. I knew it existed, but didn’t search out the information and it wasn’t thrown in my face like so many of the other downtown events. People can’t attend what they don’t know about. Make this a more user friendly event and the draw will be a lot better. Create a facebook event. Invite EVERYONE. The Eddy needs a brand. It has to be treated as a destination for the public and it has to be easy for them to figure it out. Get the social media campaigns going. Be clear and concise. Make sure everyone knows where and what is going on! I’d love to see this work next year and really think with a few tweaks and more social media marketing, it could be a huge success!
Nice article Sink, about the 6 Pak..Great group of gals..We knew them back in the day when we were performing at the same era. Glad to see them having so much fun..
Johnny new my grandfather who was a musician as well and the rest of my family. Does he play at all locally anymore? I know my family would love to see him!
Kinda sad as they’re great together. I first saw Billy Strings at the Charlotte MI Bluegrass festival 2 years ago—at that time, he was just beginning to “branch” out from TC area. Look at how far he’s come since then! With his move to Nashville, guess I’ll really be able to say “I knew him when….!”. He’s going to go far, for sure.
thanx for this, Brian \ truly sad i won’t be able to attend the Park Theatre memorial \ Eric [EP] was a good buddy, fellow fan, & a joyous ‘chorister’ who will be sorely missed \ glad to see all the people involved and caring __much love, jke__
p.s. bern one down for us all @ the blindsiders’ reunion!
Wow! Consistently blown away by the photos captured by Anthony Norkus. That guy has an incredible talent for lighting, composition and capturing the core essence of a time and place. He needs his own feature!
[…] “Very exciting to have been asked to participate in this amazing cause. Musicians need relief now,” said Vander Ark, of East Grand Rapids, frontman for alt-rock’s The Verve Pipe. “My 30-minute performance will include some new material and aSource… […]
[…] opening for Michigander on Thursday for the Listening Room’s “Listening Lawn” series in Grand Rapids – a show hosted by Michigan House – Lipstick Jodi plays the “WYCE @ […]
[…] In addition to WYCE’s slate of awards, Local Spins presented its emerging artist of the year to Allegan County-bred Americana singer-guitarist Myron Elkins, just before his set on the main stage. (Read more about Elkins in a Local Spins interview here.) […]
[…] And check out a full recap, photo gallery and winning videos from Saturday’s Michigan Music Video Awards at Marshall’s Franke Center for the Arts at Local Spins here. […]
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A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Lao-tzu
Although this is the popular form of this quotation, a more correct translation from the original Chinese would be “The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one’s feet.” Rather than emphasizing the first step, Lau Tzu regarded action as something that arises naturally from stillness. Another potential phrasing would be “Even the longest journey must begin where you stand.
Much success to you, my friend! You can count on my support, out of gratitude for all you have done and will continue to do for my beloved West Michigan music scene!
Thanks again for all the back pats and warm wishes from so many of you as word has gotten out. It may be a cliche, but everything happens for a reason and I’m looking ahead with optimism to 2012. I’m hoping many of you who check out this blog will subscribe for email updates and check back in regularly. Thanks!
John,
You will be missed by me personally and all of us here at The Intersection. I know we will work together many more times, and I look forward to where this new chapter in your life takes the local music scene. Please know that your footprint on the music scene in Grand Rapids does not go unnoticed by those of us in the industry who bust our butts to bring that same good music to the area. You are the one that gets the word out to all the good people around GR and for that I truly appreciate all your hard work. And in this digital age, like you mentioned, please let us all not forget there is a face behind the keyboard and that face is someone like John….someone who actually takes the time to go out and see the band’s meet the people and write the words…
A most groovy Web site Sink. Looks to me like a promising new venture and venue for your gifts. Very nice send-off column in The Press today too. Although I was looking for the comment from the AC/DC fanaticker in the Netherlands who told you to go back to “your loser apartment with your gay Honeytones!” Now that one hurt.
Carry on my friend. It’s a long and winding road, and you’ve just taken a very interesting turn!
Charley
You are awesome John. Best wishes in the next phase. LAS
Holy ** 31 years? Thanks for your reviews and “go have fun”!
Thanks for reminding me about these guys. Its a Shame About Ray was released when I was in high school and I’ve always loved the song but haven’t bought the album for my collection, yet. I will have to go out and get it soon.
Lots of people are excited about this!
Is this video supposed to be funny? Because if it is, they succeeded!
Oh joy. The Obamathon comes early to Michigan. Vote For Change Three. Ooops! Can’t call it that. Nevermind.
Arguably cheesy populist sentiment notwithstanding, the new Springsteen single picks up where “Queen of The Supermarket” left off. It’s awful. His voice buried amidst Radiohead-like twitters’n’bleeps is just weird. I LIKE to hear new music when I go to shows, if it’s any good. I’ve seen Bruce perform Born To Run enough to last multiple-lifetimes so I’m going to save my shekels for the plethora of other shows you mention.
Take it or leave it, for some artists, political expression is just part of the package. One powerful example: Roger Waters’ “The Wall.”
There’s expression like Water’s “Wall” which I’ve seen on pro-shot video and is absolutely incredible (can’t wait for the real deal) and then there is lecturing, preaching and full-blown advocacy which is what Springsteen has passed off as art for the last 6-8 years. Given the choice between paying $110 a head (all in) to be berated or twice that to be stunned, ala Waters, I’ll opt for the latter.
My first Bruce show pre-dates BTR and my last was “The Rising.” I never missed a tour in between and, politics not withstanding, I’d likely still go if the new music he was making was worth the time and expense.
I have a theory, borne out by numerous artists, that as their political activism increases their artistic relevance suffers in direct proportion. Examples: John Mellencamp, Jackson Browne, Tom Morello (I KNOW Rage’ was an ardent leftist band but they roared, Morello bores), CSN (last gasp, ’79) and Melissa Etheridge.
Hey R, you are so full of S*!T. Roger Water’s show is so any establishment, government, etc…., and you are paying $200+ for a tickets. The only political Statement Bruce makes is about giving to local food banks. He occasional you don’t win unless we all win. Oh the horror. But I for one am glad you will not be there
sorry, anti-establishment
I never said the Waters show wasn’t, any(sp) establishment, Shawn. If you’ve seen it then you know he tackles all manner of totalitarianism along with a healthy dose of organized religion (the root of all war IMHO). All of it presented in a stunning fashion which leaves the audience pondering a wide array of points of view. That’s real art. On the other hand, Bruce WAS what you describe until 2004 when he became another leftist shill with Vote For Change and continued to do so with his personal appearances for first Kerry and later Obama. Now he’s as artistically relevant as Janine Garafalo as borne out first by much of the ‘Magic’ album ALL of ‘Working On A Dream’ and likewise the forthcoming “Wrecking Ball” if the lead-off single is indicative. The more activist he has become the more his music has suffered. To his credit Bruce still donates $10K a night to the local food bank for whatever town he plays in. That’s about 5% of his guarantee.
It could also be noted that Santos Party House, where Stepdad is playing one of their first Black Bell shows, is co-owned by Andrew WK, himself a Michigander.
A fascinating Michigan link, indeed.
John, Thanks for posting the link to the new OK GO video. I still can’t wipe the smile off my face.
I love it! Thanks for sharing!
The actual indian music qualities are usually noticeable comparing the idea along with traditional western tunes. Both in your devices you’ll find some crucial differences : the particular indian songs is founded on …buy backlinks
The Decemberist 🙂
It’s one of my absolute favorite songs of the year; my band even does its own version of it with a saxophone replacing the harmonica.
John, Great site!. What I treat to find you still doing what you have always done…the Garrett Borns article, and video is super!
Jim
Nice crop of folk nominees. Here’s a vote for Steve Earle, who continues to write passionate and memorable tunes about the work of love, whether in a relationship or a prison cell. A true American original, and a survivor for sure.
Interesting thoughts John. You say the Bon Iver record has little chance of taking the award, as they were only nominated him to “give an indie guy some love”. Thing is, I’m guessing it will go to Vernen, in just the same way Arcade Fire took a few awards last year, just for the sake of the Grammy’s regaining some so-called “credibility”. P.S. I’m not a Bon Iver fan.
Adele will and should win both record and album of the year. An outstanding job by an amazingly talented singer and songwriter!
Awesome right up for the Grammys.
That’s write up
Let it not be said that the Grammys don’t have socially redeeming value. Thanks to them (and the kudos of Mr. Sinkevics here) I am currently listening to Civil Wars and enjoying them very much, thank you. Lovely stuff.
So John, have you weighed in on the new Foos? Is it indeed an instant classic? Or merely louder than anything they’ve ever played?
I’ve been listening to The Civil Wars again myself this morning. And yes, this is the Foos best album in many years. Aggressive, with a couple of standout tracks to be sure.
Garrett and the band were awesome for all four shows at our venue (Seven Steps Up) last weekend. We’ll be hard pressed (I think) to book anyone in the future that can sell out four shows in two days.
He just posted a video of “Off My Mind” on his FB page from one of the shows. Check it out on his FB page: https://www.facebook.com/garrettborns
We think Garrett is someone of whom we will be saying someday, “Yeah, man, I got to see him once from 20 feet away in a little place in Spring Lake.”
Congratulations to my husband, John, on this Legacy Award honor. He loved his job writing about West Michigan music so much that he reprised it here on localspins.com.
John, Congrats on your award! Richly deserved. Keep on writing because I really enjoy your articles and blogs and they expose me to so many different bands and singers that I might otherwise miss.
and Nicole LaRae!
Yes, so sorry to have forgotten to mention Nicole. I’ve now amended the post to include her, and I should also acknowledge all the volunteers and programmers and sound folks who spend so much time making this all happen. Nicely done.
ok, thanks, feel free to delete my thing now. thanks for the coverage!
Nice! Wish I could make it to the show. I hope you have a great turn out.
Johnny, i agree with the AC/DC decible range generated by these gents, but i once had to sit 10 feet away from a Pat Traverse Marshall!!! Needless to say that i was literally in a fog for a couple hours after his show. It was almost like riding a 1973 Kawasaki 350 for 5 straight hours then just jumping off the bike…. i couldn’t feel my feet or the top of my head!!
Also… you forgot one very important show this weekend. It’s at Billy’s. Come down to see the HAdden Sayers Band. Trust me on this. One of the most talented singer, songwriter and guitarist that nobody’s ever hear of!!!! He’s not the big string bender like a lot of the young white boys are but he’s from that Texas tradition of , lets say Ian Moore….. or maybe a Mark Selby. He’s also nominated for blues song of the year also.
Ask Ruthie Foster what she thinks of him…. better yet, ask Lucky Peterson.
m.
Yup, actually mentioned the Hadden Sayers show at Billy’s in an earlier post: Part of the always-intriguing Cabin Fever Blues Series sponsored by the West Michigan Blues Society.
John,
You are a great asset to GR music, I wish I would have found you earlier.
The Who 1975 Pontiac Silverdome. Stood in the 10th row and can still feel Entwistle’s bass reverberating in my chest.
A close second was Kiss at the old Michigan Palace in the “D”. My ears suffered permanent damage at that rowdy affair.
I know at one point the NY metal band Manowar claimed to be the loudest band ever (this Wikipedia page says they hit 139 dB in ’08: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loudest_band_in_the_world)
Whether that’s true, I’m not sure. But Manowar is one of the worst, cheesiest bands ever:
http://youtu.be/6Rl-pl4uMXU
They don’t wear loincloths anymore because they’re getting a little long in the tooth…
I recall a Spin magazine article in the ’90s stating that Megadeth and Dinosaur Jr routinely hit 120 dB at live shows. Perhaps not coincidentally, both are among my all-time favorite bands.
The loudest bands I’ve ever seen were Slayer (specifically, in 1990) and The Rollins Band. Pretty sure both contributed to the permanent ringing I have in my ears now. Not a joke…
It is an absolute honor to be a part of this competition, this band, and metal music in general! Thank you for the kind words and the awesome video! Thank you to John Serba and 101.3 The Fox for hosting this event along with The Intersection and Moshpit Nation! Thanks to all of our fans and even those who didn’t come to see us and voted for us! Much metal love \m/\m/
Thanks for props for my little bro!
Kim
My fave Beatle! Was just reading about how Clapton wrote Layla and stole George’s wife.
Nice song. Pretty vocals. Jeffery is such a great violinist. It’s a treat to have these guys based in Grand Rapids
holy crapatoli this is going to be a great show! i agree with the above sentiments, GR is lucky to have such great bands BASED right here in GR!
Congrats to all the stellar bands on the list!
My wife saw the Monkees in concert in Battle Creek back sometime in the 1960s…. Davy Jones was her favorite. – She still has an autographed pennant from the band.
All great music with a touch of charm and elegance to wrap it up wity Flashing Blue Lights and their fresh sound….
nice !
great vibe – strong vocals…………….
Okay, I’m inclined to think there is potential here, but delivery needs considerably more polish…
Okay, there is potential here, but begs considerably more polish ,i.e.; Increase guitar volumes and soften the sharpness of the voice and percussion especially. With those adjustments, this band could be very remarkable and far more enjoyable to the listener …
In a small space like that, it’s impossible to adjust the volume of the snare. It carries above the rest because that’s what it’s designed to do. They did try to help the listener out by only using a snare, instead of a whole kit. And though they appear to be mic’ed, I’d venture to say that audio system feeds into on-air radio, and not into the camera that was used to shoot this video. What you’re probably hearing is the natural volume of the guitars and the vocals, without being boosted by the microphones.
I thought their performance was very good! It’s difficult to perform live without a monitor. Kudos, Kari Lynch Band.
PS. I love that guitar part in the beginning. Killer.
Actually, the drummer used a cajon (drum box) in the studio. Sometimes we can put one of the mics directly on a guitar, depending on how many musicians we have in the studio. With four of them, there just weren’t enough mics to go around! But I do think they sounded terrific and it’s a fine acoustic rendition of a catchy tune.
I guess I’ve got to be more selective in my wording on comments. I agree the group did a very good job over-all as I noted their positive potential, I sure did enjoy the acoustic guitar music, though to me it was way too soft on volume.. I was simply trying to express the truth about what I heard. If the studio is a tough location to produce and listen to live music, then I’m wondering why some necessary improvements haven’t been done at the studio to reduce the sound challenge for quality of music done live there. I think we all want these live performers to have the best chance possible to sound great not just to you in the studio, but to everyone who makes the effort to listen to your live music Spin Show. I’m hoping something can be done to overcome the substandard quality challenge so that excuses wouldn’t be necessary to explain away any deficiencies.. You have a great presence, John and we applaud you for making the local music scene a spot light location here in Grand Rapids for all local G.R. entertainers to be show-cased. Hopefully with some tweaks, we all will be able to shout HURRAY for the John Sinkevics Local music Spin Show- He cares and does an outstanding job of providing excellence for all the performers and listeners alike…
John, Thanks for the news and updates. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to take in a few more shows at Meijer Gardens this summer.
Tin roof. Rusted.
HURRAY for the John Sinkevics Local music Spin Show- He cares and does an outstanding job of providing excellence for all the performers and listeners alike. The Conklin Ceili Band: ‘Local Spins Live’ Artist of the Week sounded great. Thanks John for the attention to excellence and doing what needed to be done to achieve it. On behalf of all your Spin show performers and listeners, thank you! It’s easy to see why we all think you’re the BEST!!!
Thanks for the kind words. Up this week: the up-and-coming folk-rock of The Northern Skies (who also will play the Local Spins Live show with Kelsey Rottiers on Saturday night March 24 at One Trick Pony, so c’mon down).
Can’t wait to celebrate with this year’s Grand Marshal – CCB reels! aka “rocks”
I have loved – LOVED – The Black Keys ever since the first moment they hit my ears. We have a group of hoopers and a lot of us absolutely LOVE to hoop to their rhythm. It’s dripping with raw sexuality and the beats are incredible. Their music is a driving force that moves my soul on so many levels. I am always saying “they are my Led Zeppelin” (I was sooooo pissed I couldn’t find my Led Zeppelin shirt for the show, as I, too wanted to show that connection and pay my respects) – this is our very own panty dropping blues rock, baby – and I hope they never stop!!
Although I have never had the opportunity to see them in a more intimate setting (and, am dying to), the show was still absolutely fabulous. It’s amazing to see them come so far!!
Keep on rockin, boys!!
everyone following the local music scene is appreciative of your beat! The place to get the local scoop,
Very nice. Don’t you just love the toe-tapping stuff!!!
Absolutely. Toe. Tapping.
John – Thanks for the “shout out” about our Pat McGee shows this weekend. Hope you enjoyed The Trace concert Sunday here at Seven Steps Up.
We had a few GR fans here this weekend and we keep spreading the word that we’re only 30minutes away from Grand Rapids.
Anyway, Pat McGee and Patrick McAloon will be a great shows. Let us know if you’d like one or two of our media seats.
Thanks again,
Gary Hanks
Run Amok Promotions
Seven Steps Up
Spring Lake, MI.
Absolutely fantastic interview John, I enjoyed it all completely and especially appreciated the friendly atmosphere; Nicely done. The music video gave me a desire to hear more. Nice stuff, this was a blast!
“The wind and wild birds sing their own song” and I tap my toe as Drew moves along with invigorating cadence that sets the mood and delight of Drew Nelsons flight through music that comes alive right before our very eyes. It was a Fantastic live duet;
Drew ad his guitar. I loved it!
Could you post a jazz track by this Tim Bowman guy instead of the pop song you posted? Thanks!
The Gordon Thayer Band will be playing legendary country and rock hits at The Vestal this Saturday. The have been around for a while and are extremely talented! Free show.
Smooth, mellow and really beautiful with spirit. How can anyone not like this?
Lively and lovely bluegrass beauty, very classic style. only thing missing was the vocal “twang,” but I liked it that way… Nicely done Lynn…
Awesome! Someday…
What about the upcoming PHIL MARKOWITZ concert @ Ottawa Tavern FRIDAY April 26th …!!!!
…oh wait, that’s not this week 😉
http://www.philmarkowitzjazz.com/
First concert I ever went to as a teen, was Eric Burdon and The Animals, LIVE at the Amarillo Colliseum (1968 or 69?). My date didn’t seem that enthused, maybe because she got ignored as I was mesmerized by Burdon’s stage presence. I think the tickets were about $6 back then. Great to see that he’s still rockin’ out.
And I forgot: There’s also the Chilly Blues Fest in Grand Haven on Saturday evening.
Excellent interview Pete always has good interviews it seems.
Thanks John! It was an honor to join you in the studio finally, and thank you for the strong support and faith in us!
Great lineup!
Just so happy to see you all at grand Haven High School this year, Just love how you sing your song it was so Amazing to us. If you wont to Add me on facebook that’s fine with me. my name is Miracle Too Cool Wynn.
how about the Beanpoles? Awesome rockin blues!!!!
Awesome video John & band!
Growing a fan base around the country! Best of luck and God bless you both!
Thanks for the great interview. I honestly didn’t know who he was, although familiar with Sunshine, so thanks again for the education.
Great music Jonathan. Time to write more of that kind of good sounding up-beat. After hearing this fantastic song, one is easily convinced you’ve got more good stuff in you trying to get out….Let it go brother!
Great interview, John. This is good stuff, I’m thinking as we all mature in music, Jazz starts to capture more and more of our appreciation…
Blues and jazz are at the root of pretty much everything we hear in modern music. That’s why I find it eternally fascinating, especially in a live setting.
Huge drag. One of my all-time favorite places to play.
Nice music.. Enjoyed this one agreat deal with it’s friendly sound.
“The Trace” will be bringing their brand of classic acoustic rock favorites in 3 part harmony on Sunday, 1:45 at the Clock Tower Stage. Hope to see your smiling face for a sing along!
… Make that “to the Clock Tower Stage, 1:45 Sunday.” http://www.thetrace.us
I haven’t gotten to Sunday’s lineup yet, but The Trace is a good start!
OMG! Thanks for that. Really. Truly. LOVE you guys.
Your Friends Forever,
“The Trace”
http://www.thetrace.us
Also, speaking of after-Festival music, the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra will be at Founders on Sunday at 5:30, the jazz jam session at HopCat starts Sunday night at 7:30. and don’t forget jazz on Friday and Saturday nights at Ottawa Tavern, right in the middle of Festival!
Good point. Not only that, but Ottawa Tavern’s jazz (John Gist Group and Checkers Morton tonight, Paul Smith Quartet and Sunny Wilkinson on Saturday) is right in the thick of things downtown. Better yet: It’s indoors. Great way to warm up…
Thank you, John. I had a free ticket offered me but I had a prior engagement. This bit of the show served to show me what I missed…a great show with a dedicated audience!
I’m still sputtering and drooling. It’s hard to believe that show came to GR and we got to see it up close in what was likely the SMALLEST venue in the whole two year tour. I mean they just finished a run of soccer stadiums in South America and GR was squeezed in between Yankee Stadium and one of the Chicago MLB parks.
And yes there WAS a USAF cargo jet that flew low-and-slow the length of downtown, from East to Wast, over Oakes street about 7pm. It was much lower than ANY plane, let alone a four engine jet, should have been. Coincidence?
Jimmy Cliff – CLASSIC – but does anyone give a rip about dead weight like Foreigner and Steve Miller – & why is an “arts” organization booking crapola???
All in all, it’s a shame. Here’s Al Green in this beautiful setting, a homecoming show no less, and all he can muster is a shy hour of tunes? Yes, he sounded great, but at $160 for a pair of tickets, that seems disrespectful. I know I was far from the only one in shock when the show ended. I expected a 20-minute encore at that point.
Green often leaves his shows without performing an encore. But playing to his hometown crowd, I was hoping he’d add something extra to his set, especially considering that the weather ended up being pretty comfortable.
I LOVE Al Green and we were there at 5:30 to get great seats only to be subjected to a terrible warm up by Al’s saxaphone player playing along with an ipod to a few 70’s pop songs. FMG should have hired a local band like Crane Wives or one of dozens of other bands to play warm up. Since they knew a storm was possible they should have started shortly after the grand standing of the sax player who asked for applause every time he tried to hit a high note. Instead they waited another 50 minutes before even taking the stage at 8:40 and played a scant 45 minutes of a rushed hour set. I was very dissapointed in the concert and FMG. I don’t think I will be attending another concert at FMG this summer. I feel the FMG did a great disservice to the sold out audience. Wake up and hire local bands to warm up for these popular acts!!!
Kudos on the idea of talented local acts opening some shows at Meijer Gardens because we have many talented options here. When asked, I’ve provided band contact information to the concert booking representative, and several regional artists have opened shows there. But there are times when the headliner dictates who will open a concert and there’s no opportunity to bring in someone else.
Speaking of local bands: The Tuesday Evening Music Club Series at Meijer Gardens, which spotlights the best regional music, kicks off with Funktion and Garrett Borns on July 3. Here’s the full lineup: https://localspins.com/?p=1622
Would it be correct to call Frank Salamone a Grand Rapids country blues pioneer? I recall going to his home in the early 70s to see him play and discuss country blue recordings. When I was a teenager I bought records from him at Flaming Rat Records. He was one of the first musicians that I met who was totally aware of the depth of country blues music, though it didn’t mean much to me until later. Frank didn’t ram it down your throat, but he was on fire when it came to country blues music. Frank will be at least partially remembered for his concert performances at Fountain Street Church and many other places like Grand Valley State College, many with Jim Steigmeir (Jimmy Stagger). It would be nice if someone that knew him real well would write a fitting article about him. If you’re from Grand Rapids and you’re under 70 and like what you call “blues” music, then you may owe some debt to Frank for exposing it to our community, as he was a proponent of the “real deal” way before people like me got on the blues bandwagon. Thank you, Jimmy and John for creating this piece in honor of Frank.
Not surprising to see this epic failure. Thought it was too stuffy for GR tastes anyway and the service and people there sucked as well.
Please don’t forget that St. Cecilia Music Center has been presenting incredible jazz for that past four years and will continue to bring world-renowned jazz artists to Grand Rapids. So all is not lost and we hope that jazz fans in town will support the concert series in 2012-13 that will bring guitar virtuoso John Pizzarrelli along with his legendary dad Bucky. It will most likely be the last time folks in this area will get to see Bucky as he is 86. We also have Tierney Sutton, the Dave Holland Quintet and the Bill Charlap Trio on tap. All in the exquisite setting of Royce Auditorium located at St. Cecilia Music Center. If you come to the concert you also get to meet these fabulous musicians after the show. For more info about SCMC jazz go to http://www.scmc-online.org.
Indeed, there are some attractive options for jazz in Grand Rapids, with St. Cecilia Music Center central among them, along with other venues which host jazz artists on different days of the week. And there’s Jazz at the Zoo on Monday nights and the Sunday night jams at HopCat. But I know many hope another nightclub “home” for jazz gives the scene the foundation it deserves.
The sad part about this whole affair was the fact most of the audience could have cared less about coming to actually listen to the music and was only there because it was just the hip thing and a new place to be seen (and heard of course). With all the self-serving gabbing and chatter was truly a shame for the few that actually came out to listen to the music and appreciate the art itself. Unfortunately people can’t sit still and shut up for five minutes. Gilmore can tell you what you want to hear but they pulled out because they were realizing that this wasn’t making an immediate impact to the bottom line of their business. The were simply attracted to the hype that a Jazz club could bring the potential revenue envisioned. Doing this for only six months and trying to expect an immediate return on profit is challenging in itself and extremely unrealistic. Obviously there had to some misleading and mismanagement going on between the expectations of management and the personnel empowered to book the entertainment. Additionally, miscommunications, misleading, and backstabbing going on didn’t help much either. Either way, it’s unfortunate that the whole idea had been mishandled the way it was. I’m only surprised it took six months for Gilmore to tuck it’s tail and run the other direction…
I forgot to mention – I listened to the clip on the pianist and the audience is just as loud if not louder than the music itself, so I rest my case. What a shame and total disregard and discredit to the talent and art these musicians attempted to convey to the audience. Great that the place looked pretty full, but the crowd could have cared less. I enjoy going to places where talking is minimal and the artists are engaged with their audience as well. There are a few places out there I’m sure, but rare to find!
Unfortunately, venues like St. Cecilia and Jazz at the Zoo don’t create a scene. You really need clubs that are committed to jazz music. A club doesn’t have to be a bad thing. This is truly a major disappointment and set back for the jazz scene in Grand Rapids. Every new person that I talk to who comes to Grand Rapids always wonders where to go to hear jazz. You need consistent, weekly shows in order to create a scene and clubs are the way to do that.
Gilmore knew if they wouldn’t see a profit to their bottom line shortly after they chose to do the Jazz joint scene, they would have never renewed the lease regardless on what you think. They were probably talked into creating this ‘so called’ Jazz club and thinking it would spark a huge interest, and expecting money would start rolling in a couple of months. Either way, they were at the end of their lease and this was probably taken as a low risk loss the can wash away when they do their taxes anyway. Think just second about this… How unrealistic can you possibly be, featuring very technical and sophisticated music (that most people think is dated anyway) is going to somehow inspire a huge renaissance and draw in sudden popularity, let alone trying to realize a quick profit for Gilmore’s bottom line. Additionally, the two times I went I couldn’t even hear the music above the noisy people and chatter anyway. People are looking more and more for the instant gratification and possess less and less class and sophistication anyway. Those people could have cared less who was playing there and can’t understand what the hell their playing anyway. The music is just noise to them. I even saw people glare at the musicians because they had to raise their voices to talk over them. There are always a small handful of folks who do understand and ‘get it’… and maybe in time this could have turned out with patience in being slow and consistent. Not in this case. I’m not surprised at all.
I must admit that on this 6th time of seeing Brandi, my husband and I were extremely disappointed and most of that had to do with the RUDE crowd. I have found that she has the rudest “fans”! Don’t really know how they can be fans when they are constantly talking during the performance and oblivious to anyone around them. I feel a fan will listen while the artist is performing and not be talking amongst themselves and totally disrespecting the artist as well as others who paid to hear the performance! Must admit that is the biggest negative to a Meijer Gardens show.
I witnessed this conflict a couple weeks ago @ the South Bend Blues Festival. It actually came down to a couple guys being hauled away in hand cuffs which brought a huge cheer from the crowd as these guys were quite obnoxious.
A simple solution.
For example, Meijer Gardens. Set aside a portion of the front area, to the left or right of the stage, maybe even both for standing people, reserving the center for people who prefer to remain seated, excepting the occasional standing ovation.
Do the same for the hill area.
Tickets should state that you are buying a seated only area or a standing only area.
Violations in the seated area not related to a standing ovation result in removal.
Draconian? Perhaps but fair. Nothing worse than not seeing a concert you paid good money to hear AND see.
The seating/standing option when sold could also determine how much of the venue is reserved for one or the other.
We absolutely loved Khaled and dub fx and jimmy Cliff. Also our favorite place to eat was the crepe store where we got bacon and cheese every time. Mmmmmmmmmm!!!:) We thoroughly enjoyed bangra dance workshop and had heaps of fun!!!
Absolutely two of my favorite guitarists. They have this incredible innate sense of when to get aggressive and when to hold back. Although they have chops coming out of their ears you never see them step on each other, which is one of the hardest things for a guitar player to do.
On top of all that, they are two of the most humble, gracious guys I’ve ever worked with. Go see them!
The Head And The Heart is such an amazing group of people. I’ve never heard more beautifully composed music. Definitely worth driving two and a half hours to see. Charity Rose Thielen is simply an inspiration. Her voice, her violin, and her presence just radiates originality and talent. Getting her autograph, a picture with her, and letting her know she’s my girl crush screamed “fan girl”, but it was so worth it. She’s so down to earth and humble, and that’s just beautiful http://t.co/FutCdnT9 Josiah and Jonathan’s voices together… Just straight up heaven. What a gift they have, seriously.
And props to Kenny on the keys, I love playing piano, and just seeing his passion for it makes me want to play their songs for hours. The Head And The Heart are the kind of band that not only performs beautifully, but they connect with the audience. When you look up at them, seeing how much fun they’re having, it just makes you smile. Over all amazing performance, props to Charity, Kenny, Josiah, Jonathan, Chris and Tyler.
be on the look out for The Head and The Heart Halfway House Session with Jon Josiah and Charity. . .
Great article – glad to hear that there’s another Deadstring Brothers album in the works! It should be a great show on Thursday.
It was an unforgettable afternoon all right, and it’s an unforgettable tune after those dozen-plus run-thrus. Plenty catchy tune and upbeat lyrics, along with a fine community vibe thanks to all those tail-waggers. Well done MLC, and thanks to Dan and Lisa at One Trick for hosting the affair!
Finally, Here’s the man on John Sinkevics Spin on Music. Steady,true and worthy, Ralston is a winner in all of western Michigan where I’ve seen him at many venues, He never disappoints.
Just to mention,Great White will be in town sept. 8th/Rosa Park
Yup, UV Hippo was incredible at Founders Fest….the highlight for me, too. It was cool to finally see Fiona Apple at the Gardens.
big props to Randy
Randy Marsh is a world class jazz drummer and it is great that some businesses recognize his formidable talent. Sellers sound like a cool cat to boot. Nice of him to take a chance on it AND to help find it a new home. He gave it a go, it didn’t work for him, but he saw it as potentially viable elsewhere and he pitched in. Very nice! Somethings are bigger than one- dimensional bottom line profits. Grand Rapids really is the musical jewel of the state and should be proud.
Randy has done an awesome job at keeping jazz alive in GR. Thank you, John for the encouragement and great coverage!
Thanks for covering this exciting music portion of ArtPrize. Should be an EXCITING weekend of music at St. Cecelia’s. Lots of inspirational vibration!!!!
Thanks for all you do to follow and capture the breadth of great talent in the music world for us John. I was at the performance of Pete Weatherhead’s song “G Rap City” yesterday and have to say that I haven’t been as moved by a song in a long time. It is a call to make the streets of our city safer. In the wealth of beautiful sounds and sights during ArtPrize 2012, I encourage your readers to listen to this passionate plea to “get the guns gone” or “lose our freedom”.
You captured a bit of a different song they did at St. Cecilia’s but anyone can hear “G Rap City” at http://www.artprize.org/pete-weatherhead/2012/g-rap-city. I congratulate the Weatherheads and friends for bringing this important issue out in this artistic venue. For all of the people we welcome to town each year for ArtPrize and other events, and for all our residents and neighbors, banning guns is not a violation of anyone’s freedom, it would help guarantee that our freedom to peaceably assemble is not lost.
thanks for the great review John! Love the clip where I am going crazy on the keys haha! Nice! Hope you had a great time!- Christian J. VanAntwerpen (Lucas Wilson Band)
Red Tail Ring and Kalispell @ The DAAC on Saturday as well. . .
http://halfwayhousemusic.com/2012/09/10/halfway-house-sessions-kalispell/
Shannon Wood’s piece took great effort to compose and orchestrate. He then gave the parts to the soloists who spent the past 3 months practicing and studying the piece. The 70 musicians in the GR Symphony received the music 2 weeks in advance and practiced their parts individually. Finally on Wednesday, September 19 the composition was read by the entire ensemble and battery of percussion with the only complete run through occurring during the dress rehearsal. Kudos to Shannon, a great orchestra and the public for welcoming new classical music.
This is great! I really enjoyed spending some time at St. Cecilia’s listening to the live music and then checking out some of the other entries downstairs. I didn’t realize they were providing a separate prize for the musical entries. Congratulations to the winners!
Congratulations to all the participants and not just the winners… of course, most of you have been winners for a long time and maybe just weren’t able to enjoy that financial boost and increased exposure that this little opportunity presents. Best of luck to you all and Keep on Keepin’ On!!
What an amazing legacy! How many new hunger-fighting advocates are out there as a result of Feedback, how many families are better fed and given hope knowing that thier community cares about their needs? Thank you, Feedback (especially John and Charlie), for sharing your time, talent and heart for such an important cause. Best wishes!!!!
Upon a suggestion tossed out during Local Spins Live today, I’ve got another song to add to the list of songs about hunger: “Hunger Strike” by Temple of the Dog. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUb450Alpps
And I suppose I could also add the hopeful “Imagine” by John Lennon and “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.
Thanks for coming to cover this John! It was a great night and so gratifying to award the first ArtPrize music prize money to our winners. SCMC is really proud to have brought new exposure to music in ArtPrize. Thanks to all who entered, to Michael Crittenden and Mackinaw Harvest Music Studios who partnered with SCMC in this endeavor again this year and to ArtPrize for letting us give music it’s own stage. – Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia Music Center
I’ll definitely have to get out there & see Randy & his music friend live again soon.
Quite possibly the best concert of the year! Jimmy Carter (the only original member of The Five Blind Boys of Alabama still performing?) has more energy, charisma, and charm than any five boys from any state! As always, Sinc’s review says it all!
These fellows are remarkable and their music is good. Really like the bold commanding nature of the songs done here. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening and watching. AG Silver music is satisfying and fulfilling, a real joy!
I couldn’t agree with you more. Knopfler’s song writing, guitar playing and singing are very under-rated. The world is missing out on a great thing. I don’t think Knopler cares. He seems happy to do what he enjoys and play for those that love him.
Great article John,
My wife and I have been hosting house concerts for many years. We started as an alternative to the smoking, beer guzzling loud socializing lounges that were not an appropriate “listening” room for great music.
Our concerts are limited frills but offer an intimate, reach out and touch atmosphere for world class musicians from Ireland, Germany, Scotland and the UK. A main feature is an opportunity to “jam with the band” with post concert music sessions that include dozens of local musicians. Our pricing goes directly to the band and the balance of their compensation is accomodations at our house for a day or two–which is by far the greatest reward for hosting. We have made and maintained some of the finest relationships with some of the finest bands currently touring.
As for competing with other traditional venues, we cannot sell alcohol or offer food service. Our guests come for quality sound and generaly when they attend a concert here, they will follow that band to hear them again at any festival or any local venue. The bands have become their new best friends.
House concerts are the best. Both from an audience member and musician perspective. Mikes place (O’ Mulders) is a really great local (house concert) venue.
Dylan is like Alice Cooper as far as I’m concerned. I’ve seen ’em both more than enough. I don’t need to go again.
Indeed, there never will be another Dylan and I appreciate that he tries to continually make his art new. Not easy when you do 100 shows a year for 50 years. Those people who left early were likely there primarily for Knofler and would have been completely satisfied by that stellar performance. Personally, I enjoyed both.
You know…
I grew up with Bob Dylan’s music. Songs of his shaped my musical tastes when a teen.
How many studio albums has he produced? 35 or something close. Many of which are masterworks.
YES. He’s an American musical icon. I admire and greatly respect him.
I attended the concert last night. And I admit to leaving early. I couldn’t bear to listen to him gargling with liquid bleach. His harmonica [the only high point to me aside from a fantastic backup band] was lackluster and lazy.
I could barely see who was who on stage from my seat. I had to ask where he was on stage during the first song. Oh, there he is. The lighting was moody and intimate but hardly works in a large venue. It would have been wonderful at Billy’s Lounge.
Many songs remained a mystery to me until I audibly understood one out of every 20 lyrics.
I began to get bored and I’m a not a kid with a short attention span.
I got up out of my seat, walked around. Looked at framed pics of all the acts that have performed at Devos over the years and left.
Sorry Bob. I’ll listen to you on my turntable.
such a big fan that you’ve clearly lost touch with what he’s been doing over the last twenty-or-so years …….
david winick says:
November 13, 2012 at 11:57 am
You know…
I grew up with Bob Dylan’s music. Songs of his shaped my musical tastes when a teen.
I could barely see who was who on stage from my seat.
<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Where was your seat? It matters. Having sat in almost every seating place in Van Andel, this time I made sure to have the best. We sat in the first tier up on the close right to see the whole stage and every musician. Both Dylan and Knopler came through clear and we could hear every word and instrument.
I left during Tangled Up in Blue…I’ve seen Bob several times and I just couldn’t do it this time. I get the whole artist at work thing and I totally get that he’s Bob and I am just a guy, but even so, I just felt that he has lost his sparkle. Truthfully, the only sparkle that is worth mentioning was that of Mark’s National guitar…
Wow, Bob, you’re even crankier when you write about your own performances!
Aw, come on, John – while I’m not trying to be an old-fart apologist, I think legends DO deserve to be legends, and Dylan was never very traditional anyway. Even if the straight entertainment value has begun to disappear into the widening gaps between fame and performance capabilities. I’ll bet everyone (perhaps with the exception of Serba) who wanted to hear Dylan once in their lives were satisfied to check that box on the list.
Out of town as I am, I couldn’t get there, but would have liked to. Your expert performance appraisal is certainly appreciated and probably fair. I’m sure it was more memory than music, at least from Bob himself. That’s okay – he IS Bob Dylan and you’re not! And I doubt anyone buying a ticket expected him to be in 1960’s form.
I have to defend all timeless performers against the popcorn-brain modern mentality of less mature folks than us who diss someone like Paul McCartney a few years back as a Super Bowl halftime act, wishing for someone more, uh, worthy. There IS no one more worthy, and the list of those who are NOT starts with every Super Bowl act SINCE.
I like David Winnick’s comments above – a good blend of honesty and respect. Maybe it IS time Bob hung it up. But if he’s happy playing to partially-full arenas in the likes of GR, God bless him. He’s earned it. I saw Michael Jordan play for the Wizards, and he wasn’t as good. But you know what? I saw Michael Jordan play.
Hi, John. And for all the rest of you – hey, get off my lawn! 🙂
“Zink”, I enjoyed myself immensely. There was no other place I wanted to be. You seem to understand the Poet Extraordinaire. It is a “seeking to understand” thing.”
I wouldn’t miss a Dylan show for the world. As I told my pal afterward, it was still an exceedingly entertaining evening because you really never know what Dylan has up his sleeve. He is as intriguing and as important as any American artist of the past half-century, and I’m ceaselessly interested in his fable and his foibles.
GREAT article/review John…………Bonnie and I loved the show!! as did our 22 year old son Caleb and his 21 year old companion Terra. Having been a longtime Dylan fan, I just turned 60 (first time I’ve seen that number in print! Ha!) Zimmy, in my opinion, is better than ever………….I think he has finally become what he has always been striving to be, a”71 year old black blues man”!!
A wonderful and creative review, John. Bravo!
I could play harmonica better than Dylan by eating a can of beans and strapping a harmonica to my butt.
I could probably draw more than 4000 people to watch me do it, too.
when you achieve this feat, let me know – I bet you get no more than twenty spectators and that you are nowhere near as good as Bob.
Don;t bother, dude. No one cares….unless you’re opening for Bob Dylan.
It was a GREAT show if you’ve kept in touch with his music. If you expected Blolnde on Blonde or his Lay, Lady, Lay voice….you should stay home and listen to your turntable.
See him while you can, as much as you can, when he’s gone, he’s gone.
We’ve been hosting house concerts since 2007. I think it’s a win/win for everyone involved. The audience gets an intimate, personal experience with music and the musicians get to play for an engaged, attentive audience that is there to see the music. Many establishments don’t promote their shows at all, require musicians to sell a certain number of tickets in advance, etc. House concert hosts bring together a bunch of music loving folks, provide a free place to play and help them sell merchandise.
I do think that there is room for music venues (the ones that care, like you said) and house concerts to thrive and even work together. Being able to set up a couple of shows in the same area will make it more attractive to musicians, and I would guess, cut down cuts for the venue. Unfortunately, I don’t think venues feel the same way. Our local venue tried to shut one of our shows down.
p.s. the bottom pic is from our very first house concert with Brian Vander Ark in 2007! We now host 5-6 a year.
wow, john this is really cool stuff. i can’t imagine how i missed the fact that dylan and knopfler were playing together in my backyard this week (maybe it’s that i had a new baby last week?), but i’m pleased as i could be to read this bit. dylan is an artist and can do whatever the hell he wants. and so are you! i love this approach. now that you have your own medium you can be boundless, and that must feel great!!
Great art isn’t always pretty or presented in the way you want or expect. I think your review indicated Dylan’s music goes outside the boundaries of what you like, but I think you are the one with the limited imagination and idea of what the truly original and creative artist does. I think your deeply cynical idea of Dylan’s motivations and intentions are way off, he’s exploring new territory, and the results aren’t always pretty or good, but he is moving his music forward, he’s not repeating his past. I have been listening to Dylan since 1965 and have followed the ups and downs of his career over the years, and I thought his version of “Visions of Johanna” from 1966 was a real highlight. I think there was a lot of creativity to be appreciated Monday night, but I think you already had your mind made up and were not open to it and missed it.
@ Mark……….”Visions” was excellent! The power of “Ballad of a Thin Man” was amazing as well. Your opinion of John’s review is a bit off though (I think?)……..What I take away from the review, is nothing short of his love for Dylan. peace………
John, do you always get this much feedback? Or did Dylan hit a chord that rings more than most?
Great review by John Sinkevics, and a great illustration of the type of concerts that I relish. I go to a show to see an artist do their thing. I’m not interested in hearing a performance that “Sounded just like the CD!” as I have heard many other concert goers exclaim as if it were the greatest endorsement possible. I am there to see and hear something that I can’t buy somewhere else, that may never happen again. I am there to experience a moment in time where I may bear witness to amazing brilliance, or stunning failure, but I am there to see an artist, not a jukebox.
Bob is inimitable. Knopfler sounds like a Chieftans cover band– a very good one.
You need to be into the output from the last 5 years to appreciate his concerts. If you’re expecting old Bob, you’re out of luck. You should already know this. Maybe listening to one or two of his records from the last 15 would have clued you in.
Your recap of the GR concert is accurate, but stop talking to that empty easy chair.
Came from Memphis to see the show, primarily because Knopfler opened. The tour comes nowhere close to home. The review and the linked review by John Serba are certainly fair, but I fit with those who understand what to expect and usually find something great to enjoy. All in all, I prefer Dylan out front on guitar rather than on the keyboards; his vocals seem to get lost and he is more self indulgent on keyboards. I have now seen him in both formats several times now and there seems to be a pattern. Knopfler, as expected, was a great craftsman with a crack band. Completely worth the trip just to see him.
Mark Knopfler is, indeed, a stellar craftsman. I’d love to see him and his band at an intimate venue or a special place such as Meijer Gardens.
Bob Dylan, as ever, fooled all the pundits with the GR Press! John Serber completely fell for it! but not John Sincovics
Mr. D has fooled and put on the media all along the way, giving his last interview to a Time magazine reporter in 1965. Find it on youTube.
Of course he put on the media. Look what they did to Elvis, Little Richard, Jerry lee Lewis and others before him.
Serber is what Shakespeare called, “A fool of time.”
These folks are great. Alexis has got a fantastic voice. I love Joshua’s bluesy stylings. Luke and Stephen really round them out. Not only are they fantastic at music, but they’re also wonderful people. If anyone deserves to hit it big, it’s this band. I can’t wait for their release show tomorrow (12/6)!
The voices are indeed compelling. Great to hear a new band with a fresh approach. Just a note: The CD-release show is Friday, Dec. 7.
This group is amazing. When listening to them, you can truly hear the thought and emotion put into the lyrics and every beat and strum. Their music isn’t only true, but it will definitely move you if you take the time to simply listen.
if you recognize bob’s quote in my email site you know this former trumpet playing triumph riding genius!!! my brother is bob dillon…. i play as corey steele on reverbnation…at 67 i still tour….i am the dive bar grand master of tours….let’s face it….the tall trees get the breeze and bob is usually in hurricane force winds….thanks Bob ps i played trumpet and own a 1970 triumph motorcycle but the comparison stops there check out my reverbnation.com/corey steele originals m dillon,m.d.
they love it when i do a tour as bob dylan’s brother!!!( just cause i can’t spell shouldn’t make them cancel the show!!!
Why would say perhaps last? This show has a good turnout every year, they have a new CD coming out, why would say it might be the last?
Brian has said publicly that this may be the last Verve Pipe holiday show, that this pre-Christmas event has run its course. But that doesn’t mean TVP has run its course!
JS, you always do a fantastic job at promoting great West Michigan music. Would love to see you spend sometime with some of the blues rock singers especially the females that get over looked in our area. I was at Nick finks a few weeks ago and heard a voice that was unbelievable! Rochelle from Rochelle and the Spoilers. She stopped folks in their tracks. Come to find out she was a Christian singer and songwriter turned Blues Singer. Might be an interesting story to cover and certainly an amazing voice to broadcast! TD
Opening the door of this wonderful venue is great opportunity for performers and spectators as well. Bravo
Can we buy tix at the door for the St. Cecilia event?
Tickets are available at the door, and in advance on the St. Cecilia website (or in person at St. Cecilia). http://scmc-online.org/concerts-events/detail/local-spins-live-subscriptions/ And so cheap, too!!!
Great interview with a true talent. If I were in Michigan I’d be at that concert in a heartbeat but unfortunately I live in NJ and rarely get to see Brian Vander Ark or Lux perform around here. Will the concert be video taped at all? Would love to see/hear some of it!
I will definitely have some video snippets of the show posted at Spins on Music the day after the show.
A well-deserved honor for Messrs. Guy and Peterson. This album is in heavy rotation on my car CD player. Well done lads! We look forward to more!
Great! Thanks John!
It was a great concert last night. I was blown away by the singers and the songs performed – straight from the heart. This is definitely a new jewel in St. Cecilia Music Center’s concert endeavors and we are excited to hear much more!! Thanks John for having a “gem” of an idea and bring it together with Michael Crittenden and St. Cecilia Music Center (Cathy Holbrook).
Seems like Delilah DeWylde & the Lost Boys would be regular entertainers in Pentwater during the summer season, but no. Might have to start my own bar.
Wow! Really enjoyed listening! Two really cool and talented men! Thanks so much for this!
Hey John! How you been man? Thanks for the plug!
I plan on attending the KJ Phelps show, but wish it was at the theater and not Wealthy Theatre Front Studio/Annex. After playing the Ark in AA this week, it’s kind of a step back for him to play the small, uncomfortable, low ceiling annex. Can you get a beer there?
Waiting for a response from the GRFAS regarding your questions. But it’s certainly an intimate venue to see someone like Phelps.
Nice guest column Charlie but next time I see the Honeytones you guys better play Jumpin’ Jack Flash!
Thanks Don. I’ll see if I can talk Sink into Jumpin’ Jack Flash, but you can bet we’ll be doing Wild Horses. Personally I’d love to do Monkey Man, which features a fine keyboard part for our piano pal. See if you can talk him into that will ya?
We at River Rock Church are so fortunate to have Cameron as our Worship pastor. When both he and Jill share in our worship music it is truly inspiring. What a great talented couple. RWK
What a great interview! He is one fine musician, and a really nice guy!
Nice writing, Mr.Sinkevics…
What a great experience for our dancers – We loved being part of this evening! Thank you!
John, thanks again brother man for all you’ve done, with the interview and then being there to see us play!!!!
John, thanks for the shout out to GRandJazzFest’s second year! We’re excited to be expanding to two days, 10 acts!
Love this! Where can we find out when this will happen again?
It will take place again at SpeakEZ Lounge in the near future. A date hasn’t yet been set, but when it is, Spins on Music will include it in its weekly Big List/Concert Guide, which appears every Monday. And you can get alerted by signing up for email updates by scrolling down on the lefthand side of the page.
Thanks for sharing these, John. Great stuff!! I really wanted to submit too, but found out a little late. Hope Brian does this one more time 🙂 Love your blog.
They were AWESOME tonight! I’m pretty sure the audience was surprised and blown away by their performance!!
Hands down best performance of the night. I was hoping for more from the Levon Helms tribute, wanted to hear more from Brittany Howard.
Great article Ken.
Living in gratitude is key, a lesson that we all can focus on.
Thanks for the thoughts!
“Sparkle and Shine” Steve Earle
Well said, Ken! I really enjoyed reading this.
Sorry I can’t be there this year. It’s one of West Michigan’s primo music events. I love the wonderful musicians community here, thanks in no small part to our friends at WYCE. Jam on everyone!
Who are these folks who rue the move to Friday? I keep hearing that and wonder who be they, eh? As for me – My baby (the Jammies) is on my birthday this year (YEE-HA!) AND my OTHER baby (may daughter) will be there as well… Change happens – Embrace it!
Beautifully written, thanks for sharing.
Hey, keep up the good writing about my grandson.
Randy Marsh’s jazz jam session is now at SpeakEZ on Monroe, Sundays, 7-10 pm.
Thanks John, got ta LUV the Blues.—
Have been waiting YEARS for this!! Norfolk, April 30! I’m SO excited!! Can’t wait to see Bob and the guys!
Your Fans really appreciate your Return, keep Rocking…
Sure would love an Orlando FL showing soon
What a FANTASTIC concert in Grand Rapids. My husband and I saw him preform numerous times at Mt. Holly in the late sixties. Only nature, for our 42nd anniversary we would go a see him perform . In a few years when we turn 67, I hope we can still move that good.
I was there and it was an AWESOME show!!
I loved how Bob smiled the whole time and seemed to have as much fun as his audience. I loved how the audience sang along to his slow songs that it was almost all you could hear. I teared up on a few songs as I was truly touched by his beautiful music and the fact that I was lucky enough to be in the audience. Also saw him in Indy 2 years ago and it was just as awesome. Thank you Bob Seger!!
Seen Bob back in late 70’s, at Richfield Colosseum in Cleveland,OH. A fantastic rocker/performer, still going strong! Rock on BOB!
It exceeded my expectations. Can’t believe Seger is 67! Wow, I hope I’m that energetic at 67.
I’m very sorry to hear this. YCE has done a great service to musicans and worthy organizations with the Hat Trick series. Thanks to our friends there, and to Dan and Lisa for providing a gracious venue for 12 good years!
Bob Seger is the Ultimate singer, songwriter, muscian, entertainer and a real nice person. He truly is Michigan’s Icon!
best concert I seen in yrs . waited along time to see him since i was 16 now 49…. It was a concert I will never forget….love bob ..thanks for the great nite. god bless you through your other tours….
Bob Seger’s Night Moves – a classic Michigan summer song!
Whoa…..what about: 1. Good Day Sunshine – Beatles
2. Summer In the City – Lovin’ Spoonful yet outdone by
Quincy Jones
3. Summer Nights Van Halen
4. Girls in Their Summer Clothes – Springsteen
5. Groovin’ Young Rascals
6. Up On The Roof
7. Summertime by everyone.
8. Summertime Blues by everyone else.
BTW Thanks for not mentioning ‘Summer Breeze’!!!
Double BTW Wheels in motion for Rascals to re-unite.
..goes back to the ’60s, but I still think of “Summer in the City” by John Sebastian & The Lovin’ Spoonful
Thanks for the referral Karisa and John! Hope to see lots of people in our audience for April’s concert, and to host Karisa herself on the 2013-14 series.
Keb Mo put on a great show for a very enthusiastic crowd. He played lots of audience requests and conversed with fans. We had front row center seats and had a fabulous time!
Love what you guys are doing. Thanks for the good energy.
Kid Rock finally f—– right. Cant wait to see you this year at Sturgis…
The Susan Tedeschi with opener Martin Sexton, about 5 years ago, shoulda’ made the cut.
The last time I was in The Corner Record Shop, they had a reissue of a rare old rnb 45 for an awful lot of money (high for the original even).
I explained that he was selling a reissue and not the original, which was implied, and was told, “I know that, but a lot of my customers don’t know the difference.”
I’ll never shop there again.
Jen Sygit is awsome! I hope to vacation in Michigan someday just to see her and the differn’t groups she performs with live!!
As the parent of a young (rock) guitarist, I appreciate what a gift this is to our community. Thank you for mentoring young musicians! You will no doubt have a positive, life-long impact on many students. I wish there were more people like you!
Hey John, this is Bunny (Josh) Villaire from Corrosive Kids, the reason why we returned to Record Store Day, graciously asked back by Herm Baker, was because we were putting out another split vinyl with Tennessee band Modern Convenience. Thats why I brought Modern into town for our record release show at Mulligans and the Record Store Day the night after. Really wanted to expose that awesome band to the city. Sorry you didn’t get to see them they were so cool and you would have photographed them! Anyways I’d like to send you a free complimentary copy of our vinyl we made…Do you have an address or PO Box for that?
Absolutely! Any Michigan bands with new CDs or EPs for review can send them to:
John Sinkevics
7491 Las Palmas Drive NE
Rockford, MI 49341
Way to go Mark! I am so very proud you are taking your abilities and getting people to listen while you are helping others. I missed it again! Next time please let me know so I can be there. Sounds like a really great time. We have come so far from back when hey. Love ya! Paris.
Love Bernie Worrell! Is that an actual Clavinet he’s playing?
…Swamped here with various stuff. No time to talk right now.
Remembering Pink Floyd: “One of these days I’m going to… Skype you into little pieces!”
John,
Thanks for airing and posting the info.
As a contra dancer, I appreciate Bruce & Becca for their fine playing and for their willingness to work with the community to help other musicians come up to speed on their playing. There are lots of other places in Michigan and throughout the United States where one can learn to dance this traditional form–and there must be other places where novices are invited to join the pick-up band–but GRFAS First Friday Contra Dance is the only one I know of! Thanks to Bruce for his leadership. Hope everyone can come out on May 12.
Many thank to all who came out to attend this event. The help was heartfelt and much needed, as we work to sort out our destroyed home and move on with our lives.
Love,
Bruce and Becca
Well done, Ralston and Michael. We in West Michigan salute you!
I sat through Styx and REO for my wife. Ted, for my son. Ted was highly entertaining, as always. I hadn’t seen for over ten years. I had no idea venison and bear meat were so… caloric.
Where’s your Bob Dylan Tribute info?
Hmm. It’s all there. Photos and description. Look again.
We’re also excited to have Ann Arbor’s Macpodz headlining the 6th annual FreeMusic Fest on Saturday June 8th in Freeland MI! Its going to be a blast!
Sorry, I’m not a band. I WAS a sound guy for the open mic for a few years back when David Molinari was host. It IS correct I will be around that night though. The musicians make the night though: the new ones wanting to get used to playing out and the established ones wanting to try out something new. It’s still one of the more welcoming places in town for such things.
i think there ok the fiddle player sack is awesome so is the gautier player but i think the singer sounds to tinny a voice i couldnt listen to for a long time it is like finnger nails coming down a board hahhaha but the music its self is good they at least blend
Well that is not very nice to say at all. Obviously you dont know good music because all 4 of them are amazing. The lead singer’s voice is amazing and I think that they are one of the best bands I have heard in a long time. I hope they make it big, what will you be saying then?
Watch them live you will love them, fun and sounds good
Loved the show, John. Great story. Love the part about Jon McDonald sending a portrait backstage. Steve said is wasn’t as much about the music as being in the presence of Royalty. Great pic too.
I love going to the local shows. Problem for me is often the start time of the show. Has anyone considered offering live music during the 5 – 9 time frame? There are lots of us that would pay cover and would love to hear local music but don’t want to start our night at 10 pm.
I am just getting familiar with The Pyramid Scheme but the 2 shows I’ve seen there both were 7 – 10. Perfect!
Then there’s Deborah Kay & The Bluebloods – We’re playing EVEN THOUGHT WE DIDN’T APPLY to play, but somehow ended up being scheduled – Clock Tower Stage at 4pm on Friday
Things that make you go, “Hmmm.”
My favorite comment of the night came from some stuffy swell in the men’s room line who sniffed, “They didn’t sound like that on Spotify….”
Seriously, it was a different feel for a Mule show, especially in the second half. Very mellow with quite a few quiet, mournful songs. Perhaps to address volume issues in the second half? I don’t know. I do now I saw a lot of people leaving during the second set while they seemed rivited to the hill last year.
Speaking of the hill, did anybody notice they removed one (or more) of the levels at the top?
I am not sure what the people were doing behind me on the hill, but I was front and center and I know my feet didn’t stop moving the entire night. It was a great show!
OH! He was introducing “Midnight Hour” with the Depends rap. I thought he was referring to the previously played “Green Onions” which is used to schill Viagra. That said, I hadn’t seen Frampton since the “‘Comes Alive” era but last night’s brilliant show was far better than I remember.
Does the Pyramid Scheme realize they’re developing a bad reputation online for their acoustics?
That set did nothing to help the club in those regards.
Lord Huron was able to overcome, I thought.
Thanks for the look at Alejandro. When he is in full rock and roll mode he is fierce. Felt bad for him drawing the opening set with a crowd who for the most part was unaware of WHO HE IS!
He really was the class of the night and the Sensitive boys don’t play notes because they can. They all mattered. A great night. Hurricane was a pure channel of Neil. Neil would have loved it.
Thank you so much for the review and photos.
Thanks for the review/pictures. This is the second time I’ve seen them – Alejandro was a great addition. I also thought the last half hour of the concert was incredible. The bassist for Lonely Boys was playing out of his mind! The stage manager was pacing and giving them the “end it” sign, but they ignored him. They just kept on playing.
I’ve followed Alejandro Escovedo for about a half a decade and the discovery of his music was a great find, not unlike Lou Reed in the early days when about six of us would show up at one of his gigs. Alejandro should be getting a bigger listen by people. His version of Pale Blue Eyes is probably the best cover I’ve ever heard.
I first interviewed Alejandro about a decade ago. I’m convinced that pretty much everything he touches is gold, making him perhaps the most important, under-rated musical artist working in America today.
Alejandro was great and he was treated pretty badly by the crowd. His music was upbeat and should have had more people up and rocking. I’m sure part of the reason was the average age of the crowd, probably 40 – 50, but that didn’t stop them as the night progressed.
I know I will be aware of him now and will be buying a CD or two.
Tell him he should come back and give GR another try.
Jason, I met you yesterday, at Elderly. I just had my Eastman MD315 mando tweaked and you were cool enough to test it out for me…………thanks man!
Just checking out your music.
SWEET!
Dave Falk
Hippiedom is alive and well in West Michigan. Groovy! “It’s all too beautiful.” Excellent job on the photos, Anna Sink!
Tuesday Evening Music Club is truly a blessing to the community. Thank you to Meijer Gardens and thank you to Ralston Bowles for starting this and carrying the torch for local music.
Way to go Joey!!!
Belmont University is cheering for you all the way!
Twas a delightful night indeed. Byrne’s theatrical skills were clearly in play, and Clark was a charming marionette. A fortuitous pairing of wildly talented originals.
So many wise words from one so young! So very true – often have to remind myself that persistence not perfection gets us to our goal! Our Young People need motivators like you!
Randy is a pillar in the music community. Nice article John. And a well deserved award for Mr. Marsh.
Nice write up about The Stolen Horses Band. They did a great acoustic number on their song “Live Myself to Death Before I Die” I love going to their gigs.
Does anyone have the set lists?
Outstanding article great video too
John and Mary – great article! Glad it worked out and you were able to get a hold of Mike Bont. We are pretty proud of what Mike and Greensky Bluegrass have accomplished in a really difficult music business.
And all this great talent right here in West Michigan – priceless!
Thanks again! Barb
Started listening to this band about 5 years ago and have just kept wondering why they haven’t broken out.
I like a lot of different music – jazz to heavy metal – and this group hits a lot of different areas.
I wholeheartedly agree that the energy and passion make a huge difference at concerts. This band, and especially Grace, just look like they’re having an awesome time and want everyone to share in that.
Great pics from the show! http://alpha.crowdalbum.com/gallery/51fbfec1879ea269ff004294/John-Butler-Trio_20130802
No one every says enough about the LYRICS these guys put forward. They are far too young to be this deep.
I also appreciate the “sibling like harmonies”.
Just an awesome group I hope to see big things for these very nice guys. 😉
Sounds like they are starting to get their ducks lined up – Very nice! If I have the time I may volunteer this year
Thanks for a great article, John! Looking forward to this weekend!
I like these guys they are very talented they played for my dtr’s wedding and we had a blast. they played anything we asked and it was right on! very good musicians
The first day of GRand Jazzfest was a combination of great weather, a great crowd, and one of the best selections of jazz artists to play in Grand Rapids. I’ve never seen Nick Colione before, high energy, and yes, the sharpest dressed man in jazz
John
What was the Temp’s 1st international hit (penned by Smokey)?
That was an incredible show. Smokey looked great!
‘…. a lot of guys stay hush because they gotta make a living.’
Would it be helpful to list the venues that DO pay musicians a reasonable fee? And to shame those that don’t? (Of course, “reasonable fee” would need to be determined.) Musicians could use social media to promote the good venues and educate those that need some work. If musicians open up about what they are getting paid and make that information widely-known, venues may have to start paying attention. If you don’t let your fans know how little you make, they assume you make far more than you do.
I would like this conversation to include the fee scale discussion Sondra has mentioned. I am part of LowellArts that hires musicians for our Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts and I know that we pay musicians at a level greater than many of the other community “free” outdoor concerts in the summer months that happen in our region. That said, unless I (we/LowellArts) have a basis of understanding fee structure to work from it is not possible to know if our pay is “fair”. Thank you for responding either here or by contacting me at LowellArts
Nice article, John, I manage/book Brett Mitchell & the giant GHOST. Brett is a full-time musician, plays solo and full band shows and is highly sought after and constantly touring all over Michigan. I was lead vocalist in a band in high school. That was in 1970. I specifically remember our 4 piece band being paid $500 for a school dance gig. I don’t need to tell you that, though all gigs are not like this, I have booked Brett’s band in a bar for that low in today’s market, occasionally. In such case, you dare not add up load in/load out time and travel time and divide by the pay or it would be discouraging. On the other side of the coin, I’ll be honest, the way I see it, live music does not always make the venue money. I understand some venues have a hard time paying bands. Sometimes I think it just saves them from going under or gives them a slight edge over the bar with no live music. But a slight edge is important. Brett and my methodology is to just be the best at our craft so the band is number 1 on its list when the venue gets ready to hire. A band who is respectful of owner and staff, keeping sound levels to their liking, giving a full show with reasonable breaks, being reliable, keeping the crowd happy without having to be a human juke box and not taking advantage of the generosity of the host with food and drink is going to be hired before a band deficient at those things. When you’re number 1 on the list, you can ask for more compensation. Most venue owners I deal with are honest with me as to what they can afford and we negotiate, if we can, to get them the show they want. I rarely do contracts and prefer email confirmations, but when a venue reneges on any deal, I simply do not book there again. That’s what all bands should do. If a band reneges on a venue, the venue should not book them again, it’s quite simple. They can only burn you once. Live music is making a comeback, I believe, and Michigan is recovering slowly but surely. I would love to see my artist compensated at the level I believe he deserves and until then we will just continue trying to be the best at what we do.
Back in the 70’s and 80’s, you played at the same venue for 5-6 nights a week. Now you’re lucky if you play 2 nights at the same venue. The older I get, the more I have to set up and tear down equipment and I play almost every weekend. When I started playing in bars, most musicians were my age. I find that most musicians playing on a constant basis are still my age. My kids see how hard I work at this and how much money I make and have no interest in playing in a band. And honestly, I don’t encourage them to do so.
Bravo, John, for taking time to bring light to the reality of a working musician. Integrity matters.
Making money playing music is hard. Thanks for bringing these facts into the spotlight today John.
Thanks for the discussion John. The North Country Flyers appreciate you brother! As a songwriter and band leader all my life, I’ve been able to make a good living – but – not without a lot of hard work and of course, support from friends and fans. People who support “live” music are the last best hope for humanity!!!! 😉
My thought is that years of summer free shows by radio stations which are the worst offenders for underpaying gigs have devalued the worth of local entertainment. The other side of the coin is that the casual user who does not follow a scene is left in the dust for finding quality entertainment sometimes. If you are 22 and into the bars scene nightly, you know who is awesome, but the 40 year old who could afford to support a real ticket price stays away in favor of really getting his targeting musical selection at Bikers on the Mall, or Thrifty Gardens.
About 15 years ago I was in a local band in Grand Rapids. We got a weekly, Wednesday night gig at the old Intersection. Those were the days before the Internet was ubiquitous and social media was obviously non-existent. We worked like dogs to promote ourselves, printing flyers (a new design every week) and handing them out and posting them all over town. This, of course, cost us a lot of money (printing, gas, time, etc.). The Intersection paid us a grand total of $25 a week. $5 each, per band member, per week! Being under 21 we had huge “X”s on our hands and didn’t even benefit by getting free drinks. We started drawing larger and larger crowds every week, with lines out the door. When we felt like we had enough clout, we asked for a Saturday night gig and to get paid from the take at the door. That night, we made $1500. The moral is, you’ve got to build that audience, create a demand for your music, promote the hell out of yourselves, and don’t be shy about asking for what’s fair. Should we have gotten paid more for the Wednesday gigs? Absolutely. But these bands need to be willing to build their brand by putting in the work. Supply and demand. If you, as a band, are worth more money, prove it.
On the plus side – That hard working band that played three gigs? I paid them for the one I hired them at that day!!!!
Great points John — thanks!
I’ve been a vocalist in one band or another since 1975. I am much more talented today than I was back then and I often make much less than I did back then. Just thought I would throw in that the equipment that the bands have to trap sport,, maintain, set up and tear down costs thousands more than they usually make in a year. Clubs and even larger venues (casinos) either don’t provide PA and/or lights or what they do have is in such bad shape you can’t use it. You also take a big risk every time you plug your equipment into some ancient electrical outlets. We’ve all payed those joints where you have a massive hum all night long because of shoddy electrical or eve had expensive equipment burned out.
Isn’t it a supply and demand thing? There are so many bands that do the exact same thing; when you have that kind of situation then of course an audience, a bar owner, or a booking agent are all gonna devalue it; because you can get it anywhere and anytime. As small as our town is I can walk into a bar in Grand Rapids any night of the week and hear someone playing Mustang Sally, Moondance, or any number of covers or originals that are rooted in very popular and mainstream rock and blues styles; why would I, as an audience member, put any value on something that is so readily and easily accessible??
I recently ran across this article, and I agree on so many points. This is the one I chose to reply to.
Corey, to put it simply, if you are at a venue and you hear the same old music over and over and you don’t like it-you’ll either stop going out or find another place that has a better band/selection. If you are there, and you are being entertained, there is value in that. Period.
New Flash: ATTENTION MUSICIANS…UNLESS YOU ARE ONE OF A VERY SELECT FEW, YOU ARE NOT GOING TO MAKE A LIVING PLAYING MUSIC.
I’m sure at one time a blacksmith could provide for his family but then, when the railroads came, he needed to think of another line of work, even though, I’m sure there were many smithies who could have been considered an artist in their field at the time.
What is the reason for this paradigm shift? A typical working musician will blame the audiences, club owners, too many entertainment choices or Karaoke instead of his peers. I ask you to really look around at your contemporaries.
After years of steadily slipping expectations, I now envision, when I see a sign on a tavern advertising, for example, “Acoustic Duo” tonight, two fat guys, sitting on stools, in hockey jerseys and silly hats, reading the lyrics off a music stand. Probably, only one of the duo should be allowed to sing and most likely one, if not both, are rudimental guitar players at best. Playing the odds, I’ll probably be 5 for 6 in my prediction. Where is the entertainment I’m playing cover for?
I could care less about how much time is spent practicing and writing songs, only that I am not being entertained in the here and now. Should the songwriter actually succeed in selling his/her eight minute composition about an old girlfriend/boyfriend on a commercial level, will he/she split the royalty checks with all the people that supported them during the lean years. I doubt it.
As for the 80’s, a time when people would pay a $10.00 and wait an hour and a half in an anteroom for a table to open up where they can sit quietly and enjoy a show, those days are, sadly over. However, in a time when restaurants are opening in Detroit at a furious pace, people spend extra money for craft cocktails and beer and still want to go out and have fun on the weekend, I think the musicians are the cause of their own fate. Too many awful singers reading lyrics is the reason for Karaoke.
“Hey, I can entertain better than that guy”. And now, they can!
Your opening statement was right on the money (so to speak), John. I was in a five-piece band in the early ’70s, and each of us could make $50.00 per man, per night, in local clubs. Today, a trio is hard-pressed to get that much. Forty years later. What happened? Disco. Club owners found out they could hire one guy to play records and pack the house.
That doesn’t happen so much anymore, but clubs still want to pay that “one guy” rate. Not only that, but coffee houses? Tips. Little promotion. And that’s for accomplished musicians with original material, who drive 40-100 miles just to perform for people who listen. “Exposure” is good when you’re just starting, but considerably over-rated when you’re trying to pay the bills.
Too bad there’s not a union for musicians…oh, wait….
Thank You Very Much For The Recognition Of All Of The Hard Work And Hours Involved Before The Entertaining Begins. The Entertainer Has This Feeling That Takes Their Complete Body Make-up Over—It Runs In Their Blood—They Can Not Help Themselves—-They Must Learn—They Must Perform. It Is What Allows Us To Be Used And Abused In This Business. I Thank You For Taking The Time To Notice Musicians And Writing The Article. Thank You Again.
The east side of the state is bad as well. I have been performing for almost 40 years and have never seen it this bad. It’s tough to have your craft taken so lightly.
Great and sadly a very true article. “Devalued” is certainly the word that sums it up. Compared to the 80’s it is certainly a joke at where the pay scale is today for both hobby musicians and even more sadly for the professional musicians. Way to many bands out there who are more than willing to play for the almost next to nothing pay scale which makes it difficult for everyone, and the venue/bars owners are certainly aware of this fact and know that if a certain band will not pay for what they are offering they can always find a band that will. Glad you mentioned the out of sight work that goes into putting on a one night show…Thanks for putting this out there.
You know, this is why the West Michigan music scene has ALWAYS been “emerging”. I remember in the 90’s it was the same way. This just hasn’t changed. The culture here simply does not support the arts in a sustainable capacity. Particularly the music arts.
I do speculate as to why this is. Are bars/clubs simply not profitable enough to share some of the pie? I know in some regions where liquor licenses are easier to obtain (and there are more venues per capita competing against each other) the bar gets raised immensely in terms of pay to musicians, which is directly commensurate to an audience’s willingness to pay for admission or drink/food premiums.
Or is it the unwillingness of some of the more talented acts in the area to stick to a minimum rate?
Then again, I think it’s a long-standing culture of cheapness that pervades this area. To say that this are is populated by tight-wads might be an understatement.
Meanwhile, those of us trying to make a living in the industry either visit Michigan in the summer or live here part time.
Very good question..My first real bar gig at the Shamrock was for $50 a night, Wednesday through Saturday. I was 15, my Dad told them I was 16 so I could get the gig. The year was 1965, and so glad to get that money. It paid for high school (CC ’69), I was able to buy clothes with my own money.
I’ve played many gigs for $50 a night over the years , but have also gotten paid over $1,000 a night in my hey day.
Fast forward 40 years and I’m backing up Larry Ballard again, and guess the pay?? $50.00
Given the standards of economy today, I believe live bands – whether weekend warriors or 5 nights a week gigs, should be able to earn enough to live on. If that means bumping up the cover charge – so be it! A band worth listening to, is a band worth paying for..
Great article and so true!
Contributing to this issue might be the fact that there are not many large clubs left. Loud music sounds best in large spaces (think Orbit Room, or Club Eastbrook, as it used to be called when “bar bands” played there). It’s very challenging to get a full band sound in a small room without being blisteringly loud. Our band (Paris Blue) works very hard at this.
What is fair to pay a local band for 3 sets of 80% cover songs?
great subject Johnny.yes there a lot of fine musicians working around here for peanuts,because the places they have to play in won’t pay them anything.i’m just grateful for their love of the music and dedication to go out night after night and play there hearts out to the people who do enjoy watching and listening to them.
The sad part is, after doing all that work, if a band does start getting paid well as they climb the ladder, they’re scorned by their peers as “sell-outs.” I’ve seen it more than a few times. Misery loves company, unfortunately.
It’s been my observation that it is not about the music or the band. It’s about selling beer. A venue has to sell a lot of drinks to pay a band a livable wage and still make a profit for itself.
Hi John, great topic!
Musicians, artists, sound and lighting providers – all really undervalued in the market today. Seems a bit of a vicious circle in some venues. Lowering the pay can lower the average quality resulting in lower attendance which leaves less for pay ….and so on.
Ironic that high quality entertainment gear has never been more plentiful and affordable but all the other increased costs that make up one’s overhead have more than erased that benefit.
Rock On!
I would like this conversation to include the fee scale discussion Sondra has mentioned. I am part of LowellArts that hires musicians for our Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts and I know that we pay musicians at a level greater than many of the other community “free” outdoor concerts in the summer months that happen in our region. (We also encourage the selling of CDs and other items to increase their income and do not take a commission … This has been very profitable for groups1…) That said, unless I (we/LowellArts) have a basis of understanding fee structure to work from it is not possible to know if our pay is “fair”. Thank you for responding either here or by contacting me at LowellArts (Lorain at 897-8545)
PS – our summer concerts series include high quality sound and tech support that the musicians do not need to bring in!
Thanks for this article John. And a sincere thank you to all the local musicians who donate their time for a myriad of causes.
Making a $100.00 per band member was the norm back in the day. We also used to play for and or a portion of the door years ago which sometimes meant it was a very lucrative night and sometimes it was not. Very few places charge covers anymore and if there is a cover the patrons know there will be another bar right around the corner that will not be, no brainer there. We really cannot forget the fact that many people, especially my age, do not do the bar scene any longer due to the fact that the probability of getting pulled over by the police now a days is pretty high, I know most of my friends refuse to do the bar scene. I also know a ton of bands that have been stiffed by club owners for not bringing in crowds, so a contract is highly recommended. With all the stuff mentioned in these posts we sadly just have to remember that the times have changed, and “sadly” not for the better for a working musician/band…Hang in there everyone…Side note, the $100.00 per band member was working in the Washington, D.C. area where I grew up..
I have been in the music business for over 25 years. Two points. Carlton Macksam mentioned musician’s unions. Want to be treated fairly? There is strength in numbers. Second, too many bands do not run their band as a business. Operating in the black market without a contract, they are asking to be underpaid and cheated, as they have no legal recourse. I’d be interested in whatever thoughts you have on these matters, John. Thanks
John,
Nice review! Any chance you can join us for Hannah’s solo show here in Spring Lake tonight?
We’ve got a pint of Founder’s draft beer with your name on it. 🙂
Seven Steps Up
Spring Lake
I was part of the Grand Rapids scene for many years before joining the USAF bands and music program in 1991. Another part of the “disconnect” in this conversation is the fact that prices of other parts of a nightclubs’ income stream haven’t risen and kept pace with inflation either. When you can still by $1 drafts and $1.50 cocktails, no one’s going to truly profit.
One commenter remarked about the need to “build your brand and audience”. Certainly you/we do but, at the same time, the club owner needs to have some “buy-in”. If only to ensure the club makes a profit. All need to work together and, respectfully, the crappy bands need to self-realize this and limit themselves to having fun in their garages. That will help immensely with the dilution of the market for the true professionals.
Another commenter remarked about having to hear “Mustang Sally”, “Moondance”, etc. over and again. Yeah, they’re “staples” of the genre but, do you know why bands play them? It’s certainly not because they love the tunes, it’s because audiences (of all ages) demand to hear them. Looking at the industry as a whole, there’s not a lot of “real” music being made in the rock/pop genre these days and probably not for the last 15-20 years. Very few catchy melodies…. no sense of lyricism in the text of the songs…. no message of any sort…. and the youngest audiences these days are, unfortunately (IMO), caught up in rap (to a lesser degree it seems) and hip-hop. The bulk of this “music” is simply noise to me as there’s no melody whatsoever, no accompanying harmony, just high decibel sound. What lyrics there are are generally (not always) racist, demeaning to all — especially denigrating to women, and contain lyrics that if performed in a nightclub could result in the club being shut down and the band being arrested — depending on locale.
Right now, it seems to be a lose-lose for most true musicians.
If we can get this article to the president or make it National News then we might get change..A lot of musician don’t know their worth so they are willing to do a lot of thing’s that make it bad for musician who know they are worth far more then club owners are willing to give and pay.So nothing is gonna change until the powers that be bring’s awareness to this problem which to me it’s as important as Homosexuality,Racism,and many other worthy cause’s that needs to be changed,Once it become news and talked about I think it will be important enough to people then we can @ least make club owners promoters and all the people involve to realize that there is truly a problem that can be look @ on both side’s and we can change the way the club owner do thing’s and the way the musician do thing’s as well…And it could be a better working relationship for the generation’s to come..
Interesting comments. I have been pondering this topic for a long time. My navel gazing thus far:
1) Musicians need to quit giving it away. “Excuse me, but that’s not enough” is a useful phrase.
2) Musicians *are* in business if they are contractors providing a service in a for-profit situation. Being aware of this basic fact could certainly help bolster #1 above.
3) There is nothing wrong with playing for free or paying to play: that’s what softball and bowling leagues are for.
4) How much do plumbers or hairdressers charge for their services?
5) If a venue can’t afford having a band: don’t have a band!
6) Supply and demand works for commodities: some musicians are great, some musicians are OK and some musicians outright suck—none are equal to each other and are therefore not exact substitutes for one another. The market would work to weed out the suckier musicians in a hurry if #1 were applied more regularly.
7) If #6 were instead true—that is, all musicians *are* equally substituted—it would be very easy for ALL musicians to get a raise: simultaneously say, “That’s not good enough.”
8) Venues need to understand that they have to promote their venues to the public as much as the bands should, and probably more since they have the same address all the time.
9) Musicians’ overhead is just as important as venues’ overhead.
Anyone posting here recognizes that the musicians we speak of play for vocation or avocation: there is effort and energies that should be rewarded equitably. There are so many more places to play for free (or cheap: pass a hat at a party and you might make more than at a venue). Houses of worship, tailgates, neighborhood block parties, beachside hootnannies, bonfires or barn dances, basements or garages with a few simple tweets or FB posts and anybody can play for free or chump change any time he or she wants to.
Interesting comments. I have been pondering this topic for a long time. My navel gazing thus far:
1) Musicians need to quit giving it away. “Excuse me, but that’s not enough” is a useful phrase.
2) Musicians *are* in business if they are contractors providing a service in a for-profit situation. Being aware of this basic fact could certainly help bolster #1 above.
3) There is nothing wrong with playing for free or paying to play: that’s what softball and bowling leagues are for.
4) How much do plumbers or hairdressers charge for their services?
5) If a venue can’t afford having a band: don’t have a band!
6) Supply and demand works for commodities: some musicians are great, some musicians are OK and some musicians outright suck—none are equal to each other and are therefore not exact substitutes for one another. The market would work to weed out the suckier musicians in a hurry if #1 were applied more regularly.
7) If #6 were instead true—that is, all musicians *are* equally substituted—it would be very easy for ALL musicians to get a raise: simultaneously say, “That’s not good enough.”
8) Venues need to understand that they have to promote their venues to the public as much as the bands should, and probably more since they have the same address all the time.
9) Musicians’ overhead is just as important as venues’ overhead.
Anyone posting here recognizes that the musicians we speak of play for vocation or avocation: there is effort and energies that should be rewarded equitably. There are so many more places to play for free (or cheap: pass a hat at a party and you might make more than at a venue). Houses of worship, tailgates, neighborhood block parties, beachside hootnannies, bonfires or barn dances, basements or garages with a few simple tweets or FB posts and anybody can play for free or chump change any time he or she wants to.
Uh oh, you’re stirring a hornets nest with your talk of parking 😉 Rather than adding more parking, I wish The Rapid would find a way to operate hours more in line with the city’s pulse, i.e. late night runs until after the bars close.
Glad to hear they’re working on the sound, and I can’t wait to check it out. The acoustics have been bad in that building from day one – it’s always been hard to hold a conversation even when there’s no band – so anything would be an improvement.
Also, I didn’t realize the previous capacity was about the same as The Pyramid Scheme. Do you think the increase will attract a different type of musician?
Lovely photos, Anna! Looking forward to hearing music in this fabulous new venue.
i enjoyed the event
If you are playing a show out of town, I completely understand the desire to get paid, but if you sit there, playing a show two blocks from your house and want to get paid while there are touring bands that need gas money and shit to eat, fuck you. Don’t be a fucking twat.
Here’s how we coordinate an assemblage of about 85 concert band musicians. Why, it’s almost like Tuba Christmas!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kick-It-In-The-Brass/192134680917182?notif_t=page_new_likes
Oh, wow, I hadn’t heard. Thanks for this story John. Lots of great memories connected with Don and the Orbit Room.
Very sad to hear that Don passed. A great man who made major innovations to the West Michigan scene as well as being a very cool individual all around. He will be greatly missed. How can anyone follow an act like that. Blessed journey Don.
Wow, very sad news. I worked for Don at his beloved Orbit Room for years. He was one of the good guys, and I learned a lot in my time working for him. He will be missed.
don was one of the best. sold him 100’s of shows . what a character so sad he left us so young
Donald..My Big brother…Thanks to my parents for giving me the greatest gift of all…” A brother ready and willing to take care of his little sister.” My Brother !! Donald you were my greatest fan. I love and miss you forever………ME aka “Sissy”
Don shared the in’s and out’ the entertainment industry with me starting in the late 80’s. I worked with Don in many different capacities over the years, even as his Operations Manager at the Orbit working with Don and Ron daily.
We had many great talks and laughs……too many stories to pick just one.
His passion for the industry and for all that had the honor of getting to know you will never be matched.
Nice.
Thanks for this honest article Drew. You are exactly right that you never know what your music has done for people. I would guess that with as much as you have played, it has been infinitely more important to some than you are even aware of.
absolutely love the Liverpool story………all road musicians have had a similar encounter……makes us humble and grateful for doing what we do! Touching a soul is why we do this, correct?
Along with your music, this is the finest writing I’ve heard from you
Phenomenal, Drew. Your music has touched many, including me. Please keep it going.
“I once wrote in a poem about reaching the point in life when I would have the courage to admit my life.” -Jim Harrison
“How few there are who have courage enough to own their faults, or resolution enough to mend them.”- Benjamin Franklin
“Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.” – Erich Fromm
“The only service a friend can really render is to keep up your courage by holding up to you a mirror in which you can see a noble image of yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw
“I never thought I could have come this far
Through miles of mountains, valleys, streams
This is the right stuff filling my dreams
So come on, get up on your bike.” – Luka Bloom
Thanks for giving musicians a voice on your show and on your site, John! I think it goes without saying that I love Drew’s article and am proud of him for working to succeed despite the odds. Thanks for being such a big supporter of Drew and the many local musicians that also deserve support and encouragement!
you told me once years ago to sing my heart out because music is good for the soul. Your music has always lifted my spirits. I love your stories, they touch the heart.
I wanted Drew to write from the heart in describing the travails of a life in music and he more than succeeded in doing so, showing courage and honesty in the process. This is an important essay for musicians and non-musicians alike: It’s an inspiration for performers who’ve shared some of the same highs and lows, and an inner snapshot of the emotions and rigors of a touring artist that many non-musicians simply don’t see or appreciate.
Thanks for sharing, Drew, and thanks, John, for providing a forum for these insights. I cannot imagine what it is like to be so gifted as a musician — the raw talent, the passion, the creativity, the challenges, the highs, the lows, and dealing with the “business” side of the music business.
This is so honest and shows a light on your soul. And what I see when i see that courage and humor–poetry even.
thought this guy was a d-bag for the longest time….
sure the feeling was/is mutual…….
don’t feel that way anymore
Thanks a ton John! You da’ man! <3
nice John – saw ya there and meant to say hi……………………
Hey John, I was planning on going to the BoDeans show at Wealthy Theater this week. From recent pics / videos I’ve seen, Sammy Llanas is absent! I’ve always thought of them as the cooler roots version of Hall and Oates, and would miss Sammy’s vocals. Is he NOT involved with this tour?
You are correct. Llanas left the band a couple of years ago.
A very touching and heartfelt memorial……nice write up on this John
Thanks for the props for coming up with the idea and a tip of the hat to all who made it a reality!
Great article John, thanks for the ongoing support and coverage. Halloween On Ionia was incredible thanks to the people of Grand Rapids.
Two grand masters still in their prime. Well done men!
Yup. It was like having them in your living room. Great show.
Hi John,
I’m curious about this house concert phenomenon particularly this nascent one that is emerging as a business model albeit a scaled down one. Do the promoters expect to pay themselves at some point? Do they pay the homeowners? Do the promoters pay 100% of travel expenses for the musicians or just a portion? How many artists, musical or otherwise donate their time one hundred percent in order to as the old expression states, get exposure? Do travel expenses for musicians include a place to stay? If money is made at some point, does all the many roll back to the musicians or will the promoters pay themselves first and then the musicians if there is anything left over? Just curious.
Bruce
It’s very informal and the way pay is handled varies a lot. But there’s a lot of show trading — artists and musicians in one city will help host house concerts for other artists from other cities and vice versa, with the artists usually just staying at the home of one of the hosts. Often, all of the money collected at the door for an individual house concert goes to the performing musicians, but I’m guessing sometimes those hosting the shows share in some of the take. And artists such as Brian Vander Ark have turned this into an important part of their business. Here’s another Local Spins story about this phenomenon.
https://localspins.com/home-sweet-home-musicians-reveling-in-house-concerts-as-new-way-to-do-business/
Karp and Foley were outstanding at the Tip Top. By far the best musical performance I’ve seen there.
They were outstanding at The Pinnacle Center as well. Terrific people, too.
Amazing performance at Tip Top – Second time there and they were absolutely stellar
nice John………..
really well done John
Very nice reflection John. There’s something haunting about those black and white images of the JFK funeral procession, and something timelessly magical about the footage of the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. The joy of the latter helped pull us out of the grief of the former. What a time.
Wow, John…very vividly put.
I’ve often thought that one reason for the Beatles’ colossal and rapid success in the U.S. was the instant joy antidote they brought to a nation in deep darkness and mourning. Thank God they did.
Last night Nelson is the first artist I ever heard do as Springsteen cover…. a superb cover of Atlantic City.
We are a group of very hard working and talented musicians. We’ve all been in the game for 30 or more years each. We are getting paid the same and sometimes less than what we got in the 70’s. We work less because clubs don’t advertise their entertainment. Nor, are the clubs responsive to the difference between ‘great talent’ and ‘no talent,’ opting instead for cheap as it gets. As musicians we spend our money on new equipment and repair of equipment, gas money to get the equipment to the shows, time spent loading in, setting up, tearing down and loading out, marketing and building a following. Venues don’t seem to understand that your following is not going to travel miles and miles to see you. Bands rely on venues to offer something of value to their local clientele so the venue should also have a following. It is the band’s job to make the venue’s following happy. Don’t get me wrong, we can get our followers to travel pretty far to see us, but it is not always easy. My band spends a ton of time and money marketing our upcoming shows and the venues where they will be held using every available means possible. I would love to say ‘That is not enough,” however, I know that another band will play the same gig for less. Because of our love of music, we endeavor to continue to play as often as possible and continuously look for more ways to promote ourselves in a very lean market.
I’m sure that most people’s “I can’t believe they were inducted” band from this list of inductees is going to be KISS. I have to say, I’m not a big fan of their music or (lack of) talent, but I don’t think you can deny the impact that their over the top concerts had on the evolution of live shows.
Love Peter Gabriel and once-upon-a-time Cat Stevens.
The RRHOF shouldn’t even let KISS in its parking lot.
KISS is definitely deserving – no question there. Let’s swap out Nirvana with “Deep Purple” – Nirvana can get their chance later. I’d also toss “Yes” in before Pete Gabriel. Not sure about that Cat Stevens and Linda Ronstadt choices. Seems like “Chicago”, “Moody Blues”, “Doobie Brothers”, and “Dick Dale” should get in before those two – not that they aren’t deserving.
Nirvana is definitely at the top of the class. The Replacements should have gotten in before Kiss. I still can’t believe bands like The Cure, The Smiths, and New Order are not in the RRHOF.
The rub is in the name of the organization, “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”, the definition of rock and roll, who defines rock and roll and who approves new members. This makes the whole damn thing the antithesis of rock and roll.
All of the shenanigans that exist today existed back in the late 60’s and thoughout the 70’s and even early 80’s. Club owners didn’t promote well, Some would try to “revise” the contract (we always had contracts), when it came time to pay us after the gig, etc. That kind of stuff, bad as it is, most musicians are used to.
But the fact that pay scales now are the same or even lower than they were then, is really tough to swallow. Equipment, transportation/travel costs, PA rental and everything else now cost far more than they did then, not to mention that of course, today’s dollars are worth far, far less… And back then, one could even optimistically dream of the possibility of getting a recording contract to supplement income. Also, the AFM union was a factor in pay scales, at least in larger cities.
Anyway, you’re completely correct – it’s harder than ever to make any kind of living playing music. While I don’t gig regularly today, if I was, I’d be none too sure of what could improve the situation for musicians.
I do think it’s really important (and, greatly appreciated), that you’ve taken the time to point this out to your readers. Many thanks!
Thanks to Troy, Tricia and Brian for bringing me up to date on 2013 just in time before it ends. And to “Love More, Worry Less” for giving me a new mantra just in time for 2014. Now go watch “Almost Famous” and thank the good Lord for rock and roll!
You have so much to say and you say it so beautifully Drew. That’s why I have been nudging you, maybe nagging you, to write. Well done my friend. More please.
The correct spelling of the lead singer for The Static Affair is Zach Sheneman. It would be wise to feature him on your 2014 up and coming artists. Although I am his father, I do not think I am demonstrating too much bias.
Sincerely,
Kurt Sheneman
Grand Rapids, Mi
Will do! 🙂
Last year the organizers brought in a portable dance floor (because the Showroom’s potholed floor resembles a Michigan highway). Any word on that?
Yes, they are once again bringing in a portable dance floor from CMU. Get your contra dancing shoes on, folks.
Just a quick correction: Their bass player is John Baxter, not Phil.
i think it’s about time for another Beatles tribute in Grand Rapids. I’m in! Who else?
There was already a great deal of momentum before the Sullivan show. There were thousands of fans waiting at the airport, and reporters were following their every move… tickets for the shows were sold out.
Nixon would still be president. Or his double.
They became my best friends…they taught me how to love through their music and lyrics….how to express my feelings and think contrary to what was the normal acceptable flow at the time…(along with The Everly Brothers, Elvis, Roy Orbison) gave me the desire to learn the guitar and songs and become a singer/songwriter and entertainer myself….I can’t think of a single album or song that I didn’t like….and with the skills of George Martin they touched on every style of music with charmful mastery to give us the templates for learning…as well as delve into their own unique and ever evolving musical stylings. I am filled with sincere gratitude for their lifes works.
I first caught the Beatles on the Jack Paar Show. He had a clip from when he saw them in England and showed it on his show. He was less than impressed, but because I had just recently immigrated to the United States from the Netherlands in 1961, and still had strong ties to Europe where the Beatles had already established themselves as bona fide musicians, I was immediately drawn in by their charm. I have been a fan ever since. My Beatle collection proves it. Favorite Album: Abbey Road. Favorite song: And Your Bird Can Sing.
I too first became aware of the Beatles via the Jack Paar Show. I was fascinated by their music and the energy created by their fans. I remember telling my mother about what I had witnessed: “These guys were playing great rock music, and they had long hair. Thousands of girls were screaming when they played. This is something that’s going to be really big”
You can learn almost everything about being in a band and the music business from studying the Beatles. Friends that went from being a covers band playing in dingy clubs. Being turned down by every record company in England before finally being signed ,not so much as musicians, because of their personalities. The were a huge hit in England and still Capital record refused to release their records in America because they weren’t good enough. You can hear their development as song writers, As great as they were in the beginning they became more and more creative. Their hair is nothing radical these days, but it was then. Despite the money and the fame you can follow the band slowly becoming more like individuals than a band. Coming to and end as bad business deals, pressures of success, the pull of domestic life ended a great band, What is truly amazing was all they accomplished in 7 years in he public eye.
It’s impressive to see the range and breadth of musicians from different genres who were blown away by The Beatles and found a way to incorporate their innovativeness into their own music. And don’t discount the hair thing. It was a truly revolutionary look at the time, earning real revulsion and condemnation from the conservative establishment. I wear my hair long to this day mostly because of The Beatles … to my parents’ never-ending chagrin. But even they grew to love their music.
NYEve: State Theater: Sgt.Pepper and Abbey Road: singing full throated in the front like a kid.
The Beatles opened musical ideas that were beyond our experience. I was not impressed by the Yeah, Yeah, Yeah stuff and even more by the adulation. My hair was long too in the fashion of the boys and not the provincial small town I grew up in. The innovative and delightful and still fresh songs were surprising somehow intellectually engaging so much more than the harsh Stones sound.
I fell in love with the Beatles at a very early age and they are a huge influence on me as a musician. My group, The Luke Lenhart Band, performs a lot of there music. I’d have to say that my favorite album I’d Abbey Road.
Luke, not at all surprised to see your comment here ! I hope you really enjoy your upcoming gig & please give my regards to Bev.
My mother brought home several of the first Beatles albums and we listened to them over and over. They motivated me to sing, play guitar and entertain and edify others with music. I still play several Beatles songs and always get a rave response, no matter the age of my audience. What timeless, powerful, fresh, and refreshing songs they have brought to us. Thanks!
My brain hurts trying to imagine what our culture would be like without the Beatles influence.I was nearly 10 yrs. old when visiting relatives, the teenager put on the Ed Sullivan Show. I can clearly recall the joy I felt when I heard She Loves You, all those years ago. My favorite album is Rubber Soul, maybe because in the 70’s, my husband & would listen to it on 8 track for road trips. My favorite song is In My Life, but right now I find it unbearable to hear or sing, as my mom just died. Let It Be another fave, is comforting at the moment & She Loves You , again feels joyous.
My first album ever was “Meet the Beatles” and I still have it. I saw them perform on the Ed Sullivan Show when I was 9 and it was so exciting, even though you could hardly hear them performing above all of the hysterical screaming. We followed them through all of their years – the songs, the movies, the “is Paul dead?”phase, and the Maharishi. It was a sad day when they broke up. And then there was George Harrison’s rise and He turned out to be the most amazing Beatle who took his music to the next level. Ya, ya, ya!
Brian Jones’ stones’ were far more real to me than the beatles
I believe the Beatles had to arrive when they did, but if they hadn’t, it would have taken longer for other rock bands to start writing their own songs and rock would not have expanded like the phenomenal Big Bang they created. It’s hard to imagine the culture without them. Because of them we came to see music not just as a source of entertainment but as a community, an energy that could change the world with the force of its sound and ideals. They brought together people across countries, ages and races with their vision of universal love, and still do.
Favorite album: Rubber Soul (In My Life, Nowhere Man)
For more on my take on their ethical/ spiritual influence, read on: http://www.mlive.com/living/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2014/02/charley_honey_fifty_years_on_b.html
I just finished a mini-Documentary on our local baby boomers music scene under the title of
“The Shamrock Bavarian Inn Reunion Concert” all these musicians were influenced by the Beatles back then they were all in their teens. Performing in and around West Michigan. The Shamrock was known for having some of West Michigan’s finest bands at the time.
The Video will be on Public access TV sometime this week. They set the air dates.
The Beatles music is timeless and will still be listened to 500 years from now. I believe that’s what sets them apart from the rest of their contemporaries. My first Beatles album was Hey Jude. I can vividly remember jamming with my air guitar to Revolution when I was supposed to be doing my homework. Love that song! Favorite album is Revolver, followed closely by Abby Road.
Some great videos here. Music videos are kind of a lost art. Which is strange because YouTube is the 2nd most popular search engine on the web. Why doesn’t everyone make videos?
Alternate history interests me from time to time, but I find people often take it too far when they assume a hole that in reality wouldn’t exist. Nature abhors a vacuum. If the Beatles didn’t exist, another group would occupy their slots on the charts, their space in the record bins. We can’t assume people who bought Beatles concert tickets and record albums wouldn’t have bought anything. They would have bought tickets and albums from another artist or artists, so some group or groups would have gotten the attention they didn’t get. That said, the Beatles pioneered the use of orchestra overlays in pop/rock. They had the interest, the money and the record producer to make it happen. Had they not paved the way, pop/rock likely would have continued on a trajectory of sticking to guitars and drums with occasional horns for many years.
Haha, love that first photo.
This is awesome! 😀
Is there seating if Grandma & Grandpa come along?
Looks complicated. They don’t explain how (or why) locals can participate.
Fitz is also a remarkably talented bass player, too. He asked me if he could join my nascent band The T-BONES in 1987 playing bass. Originally, since I couldn’t find the right bass sound among a group of locals who auditioned, I launched the band’s debut at Ladies Literary Club in April of ’87.
Fitz and I played together in the Jimmie Stagger band so I only knew Fitz as an extraordinary guitarist. He played a vintage Dan Electro Long Horn bass and fit right in with the sound I was looking for. Fitz played bass with The T-BONES from 1987 up to the point I dissolved the band in 1990. You can hear his bass playing on “stripped to the bone,” the band’s only recording still played now and then on WYCE.
I worked at the Parkway Tropics in the late 60’s and The Daze End was one of my favorite groups. Johnny Boggs played “Hey Jude” the very best, in fact better then the Beatles in my opinion. At another bar, he played “Try a Little Tenderness” it was so great. Is Johnny still kicking?
Johnny Boggs played a charity/benefit show featuring a host of ’60s bands last May (along with The Quests, The Eschelons and other classic bands).
Actually, “Sunshine & Whiskey” is my preferred Summer anthem from Frankie’s album. It’s right upthere with “A Buncha Girls” from his EP a couple years ago. As far as other Summer tracks I would encourage folks to seek out “Waves” from the new Blondfire (ex-Nectar, GR) album and “When the Sun Gets In Your Eyes” by Railroad Earth. The new Wishbone Ash has one full of Summer imagery called “Down South” complete with a dandy dualing guitar coda. Bruce Springsteen’s forthcoming “American Beauty” looks like a Summer smasheroo, too, if the cover art is any indication.
That said that’s still a Helluva of a song.
Thanks for the (un)timely well written article.
yawn………
awesome line ups. I’m really stoked to see The Muteflutes in that setting!
Can’t wait until Saturday!
Try country music next time…we find it’s drawing the larger crowds…Some bands here in Lansing are switching their set list to country. ..look at the B93 birthday bash, fastest horses fest..and the east side of the state Jigawa Island over a hundred thousand people there..our schedule is packed since we switched to country…
Awesome…great concert lineup…..
Scott
North Country Flyers
My husband came home empty- handed after waiting in a long line for Jackson Browne tickets. He saw plenty of people coming out before him with 19 tickets (the limit). We were pretty surprised to see tickets for Browne being sold by ticket brokers on the Internet — also Santana on Craig’s list for $300 a pop (member price $150.00).
Takes away from the sweetness of being a “member” at the Gardens.
Thanks for the article.
Disappointing article, John! One tiny paragraph that barely acknowledges the extreme problems with members not being able to get tickets. To blatantly post a picture of someone buying 24 tickets just proves the point that the system is broken. FMG should not be allowing anyone to buy that many tickets. Period. You should revisit the FMG Facebook page to see how many more disgruntled members have posted. But I guess it doesn’t matter much to someone that gets a free “press pass” to the shows.
Actually Jim, there’s been a lively discussion on my own Facebook page in which I’ve participated that definitely speaks to the heart of some of these issues and I’ve urged readers such as yourself to post comments about this at Local Spins to continue the debate. The story I posted wasn’t meant to diminish the concerns of those who didn’t get the tickets they sought; it was posted before even some of these complaints came to light. Indeed, I checked with several ticket-buyers and their reaction was mixed — some were very happy because they managed to secure the tickets they were seeking online, others did not. It’s understandable that those who are frustrated would be more vocal about their displeasure. But I also agree that it’s time that Meijer Gardens consider further limiting the number of tickets that Meijer Gardens members are allowed to purchase during the pre-sale. Frankly, this concert series has become more popular than I think even Meijer Gardens officials expected — and that sort of thing can pose problems. It does matter to me, and my free “press pass” simply gives me the ability to do my job (which as any reviewer will tell you, involves hours of research ahead of time and several hours of work “after” the show when most concertgoers are relaxing at the bar or tucked in their beds). Put it this way, I’m not a very good concert date. Local Spins will follow up on this as the pre-sale period continues, but you’re absolutely right: It’s a concern, and unfortunately, probably not something they can change for 2014. The horse has left the barn.
Standing in line was people’s first mistake. The staff out there is much too slow. The second is FMG employing StarTickets as their internet and ancillary outlet. I tried buying tickets online for 20 minutes or more and I couldn’t access my account. I got through on the phone about 10:20 and the operator said to me, “Gee, you have three accounts here” which I acknowledged was highly probable as I’ve had difficulty accessing my existing account(s) in the past. I got tickets for all the shows I wanted (“casino” Santana holds no appeal for me) and I’m not surprised the household names (Sheryl, Moody Blues, et al) sold out. I AM surprised that marginal acts (Ziggy), up’n’comers (Ray Lamontagne) and one-hit wonders (Cake) sold out as quickly as they did. I assume there’s resale potential in those acts and plenty of tickets will show up on eBay and Craigslist. As for limiting the number of tickets members can buy, why? That’s one of the perks of membership. Also, I’d guess that big old (the bigger the better) wad of money goes to cover the deposits for every show on the schedule and hence limiting that potential is unlikely.
Yea sooo happy
The Tip Top Deluxe has been an amazing and underrated addition to the Grand Rapids live music scene. Lucky for us, it has been “our little secret” on the northwest side. Best place in town for local bands, rockabilly, punk, alt-country, cult bands like The Red Elvises, legendary bands like The Del-Lords and The Blasters, and singer-songwriters like Tommy Womack, Eddie Spaghetti, and Fred Eaglesmith. They have the best open-mic comedy night in town, too, every other Tuesday. Keep up the great work, Ted!
Love the article….
Songwriting is a craft. You start as an apprentice, then you work to improve your skill; so someday you can be like a master carpenter or plumber or machinist, able to build something that brings joy to others. Each word needs to be a polished stone that compliments the word before and after. String enough polished stones together and you create an image of something beautiful.
Has anyone heard anything yet?
“The latest word from organizers is that the complex scheduling of acts …. will be completed early next week, “and performers will be notified by the weekend.”
“By the weekend” would have been two days ago.
I’m told that Festival performers will be notified today. Keep your fingers crossed!
Cute idea but they were going to do this in rented homes? In other words homes belonging to someone else? Did the landlords know? I doubt it. If somebody fell down the basement stairs, in an “overcrowded and unsafe environment,” looking for the bathroom the landlord could be responsible.
Great photo collection. Thanks. What a weekend!
booya
For those who appreciate great guitarist Johnny Winter at Bell’s was the place to be this past Saturday. He may be old and frail but when he sits down with his guitar he surprisignly comes to life. Overall a great crowd, great song selection, and an excellent blues rock performance. Johnny was awesome but so was his band, never seen a tighter blues band. Here’s a snippet from the show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5gCU0fWJZE
Awesome. I’ve always loved the Verve Pipe.
Hi John, what did you think of the Muteflutes set at Festival? Saw you there. For me, that was the discovery of Festival ’14. Bought both CDs and am thoroughly enjoying. How does a band this good fly so under the radar for years? I had never heard of them.
Fab band. Had them on my radio show a couple of months ago and am very impressed with the new album.
Cover songs worth a mention are Derek & the Domino’s “Keep On Growing” and Joe Cocker’s “Space Captain.” Both very excellent versions.
Nice shot!! Great moment.
Great review of a great concert, Ben!
I love Junior Valentine and just about everything he has ever done musically. His new CD is great, and this play list is full of home runs; but WLAV has ruined Steppenwolf and Steve Miller for me, as they only play about four songs from each band’s catalogue, and that sort of familiarity has bred contempt.
i love you fankie i cant get over you ooooooooooooooohhhhhohohohohoohohoooohhhooohooohooohohohoohohohohohohohoohooohohohohohohohohohohohohohohhohohohohohohhohohohoooohooohoohooohhhhhhhhhhhhhoooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhohohohoh
Is anyone else having trouble loading the photo gallery?
Make sure you don’t have a pop-up blocker on. That’s the only issue that I’ve heard about. Let me know.
Not only do Valentiger make great music. they are great people. The personality of the band is simply fun to watch. hear, and experience. I’m a fan of each of them.
Well said, John! It was a lovely show, and Jackson Browne is (refreshingly) one of those musicians who has been around for years but hasn’t lost his touch.
Spot on! Those that wished for a full band might have been a bit disappointed, but for all of us faithful in the audience THIS was the night we’d hoped for. Every year for the past several I’ve hoped for Jackson Browne’s name to appear at the end of April on the Meijer Garden’s site. It was a wonderful combination of place, crowd and performer last night – and the weather was just another thing that was something fine.
It was interesting to me how many people approached me to ask why there was no band or whether it was advertised as a solo acoustic show. Part of it may be that fans in a nostalgic mood want to hear the songs the way they were played on the radio, with band backing. Personally, I think it’s all about expectations. If you expected to see a full-band rock show, it may have been a difficult adjustment. If you were there to hear a songwriter display his tunes in spare fashion, you were probably mesmerized.
I had no reason to expect either, but I was thinking band. I was not disappointed; nay, I was delighted, and I echo Tracy’s sentiments about the place-crowd-performer confluence. I can still see JB’s face when the crowd took over on “Stay” at the very end. He beamed.
Thanks for the write-up, John – and for everything we’ve collaborated on during my time at WYCE.
I would like to say, for the record, that the photo of me talking on my cell phone and pointing is the most staged-looking, non-staged photo that has ever been taken of me. 🙂
I applaud Kevin for completing the build to 10k that I started when I was there (believe me – we could both write books on that boondoggle) – He was a “trainee” when he first came through – but he done good – Best Wishes on the new adventure Kevin!
Damn, I’m sorry I missed this. And with the Son of You Know Who to boot. There is no justice.
Nice write-up, John…
Excerpt of Michelle’s spiel before introduction of artists on the stage at Seven Steps Up (Spring Lake): “…we ask that you not talk during the artist’s performance. It doesn’t mean you can’t lean over and quietly say ‘I love this song’, what we’re asking is that you not go on and on about all the other songs you love or what you did last night. If you can understand that, you’re in for some magical moments tonight. So please be respectful of your neighbors and the artist who’s literally spent a lifetime preparing for tonight’s performance…”
The Pin Drop Concert series at Seven Steps Up Live Music & Event Venue.
Yes Gary, I was chuckling to myself and thinking of Michelle’s preshow caveat last night during the hubbub at FMG.
I thought last night’s show was definitely entertaining, I’m glad he came back out to finish it.
What is concert security good for if not ejecting people who are acting inappropriately, and without consideration of other audience members? Granted, perhaps Mr. LaMontagne may have wigged out, but let’s not fault him for his exasperation. I suppose it would have bode him better and gained favor of the audience if he could have managed a cooler nature and stated that the show would not continue until these inconsiderate louts were removed. As both a musician/performer and someone who enjoys attending shows, there is a growing epidemic of this type of self centered & rude behavior among audience members. This is just another sad example, that’s all.
People are rude by nature when it comes to live musicians. My own friends carry on talking while I’m singing my heart out. I’ve been entertaining for over 42yrs. It means so much when you have an attentive audience that sincerely appreciates your creativity! I feel LaMontagne’s frustration!
Let’s be clear. I DO NOT condone Ray’s behavior at the Gardens last night. He is a professional and should have acted as such. On the other hand, the talkers who were dead center right in front, continued to talk through his whole set. They were asked several times by others around them and by Ray and his band to quiet down. At that point, security should have stepped in and told them to talk in back of the venue. Think of your favorite artist or band. If they did the same thing would you feel the same way? Let’s all take a chill and remember it’s about the music. We have all reached that point at some point in our lives. Ray just made a poor decision the way he addressed it. I think the fact that the doors opened at 5 and alcohol was being served and Ray did not come on until about 8 may have something to do with it too. So, if you are a concert goer, you do have a right to talk, you paid the money, but if you are talking through the whole show, don’t sit in the front row. Save those seats for the true fans who are there for the music.
We were bemoaning the fact that we missed out on tickets for his show, but I guess I’m not quite so disappointed now. We don’t “do” vacations, so buy tickets for eight to ten shows per year, so have a pretty good “feel” for the venue, and unfortunately the experience is not quite what it once was.
Security is still doing a decent job of getting most people parked, are on top of the chair height and over 21 banding, seem very consistent in checking coolers and containers, but rule enforcement relating to issues of crowd control is inconsistent, and traffic control for departures has been nonexistent. We have tried speaking directly to security members about issues, but have been disappointed in their responses. We have not taken the step of contacting garden officials this year, so shame on us for not being part of the solution.
Jon,
Outdoor concerts, especially without reserved seating, are somewhat understandably difficult regarding crowd control. As a musician who has performed at MG (& countless other venues) I am used to audience members talking, etc. In fact, when an audience actually listens, I can feel a little unnerved at first! But here’s what the ‘talkers’ may not realize, at least when I’m performing: I interact with the audience if they are quiet (or even mostly quiet). I have trained myself, as a pro, to ‘read’ the room & try hard to guage how to present the music. Am I ambient music or am I a show? The hardest thing, and what often happens, is when the audience is mixed and I have to split the difference. My tendency is to retreat into the background, say nothing on mic, & just provide some music as a sort of soundtrack for the evening. But, if people are relatively quiet, I take that as my cue to engage with them inbetween songs & the evening can become so much fun! It is unfortunate that the ‘talkers’ apparently don’t have a clue what they are missing by being so self absorbed. To be fair, the performer onstage is obviously self-absorbed or he/she wouldn’t be onstage in the first place. But the performer is there to engage the audience and, hopefully, provide everyone an experience that CAN’T BE HAD BY LISTENING TO A RECORDING AT HOME! With some performers this means a lot of banter & interaction with the audience, while others may simply play their music. But, no doubt, the performance will be different depending upon whether the audience is engaged with the listening process or not. I don’t know who Ray is but I wonder if that’s why he was initially ‘boring’ or, at least, not engaging the audience with dialogue.
Another related comment: Of great concern to me are the posts I am reading in which people say “I don’t go to concerts because of this.” Indeed, I am somewhat in that category myself! I would like to see someone do more informal research on this (a survey???) and include venue managers in the results because I wonder if they realize how much business they may be losing by NOT handling crowd control better. For some venues there is a relatively simple fix: seat people accordingly, i.e. seat those who want to talk in the part of the venue that is removed from the performance area. It puzzles me why this isn’t usually done, at least not in my experience in GR. I am enjoying all of my gigs up north this summer partly because the venue managers are doing this! Everyone has such a better time that way. The partiers are far enough away that they can relate to the music as ambient, whereas the people who are there to be entertained are seated up close. Of course I am talking about a more controlled environment (most recently, a small outdoor venue & some restaurants). When the short-lived jazz club (?) was open a few years ago I heard from several customers that they would never go back there again because they couldn’t hear the music what with people yakking it up. To finish, I would love to see a venue in GR that had a listening policy. And I wonder if all the people who don’t go to live pop concerts due to crowd noise would show up, spend money (OMG, a cover charge??), and have amazing experiences together. As GR tries to become a first class city, I think it has to have at least one such venue for it to happen. I believe a ‘listening policy’ would only bring in more $. I’m not aware of a venue that really has one, at least, not for jazz and related music.
One of the most fun concert experiences I’ve ever had was “heckling” Dave Bennett, the
youthful clarinetist/born-again Benny Goodman tribute artist. This was at Celery Flats at a special event, essentially rained out, and attended by about five audience members. Dave was in his early 20s at the time, playing with a band of senior musicians.
He’d be taking a solo, and I’d say “higher!” He’d smile around his embouchure and move up the scale. Afterwards we greeted each other, and he let me know he appreciated the cheering section.
Perhaps a more seasoned performer demands sanctuary-like silence. Dave and his band had a lot of fun with us sopping listeners that evening.
You were engaged in his performance, Ms. Dunham, not talking, loudly, to your friends about your next vacation, kitchen remodel or cosmetic surgery.
Great article. Thank you, thank you, and thank you. 🙂
I would wager that Lamontagne’s meltdown was aimed at all of the inconsiderate boors throughout the audience. I know there were plenty of them being a veteran of the situation there. Unfortunately for them, the inconsiderate boors directly in front of him bore the brunt of his entirely justified wrath.
It’s about damned time somebody said something. Between the chair Nazis and the blathering ninnies, going to FMG is no fun anymore.
I’ve attended countless outside music events over the years and and have enjoyed a few at FMG, but have encountered a lack of respect for the performers as well as fellow concert goers. By far, my favorite outdoor venue is the Newport Folk Festival. For over 6 decades they have strived to present an eclectic mix of music for the pure enjoyment of the performance, while maintaining a loose, fun, and completlely safe enviroment.
The following is a statement that Jay Sweet just released following this past weekend’s Newport Folk Festival: Dear Folk- Words can not express how we feel after this weekend. Luckily, we have music to do that for us. Our volunteers, vendors, partners and staff continue to make us proud; our artists continue to deliver immense joy, understanding, emotion, and unparalleled talent; however, what truly makes this festival unique, is not the location, nor the weather, nor even our fabled history. It is you who makes us what we are. Thank you for being a model of what an audience can and should be, kind, caring, attentive, understanding curious, critical and most of all respectful. Every artist I spoke to mentioned it, some with tears of appreciation and some laughing in flat out awe that audiences likes ours still exist in today’s music world. For that we are eternally grateful. Until next year, be safe, be kind and FOLK ON
-Jay Sweet
I didn’t see this until after I filed this piece, but IMO the best review — the one that seemed to track reality most closely — is this one by ultra-veteran rock journo Gary Graff: http://media.theoaklandpress.com/2014/07/29/jack-white-at-the-fox-theatre/#1
I must be living under a rock….I never heard of this artist….Jack White….I’m sorry..
But Great article. …….
Well put Dr. Bowe. Besides your spot-on point about sloppy reporting, this speaks to me of the ego-driven nature of so much of the blogosphere, where many writers feel they must come loaded with attitude and say something/anything about everything in order to continue being noticed. They shortchange the research in order to get their opinion out there.
As for cellphonioma, I believe it was Louis C.K. who said, “You should look at the real thing happening BEHIND your cell phone. The resolution is amazing!”
‘persevered to play a 22-song encore.’ That is hilarious to consider.
Did the guy who wrote this article pay attention enough to see jack’s off microphone screams to the audience while he and his band took a bow?? Maybe pay attention to jack if ur gonna write abt him. Or how he stopped the crowd during Hardest Button to Button when they finally showed life to tell them (ironically or sarcastically) to calm down…this is not the whole story either…but good luck dancing about architecture cool guy…
But I wasn’t writing (much) about Jack per se, I was writing about the bloggers who weren’t there misrepresenting the event on the basis of one reviewer’s account. My critique was about the subsequent journalism, not the performance.
Sometime you should see my Mies van der Rohe foxtrot. It’s pretty fantastic.
Great review. Sorry I missed the show; two great acts!
Nick Cave dropped a fan’s phone in a cup of beer? What was the reaction of the fan and the people around them?
Tracyanne Campbell from Camera Obscura made a similar request at their show at the Loving Touch in Ferndale last week. She said it had been a while since the band could “smell the crowd” due to the close quarters of the venue and subsequently asked if people not stick their phones in her face (There are two youtube ‘in your face’ phone vids from the show online now).
It’s interesting what that must look like from an artists perspective. “Am I playing to an audience or to a phone?”
I wondered about the reaction of the phone owner (and the beer owner, for that matter). I couldn’t see the reaction from the scrum, and I haven’t seen anything else online. I would imagine the person was steamed…
Totally agree with you John, Dawes is not just an opening act – they are greatly in demand on the summer tour circuit. Many fans that I talked with at the show were there to see Dawes. I thought Oberst, backed by Dawes was a perfect combination.
The front section was young and enthusiastic, but more than anything … courteous and respectful of the music experience. My wife and I (60somethings) were midway in the mix when a group of revelers asked “you wanna get up front for some pics?” Let’s go!
Outstanding show. I went with my 20 year old son who turned me onto Conor’s music about three years ago. I have been a fan ever since. Amazing song writing and an exceptional performance. I will be certain to catch Conor, and whatever incarnation of a group he performs with. His previous solo album from 2008 is all great songs, be sure to check that out if you haven’t already.
Looks like Peter Frampton is also very anti-cell phone videography…
http://www.onstagemagazine.com/frampton-personally-enforces-camera-policy1/
So glad the verdict on 2015 is YES! 2014 was wonderful – great music, wonderful weather, well organized, fun camping. I wish the Grand Rapids Press had given a little publicity to such a home grown event.
It was a great weekend all te way around. The vendors, food booths-shout out to Whip for whipping up fresh omelets and breakfast burritos. Pizza was great as was the Angus burgers donated by the Shagbark Fark being cooked up by Caledonia Fire members. Everyone for volunteering.
BIG shout out to the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts that walked around the entire area that was opened for the Happy Campers and stage grounds.
A Great Time for all – can’t wait to do it again next year. I am a little biased on the music – anytime Buddy Twist is around, especially when Jimmie Stagger is joining them….Great Things Happy. Loved the stage prop for Buddy Twist!! Just an Awesome show and the music on Friday the last band; Afro Zuma what can I say, play it and they will come. I wouldn’t be surprised if they sold every last CD they had. Thank You Farmer John for putting on a great time!
Wow, that’s some set all right! Did she also sing songs?
Thanks to all, had a great time!!
I’m no stuffy conservative by any means, but it just blows me away that soccer moms think this woman is a good role model for their daughters, let alone to being their kids to her shows in the first place. Witchcraft, female domination of men, pyramids, role playing, occult symbols all over the stage and her over produced records and videos….and yet they think she is “inspiring” to their their kids ? She is just another meat puppet pop star playing a role and selling a political/spiritual agenda to the mindless masses. KP is also not the brightest bulb in the box, so what people see in her music is beyond me. Even her “pastor father” has shown his narcissism by hanging onto her fame and adopting his new rock n roll image. Apparently the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
i saw R y G at the Fox Theatre in Oakland, Cali, and was STANDING in the front row…Your friend stated it accurately about not know what hit them. An incredible fantastic show…besides the GREAT music, i had another “what memories are made of moment”…my friend and i had a couple beers before the show. it was crowded where we were, so the only place to put my empty beer cup was btwn my feet. rodrigo came over and tossed a guitar pick into the audience near me. a bit of a scramble but it was dark on the floor, i couldn’t see anything. a minute or so later, my friend, clinton, turned to me a said, “you know rodrigos pick landed in your beer cup..hahaha good stuff
great take on their show…I’m going to paris in november and have tics to see them at the zenith…gonna be awesome…
Sinfonian Euphonium Trio…euphoniums, not tubas. Still…
Just to be clear – there were no drug arrests at Hoxeyville in 2012. The arrests did not come as a result of a festival itself, rather the wolf-packing of the state police resulting in 327 stops and only 2 felony arrests over the course of the weekend. One arrest was (to our best knowledge) was a DUI, the other was a warrant.
Perfect fit!!
Everyone has a different music album they have clung onto since they were young. They can be a token of appreciation for a loved one. Creighton Emrick, who currently plays in the band ORGY, played bass guitar.
Can you tell us what happened with the ear injury and who it was?
One of the Goo Goo Dolls jammed a Q-Tip too far into his ear and it was bleeding. I couldn’t confirm whether it was Johnny Rzeznik, though there was concern about his use of in-ear monitors. But they eventually found a physician and got it cleaned up so the show could go on.
We’ve been lucky here in New England to have Lake Street Dive working their musical magic for years, and it so great to watch them make a huge splash everywhere else, especially back in my hometown!
Thanks John
Cool story, I’ll have to check her out. I’d be happy if Jack told me he likes my shoes.
You need exposure to survive. People don’t die from exposure. They die from overexposure.
Making a living playing music is brutal, nearly impossible. But if you’re not getting exposure, then surely, your career will die.
I agree with Nik, though I think there is a certain “kind” of exposure that is wrong and hurts musicians more than helps. I’m not talking about a genuinely great opportunity to get your music “out there” wherein the sponsoring venue cannot pay you directly. I’m talking about specific instances where a venue CAN pay but do all they could to avoid doing so, and then make the rewards they DO offer and exposure sound much better than it actually is. I don’t take these anymore, and I think at times it’s flat out wrong for venues to behave this way.
I agree with the premise that people do it for the love of music. But even this you need to be careful with, lest people forget that the musicians they love cannot pay their bills, support their families, and even OFFER more music on music passion alone. Also can’t stand when I hear people immediately label a musician a “sell out” because they actually WANT to make money. This is an interesting article, but I hope people see this as a call to improve the economics of music, not just assume “loving music” is enough.
Great to see Wheatland featured…but just FYI “Wheaties” refers to first time attendees! 🙂
So noted!
Great coverage, John. Every year I get a chance to check out some music that I wasn’t familiar with. This year … looking forward to seeing Sarah Jarosz and Pokey LaFarge.
Crowell along with Hiddleston and band wrapped up the 3 day show with a great rockin’ cover of Tobacco Road, followed by Ain’t Livin Long Like This. The lineup gets better every year!
!! 🙂
Oh hey, white people dressed in the ceremonial headgear of Native Americans. I’ll bet their drug fueled spiritual journey was dope and not at all stupid.
Great music….great players… Thank you Randy!
Dude! You are pretty much the only person I have ever heard suggest that X is not a punk band. They are absolutely emblematic of the idiosyncratic L.A. punk scene that, to a large level, rejected rigid formulas. And there’s plenty of evidence that others consider them an integral part of that scene. They were featured alongside the Germs, Black Flag, Circle Jerks and Fear in the first “Decline and Fall of Western Civilization” documentary, which is one of the most definitive punk rock films ever made. And the Minutemen name-checked John Doe in “History Lesson Part II.” Those two facts alone make them more than punk enough for me…
Hoxeyville Music Fest — Greensky Bluegrass opening night and then intimate concert in the deep woods later that night.
Rodrigo and Grabriela at Meijer Gardens
Billy Strings and Don Julin at Fountain Point Resort on Lake Leelenau.
Guilty pleasure: Bruno Mars ‘Moonshine Jungle’ tour at Van Andel Arena
Thank you sir for one of the best articles I ever read about us and ICP.
Hope you had fun at the show. All the best to you
Thanks, Patrick! I had a most excellent time indeed…
I hope its okay that I used two of your photos on my Facebook page, I didn’t crop out your watermark or anything. I am also a photographer and understand that. Plus I wanted to allow others to see your work too.
Please make sure you credit LocalSpins.com and thanks!!
Thank you, John!
Sometimes the best bands don’t always draw thd biggest crowds. You of all people should know that john
That’s often true, of course. But this band has such an infectious pop sensibility and such success with its videos, you’d think that they’d be far more popular and commercially successful than they are.
What a voice, and what a gracious and engaging personality. Wonderful show!
I second Charley’s emotion(s).
In an interview a while back they said they weren’t doing any DM6 collabs or Amy’s In the Attic on stage. Pissed I didn’t see this show!
Very proud to know you Milo. Love listening to you play.
From Grand Valley student and walking music encyclopedia Steve Aldrich: “Was not there, but had Karate class the next morning in the dome. If I’m thinking of the right show, Dr. John opened, still in his Gris-Gris phase, we had to sweep up the glitter, because we couldn’t get any footing.”
I was setting in the front row with a super 8 movie camera and a roll of film … so a bit of documentation was in store! Excellent concert with a crack band and his drug induced theatrics!
I saw the same show in Toledo a couple of weeks before. Even did the poster for it (see website, scroll down). Lou was jacked-to-the-gills on god knows what. The band did the Sweet Jane intro and Lou appeared, seemingly floating like a ghost albeit with a handler at each elbow, at the rear of the stage. For some reason the overhead lights had been left on at the opposite end of the basketball fieldhouse and as soon as Lou saw that he wouldn’t go any further. He retreated. The lights were extinguished and another, different, Sweet Jane intro was employed to bring the deranged, meth-head out. It was my first time seeing Lou. I saw him 7-8 times in subsequent years and not one of those nights didn’t have a show stopping incident of some sort.
Mr. Aldrich is right — Dr. John was included in the Lanthorn ad. What an amazing show that must have been. I’m a sucker for that era Lou and that era Dr. John.
The inclusion of Dr. John at the show IS mentioned in the article.
What a trip. My daughter forwarded this story to me simply because as much as she’s heard me talk about Lou over the years, she was sure that I must have been there that night and I was. Right in the front row – and I have the pictures to prove it. I was taking a lot of concert photos in those days, but that night was one of the most memorable. I have a picture with Lou standing right over the top of me looking like he was going to bust my head wide open with his microphone stand. And yes, I’ve got photos of Dr. John as well (along with the glitter shooting mortars). Believe me, having him open that night sounded as weird to us back then as it does know. Rest in Peace Lou. We miss you and if there’s any justice in this damned world we’ll be inducting you into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame again this year.
How wonderful to hear that your little one is recovering well! We are fellow Michiganders and we too, have a little one with Craniosynostosis. He had surgery for Saggital at Motts hospital as well! Dr. Buchman and Dr. Murazco were his docs and they are fantastic. As unfortunate the circumstances, it is always nice to “meet” another family dealing with similar circumstances 🙂
I remember seeing you play at the park downtown, in Fremont back in 1972. I was amazed how good your proCo bi-amp p.a. sounded! That show inspired me to learn how to play “Train kept a rollin” by Aerosmith. You guys did your homework! I remember hearing a awesome version of “James Dean” and “Amy”. After seeing you perform I knew I wanted to be a lead guitarist! Keep up the good work!
I’ve been pushing this kid (Diego) since he tried working for me at 18. I say tried cause he wasn’t the best worker but his personality, and his talent just blew me away. I use to take him up and down the west coast to all the karaoke bars when he was under 21 and once he sang all the girls in the bar would keep coming up asking him to sing a song that they liked. And yes I admit I used him as my wing man. I can’t wait to dance my ass off to this very hard working band tonight. I just wish he’d sit down and sing one acoustic Spanish Love Song. It would blow you away. No pressure here Diego, sorry.
Good Stuff!
It was the best of the six GR performances Bob has unleashed since 2006. Though it’s essentially the same set he’s been doing since ’06 Bob was in better form vocally. He’s tan and fit instead of pasty and sweaty. His wife (or somebody) got him to wear a nice, tailored black sport shirt instead of a t-shirt. There was more lighting for dramatic effect and even additional colors compared to the all aqua/maroon/purple of previous shows. He even added rudimentary video for the folks up back. He seemed very happy. Almost giddy.
I could watch the J. Geils-less Band run through that set every week for the rest of my life but, as good as they were last night (and last month in Detroit) there’s a groove lacking without their namesake guitarist. Nonetheless, they were consumate pros and Wolf is still a helluva entertainer.
I agree with you on all points, Richard. I saw the first show in 2006, and, while it was a thrill to see the first night of the first tour back, you could tell Bob still had to knock off some stage rust. It’s weird for somebody’s voice to improve over time like that, but the difference was really remarkable.
Re: J. Geils, I think that is both a compliment to them as well as one of their deficiencies. They were pros, super tight, completely enjoyable. Like you, it would take me a long time to tire of seeing them. But I found they lacked Seger’s vitality. They really are a nostalgia act, so far as I can tell. (Which is nice work if you can get it, but I like how Seger is still growing as an artist).
“Deadline and Commitments”
Aw, jeez man. You are so right. I’ve asked the editor to change that. (That’s one of the drags of writing on deadline half asleep, sometimes you make dumb mistakes).
Seger has been underrated throughout his career & at times abused by the
critics in the most unfair ways possible. The new CD Ride Out is borderline brilliant. To see material like this from Seger at the age of 69 is incredible. There is no musical peer of Seger’s including Springsteen, Jagger, Bono or Young that could produce something as creative as Ride Out.
His voice is indeed better than when he came back in 2006. Seger has learned to embrace his lower register properly without trying to strain like he did at times in the past. Great review Brian…..nice to see someone understand Seger & just how gifted an artist he is.
I attended that very same concert with Ned Rouse and it was an incredible experience! I may have caught Little Betty’s Leg as it bounced off my knee into Neds lap had I not been taking 8mm movies of the event! I caught a few more concerts there after the Cooper concert!
Robert — that’s amazing! Does any of that footage exist still? Who else did you see at the Civic Center?
I was there. I ended up sitting by the city council members. When a passing joint came down our row, I couldn’t quite offer it up to them so I passed it back.
It was a great show, like nothing I had ever seen before.
I think I even attended a Ravi Shankar concert there. And of course there was the MC5 gig! An interesting time for Holland.
Almost forgot, went on my first date to the Tommy James and the Shondells concert at the Holland Civic Center!
Robert, that 8mm sounds amazing. Any way possible to see it somehow? Or maybe trade a digital copy of it? Have an extensive colelction of Alice Cooper material on video if you’re interested… 🙂
I saw this concert…took a city bus downtown to the Greyhound station…took the Greyhound to Holland…got there quite early..and went into a bar to kill time,and the bar served me beer…even though I just turned 16!.Don’t remember much of the show…too long ago…
I do have 2 color Holland concert photos of Alice holding Little Bettie’s head just before he kicked it, somewhere. Robert Shooks and I took many Super 8 movies of various concerts back then. The don’t transfer well. I have a lot of Welcome to my Nightmare footage I shot at the LC Walker arena concert, when Alice’s album first came out. Carl (friend) and I were pushed through the glass doors that night, but I didn’t get cut, but Carl did though. I shared the footage with guitarist/friend Dick Wagner, just before he died. I shared a lot of music with Dick, since he never really had time to own, or even listen to his many bandrecordings. He was just too busy.
I mention the Muskegon nightmare show in a post below, but it’s interesting — that was the second night of that tour, which opened at Wings Stadium in Kalamzoo…
Dick Wagner was so amazing — Ned, are you going to the memorial concert in Detroit? http://www.wagnermusic.com/news.htm
Brian….nice article. Don’t bother posting on the SickthingsUK website. If it isn’t 100% about solo Alice Cooper – you will be ignored. I am the brother in law of the late Glen Buxton and my wife and I have a facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/280523658684684/ (Glen Buxton’s Shiny New Dime.) I’d be happy if you’d post a link to your article there.
Thanks for taking the time to write, Bob! Glad to hear from you. Glen was a huge influence on my own guitar playing…I’m not on Facebook, but I’ll see if my editor will post the link there.
Terrific read. Thank you for giving some much deserved respect to the bands members apart from the guy in the make up.
Thanks! Many of Alice’s later bands are wonderful, but I think the original Alice Cooper band is one of the must underrated groups in all of rock history…
I was there as well – Weren’t there TWO Alice shows there? It seems I recall an earlier show – Maybe Easy Action era – in Holland. We were very fortunate in Michigan. the band resided in Detroit and would play Grand Rapids many times. Nice article!
Thanks, Michael! I talk about this a bit in a post below, but there’s a difference in the number of concerts Alice Cooper is alleged to have played around here vs. the number of concerts that have been documented. I know this is all back in the mists of time, but I’d love to see some of these gaps filled…
They played at the Kentwood Roller Arena, maybe that was Easy Action???
Re: earlier Alice Cooper gigs, the Alice Cooper, I decided not to get into it, but there are also stories of shows at the Grand Haven Roller Rink. Would love to know dates on those — none of those are listed on the Alice Cooper eChive (http://www.alicecooperechive.com/tourdates/). That site lists a Oct. 16, 1970 gig at the Grand Valley Armory and a May 17, 1971 show at Kentwood Memorial Hall. There are plenty of shows on the east side of the state, but the Holland show might be the last performance in West Mich. of the original Alice Cooper band. The next dates are March, 1975 in Kalamazoo and Muskegon, on the “Welcome to my Nightmare” tour.
Of course, that archive is imperfect. I know the person who runs it would love people to send in corrections and additions (as well as ticket stubs and such).
Brian – There were numerous concerts with Alice at a Roller Rink off Division near 54th – at the Armory and other places. I recall seeing the band at least 8 times early in their career – they also played somewhere the same night that BB King played Ft Street Church and ended up at the BB after glow (no, it wasn’t on Mars). I opted for the BB show that night
You Da best K8 😉
I agree about Beck and Alt-J. I also enjoyed Noah Gundersen’s Ledges.
Top Ten LPs for 2014 based on simple criteria:most times played.
1. Damien Jurado, “Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son”
2. Joseph Arthur,”Lou”
3. Reigning Sound,”Shattered”
4. Angel Olsen,”Burn Your Fire for no Witness”
5. Lucinda Williams,”Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone”
6. Strand of Oaks, “Heal”
7. Future Islands, “Singles”
8. Sturgill Simpson, “Metamodern Sounds in Country Music”
9. Tweedy,”Sukirae”
10. Ex Hex, “Rips”
Tough to only pick 10 this year. Also: Lydia Loveless “Somewhere Else”, Protomartyr “Under Color of Official Right”,Wussy “Attica”,Dave and Phil Alvin “Common Ground”, Cloud Nothings “Here and Nowhere Else”,War on Drugs “Lost in the Dream”,Parquet Courts “Sunbathing Animal”.
Agree with picks of War on Drugs, Heaters, Amen Dunes, Sturgill, and Damien Jurado.
My number one pick not on these lists is White Fence’s “For the recently found innocent”
Here’s our Top 10 for 2014…
1. St. Vincent- St. Vincent. She’s always been a huge hero of ours, and her album took a turn for the wild and crazy this year. We love her!
2. Morning Phase- Beck. With a full orchestra playing behind him, this album was perfect to tone down with after gigs.
3. This Is All Yours- Alt-J. Diverse and with their familiar acapella feel, we really liked to rock out to songs such as “Left Hand Free” and “Every Other Freckle.”
4. Lazaretto- Jack White. What’s not to say?!?! WE LOVE THIS MAN. We were so excited to meet him in the same year of the release of this album!
5. Salad Days- Mac Demarco. Sultry and smooth, Mac’s got a wizened feel to his songs that we really admire.
6. Bad Self Portraits- Lake Street Dive. Lake Street Dive is one of our favorite bands. We love their RnB fusion and we jam to this on every road trip!
7. Song Reader- Beck. We are all about collaboration, but Beck takes that to a new level with every single song of his covered by different bands such as Jack White, Jack Black, Norah Jones, Tweedy, and more.
8. Sonic Highways- Foo Fighters. Need something to head bang to? Look no further than this album. We earned some cred by picking this up at a Grand Rapids guitar center.
9. Reconciliation and the Mystical Beyonda- Seth Bernard. We love Harvest Fest, and we love the man (and new father!) that started it. This album is a fantastic one to listen to everywhere.
10. Are We There- Sharon Van Etten. Another hero of ours, we were excited to find out that she recorded this album in the same studio that we are currently recording our upcoming albums in! Crazy small world.
Sturgill Simpson’s Metamodern Sounds, Tweedy’s first album, and La Dispute’s Rooms of the House, for me : )
Nice picks!
You should post some yourself!
A lot of great music released in 2014.
1. Sturgill Simpson- “Metamodern Sounds” Old school country at its best. Must see show at the intersection.
2. St. Vincent- ” St. Vincent” Hope she comes back to Meijer Gardens.
3. Sharon Van Etten- ” Are We There”
4. Hurray For the Riff Raff- “Small town heroes”
5. Angel Olsen- “Burn your fire for no witness”
6. Alt J- ” This is all yours”
7.Jenny Lewis- ” the voyager”
8. Old crow medicine show- ” Remedy”
9. First Aid Kit- ” Stay Gold”
10. Nickel Creek- ” A dotted Line”
Also on my list would be Jack White, Lucinda Williams, Tweedy, And Lake Street Dive. All great new music. Hoping for a great 2015 in new music releases!
The best album released by ANYONE in 2014. These guys should be #1 on the national charts.
In no particular order
Umphreys McGee- Similar Skin
Sturgil Simpson- Metamoderrn Sounds In Country Music
Lake Street Dive- Bad Self Portraits
String Cheese Incident- Song In My Head
Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood- Juice
Greensky Bluegrass- If Sorrows Swim
Medeski Martin Wood & Cline- Woodstock Sessions Volume 2
Kyle Hollingsworth- Speed Of Life
Drive By Truckers- English Oceans
Chris Robinson Brotherhood – Phosphorescent Harves
i love hearing all the Winter Wheat participants, but I’m very excited to see and hear my old faves, Cabbage Crik, rock the Intersection!
Bahamas -Bahama is Alfie
Jackson Browne–Standing in the Breach
Mary J Blige-The London Sessions
U2-Songs of Innocence
Stars-No one is Lost
Sturgil Simpson-Metamodern Sounds in Country( seems to be a theme here)
Benjamin Booker-Benjamin Booker
Jack Black- Lazaretto
The Black Keys-Turn Blue
Phox-Phox
Radiator Hospital – Torch Song
Real Estate – Atlas
Mac DeMarco – Salad Days
Solids – Blame Confusion
Jenny Lewis – The Voyager
J Mascis – Tied to a Star
the Soil & the Sun – Meridian
The Pains of Being Pure At Heart – Days of Abandon
Modern Baseball – You’re Gonna Miss It All
EPs:
All Dogs – All Dogs EP
Beach Slang – Who Would Ever Want Anything So Broken?
Diarrhea Planet – Aliens in the Outfield
Splits:
Krill, LVL UP, Ovlov, Radiator Hospital split
I looked this up to see what was released – which begs the question: Did no one release a Jazz or Symphonic album this year? Trendy popsters every one of ya! 🙂 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2014_albums
Check out Dutcher Snedeker’s amazing list of jazz albums in the main story.
I heard that Holland was still building the old police station so it was temporarily in the BASEMENT of the Civic Center when this concert happened. Was it really? Or is that just a rumor?
While I spent a good portion of my 2014 figuring out how I was going to write about each of my 815 records in my collection, a few gems from the year caught my ear. These are my top 10 records of 2014 (in no particular order).
1. Planning For Burial – “Desideratum.” A good way to describe this record would be atmospheric black metal, if there is such a thing. Chill, but with a forboading aggression that layers the entire record. (The Flenser)
2. Old Man Gloom – “The Ape of God.” I didn’t think I would see another record from Old Man Gloom, but they surprised me with one of the heaviest records of the year. (Profound Lore)
3. Pharmakon – “Bestial Burden.” Margret Chardiet made my 2013 year end list with her debut LP, “Abandon.” She doesn’t make music for the faint of heart. This is music for your nightmares, or to drive that terrible roommate out. (Sacred Bones Records)
4. Institute – “Salt” EP. Hailing from NYC, these gents make music that is quintessentially New York. This ep brings to mind early Voidoid and Television records, while also creating a path all it’s own. (Sacred Bones Records)
5. Chain and the Gang – “Minimum Rock N Roll.” I put a show on for Chain and the Gang over the Summer, and it was great! If you were there you know where i’m coming from. Ian Svenonius in the past has fronted the bands, The Make Up, The Nation of Ulysses, and Chain and the Gang picks up right where those bands left off. (Dischord)
6. Swans – “To Be Kind.” The mighty Swans. All hail. (Young God Records)
7. Ryan Adams – “Ryan Adams.” This is Ryan Adams’ best work since his solo debut, “Heartbreaker.” Every song on this record is indispensable. (Pax Am)
8. Creepoid – “Creepoid.” Brothers and Sister in arms. The shoegaze-stoner-punks follow up their self-titled debut with a collection of ambitious, and mesmerizing rock songs. (No Idea Records)
9. Shellac – “Dude Incredible.” It has been 7 years since the last Shellac record, and it has been worth the wait. Again, like the mighty Swans, All hail. (Touch & Go Records)
10. A Pregnant Light – “My Game Doesn’t Have A Name.” Damien Masters returns with his “purple” metal project, and the results are fantastic. His finest moment under this moniker. (Colloquial Sound Recordings)
Here is the poster richard kelley references in his comment above: http://pizzadontgobad.blogspot.com/2010/11/11274-lou-reed-hall-and-oates.html
Should be a good show. Saw her perform with Carolina Chocolate Drops twice at LLC.
Nicely written article. Should be a dynamite show!
Thanks Josh! You’re tied for #92 in WYCE’s top 100 this week, as has often the case since the release of Old Laminate 🙂 You’ve Made It; we’ve Played It.
http://www.grcmc.org/wyce/charts
I’ve only been attending the Jammies for the last eight years but one of my memories is the year they were held at Wealthy Theatre during a blizzard! More than a few bands couldn’t make the show and there was a lot of scrambling to keep the music going.
Performance wise, Afro Zuma was definitely outstanding last year. Looking forward to another awesome night of homegrown music at the highest level.
I don’t see that there’s a problem with collaboration (producers, artists, etc …). Where I take issue is when many of these collaborations add absolutely nothing new to the mix; no effort, no creativity. They are just cheap shots at publicity. (I can’t imagine the Paul McCartney of 1985 even considering a mash-up with Kanye West and Rihanna. But – there he was at the Grammy’s – Sir Paul McCartney in the background of a poorly executed performance.) The Jammies reflect all that’s good about collaboration and support. One of the things I’ve most appreciated about the Jammies is that the audience comes to listen to ALL of the music; fans of bluegrass listen (and dance) to Americana, folk fans loudly applaud good ol’ rock-n-roll. It’s a GRAND celebration of music and the relationship between fans and artists.
NO PUNK. NO METAL. . . .
“Microphone-like” – Freud would have a field day (Holy Marconi – I hope you know I have a sense of humor)…. It was the best of times and it was the worst of times…. Every articles says – it was the best yet… They’ve all been good – if you’ve been there and reveled in the moment… Otherwise… Yeah, it was a hoot!
Best Jammies Ever!! Of course I say that every year:).All the sets were amazing, first time seeing The Accidentals and Jesse Ray who both killed it in the Stache………
Always enjoy your stuff John.
This Event should be great.
This year is going to be epic!!
What an incredible show! Just to be clear, SWANS tour manager said they blow fuses often, thus it wasn’t a rare occasion. I was proud of our little engine last night!
You should be proud, Nicole — y’all handled all aspects of this show like the consummate pros you are. What a great time…
Also, added a clarification above. While the fuse-blowing is not rare, but I still suspect Henery VII was. 🙂
Loved the Seth Bernard and May Erlewine video with Seth’s dad and the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital patients and staff. What a very cool story and awesome entertainment moment for those on hand. Kudos to Seth and May.
Great guy, wonderful artist.. amazing singer and player. Very well deserved!
Thanks for posting this. I was backstage with Dr John and Lou…he really was shooting up…and drinking Johnny Walker right out of the bottle. We literally carryed him up to the stage. One of the highlights of my brief gvsc career. I was the first on air jock at WSRX..that’s how I got to be backstagee.
WO-Stock is a great and fun event, it’s gonna be a blast this year! 😀
Somewhat-interesting trivia – two West Michigan band now on radio stations across the U.S. once played the same WO-Stock event” Willamena, and Pop Evil.
Considerations: the average age of attendees, who bring their own chairs, the fact it is on a hill, there’s minimum shade, sun will be in musicians eyes, available parking nearby.
I do enjoy the jazz series and look forward to it every year, regardless of the location
Nice job on this interview and video John. Glad to have your influence around WYCE.
Wow, thank you, very much!!! 🙂
Terrible concert by Heart. This show was a over-amplified duet by a mediocre bass guitar player and drummer. The Wilson sisters were basically backup noise, screeching to be heard over the train-wreck of a sound system. The light show was enough to induce seizures. My wife and I walked out after about six songs.
Fortunately, Joan Jett was still pretty good, for a 50 something punk 😉
Heart was actually awesome — it was the mixing that could have been better.
Luckily I was near the front right in front of Ann Wilson so I could actually hear her vocals — which were as impressive as I’ve ever heard live, especially considering (but not because) she is in her mid 60s. I think what I walked away from the show with is a firm belief that Ann Wilson is the best rock vocalist currently active, male or female. And “Alone” was phenomenal thought I would have preferred it to be plugged in like the original.
Joan Jett was really good too, though admittedly I’ve always felt like her songs were more novelty than serious rock. Hard rock and metal usually has some dark mystery (like Barracuda, Magic Man, etc) whereas Jett’s music is either cliche’ (I Love Rock and Roll) or remake (Crimson and Clover).
In spite of the sound mix, this was a great rock show and Heart rocked as hard as I’ve ever heard them, crossing the metal barrier a number of times. This wasn’t a show I was real excited about initially (I was somewhat dragged to the show by my girlfriend) but I came away a much bigger Heart fan than I’ve ever been.
Great concert. Whoever handles the audio should be redirected to cleaning stalls at the local bus station. Murky, muddy, overpowering bass/drums etc. Heart couldn’t have been better and hasn’t seemed to have lost anything over the years, just wished I could have heard all that was going on. Not as familiar with Jett but it was a power driven performance. From the get go you could tell that these were two bands that had earned their chops a long time ago and hadn’t lost a thing.
The main mikes were terrible. Could barely hear Ann. Really enjoyed Alone when I could hear her really sing. She still sounds great! The encore was disappointing. 2 Plant songs when there were more Heart songs to be played. Would love to see them in an unplugged setting.
Great Review, the sound mix for Heart was horrible??!?! The Vocals were so low you could barely make them out half the time. Nancy was almost inaudible. We were at the same show?
I did mention that Ann’s vocals were under-mixed, though I also should point out that some of that can depend on where you’re sitting in the arena. And I certainly agree wholeheartedly about Jett. She still brings it.
Agree with everyone’s comments. The sound was terrible, fortunately you could hear bits and pieces where you could tell it was not the talent of Ann and Nancy that was lacking just the skills of who was running the sound.
The fans and Heart deserve better. Maybe they can look for a new mixer with their time off!
Sorry to hear the sound was bad at concert. Concert was awesome! Saw concert at The Palace & it is me & my husband’s first time seeing Heart. We were like a kid on Christmas day! We just LOVE them! Beautiful & Talented Women!! Forever Fans of Heart!!!
love the interview with Junior Valentine!
Bad sound mix. I thought it was just me because we were closer to the guitar amp. On many songs the vocals barely came through.
I thought both bands were very good. I’m not a big fan of Heart’s power ballad phase but even those sounded good live.
Joan Jett still rocks. Nothing fancy, just straight ahead rock.
Great show !!! Joan Jett does what she was born to do ROCK !!! Heart was killer, too !!
I was an early follower of Steppin’ In It, introduced by my kids when they knew a few members. Joshua has taken his music to a whole new level…he’s fabulous! Good luck to him in this opportunity to show how much he can bring to the music world! Btw…my kids are now residents of TC…. His home town?
Naomi: No, TC isn’t his hometown. He moved there a few years back ( I want to say 2?). He is originally from Metro-Detroit, with a splash of Yoop, and I know he spent a lot of years around Lansing too.
This is cool to see. Great story!
Cool band…….
Very cool that they are spending the money that it takes to pay the broadcast company to have a public screening of this. It ain’t cheap – so kudos to them
A lot of redundancy here relative to past years but, hell, who doesn’t love Steve Miller or the Doobies. A Farnerless Grand Funk? No. Styx? God, no. Diana? Absolutely if only to see her rail at the blabbermouths. Her new album is wonderful but it’s q-u-i-e-t. Lot of acts coasting on their laurals i.e. Haitt, Harry, Jr., Franti, McCoury. Vince Gill? Should be very interesting. Trombone Shorty too. I wondered about Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga as a possibility. I guess I was half right. He will be the first tickets I buy. The missus and I toyed with not renewing our membership but did so just the other day.
Moxieville? Sounds familiar… Like a design company I work with in Califotnia the last 8 years.
love you big time #localspins!
<3
Huggy bear
My favorite local band is Billy Strings and Don Julin. I have seen them about 18 times in as many months since first seeing them at Wheatland 2013. They are absolutely amazing! I also really love the Accidentals right now.. they have so much talent for such young people and I think they are only going to get better and better. They put on a great live show! Thirdly, Mark Lavengood’s Bluegrass Bonanza put out a great album and put on some amazing shows last year.. everyone involved is so talented and Mark is such a great ambassador for Michigan music.
My three favorite Michigan groups are Greensky Bluegrass, UV Hippo, and Billy Strings & Don Julin. I picked these groups because they all put on great live shows.
1. Roosevelt Diggs
2. Moonrays
3. The Main Street Band
Love the local music and reading about them.
Billy Strings & Don Julin, The Accidentals, and Greensky Bluegrass are my favorite local bands at the moment. Love seeing all 3 bands live.
SO hard to pick only three!! The Accidentals, The Ragbirds and Hannah Rose Graves! Gotta love these talented women!
My favorite three bands would be Mid Life Crises, Mid Life Crises and Mid Life Crises.
The Eric Engblade Trio, Hannah Graves and Justin Wierenga, and the Rag Birds are my recommendations. Why? Eric has had a couple of different configurations as far as bands go, but his music and the show he and his band mates put on is always excellent. I love Hannah’s bluesy voice along with Jason’s talented guitar playing. The Rag Birds are a perennial favorite, but a band I haven’t had a chance to hear in a while..
Cool. Glad to hear Drew is doing well. I was just thinking about him the other day. My son still wants to see his wood shop.
We seriously brainstormed a radio hour on Friday mornings where we have in studio antics involving a live squirrel roaming in the studio, Kole being covered in peanut butter and nuts, running on a record, etc. brainchild of us loitering in WYCE’s parking lot.
The Squirrel Hour: Music that leaves you up a tree.
Omg. So perfect! It’s nutty.
“If anything, this week’s competition proved that a lot of it comes down to song selection: a questionable song choice by the judges — involving a tune with which few were familiar — almost cost Davis a shot at the next round.” Thanks for making that observation, John.
We weren’t sure what Levine was thinking either. It seemed an odd thing to do if he’s trying to keep in the “game.” Fortunately, Joshua didn’t “back down” and his talent and professionalism clearly outshone that of the other remaining performers.
Faves
1. Cameron Blake-old soul folk maestro
2. Billy Strings & Don Julin – Holy Smokes!
3.Faux Grass- just love ’em
Music is love – its at its best when shared.
Thank you for sharing Sink.
http://www.localspins.com is the bomb and it’s blowing up.
Devin and the Dead Frets is my pick because at their shows it’s like Bob Steger said “every ounce of energy, you try to give away” with these guys.
Beautiful article
Thank you so much to Local Spins and John Sinkevics for the great review! XO
Great story Sink. Wrote all the dates down to try to get to some this summer. You keep giving GR the best and very needed music scene blog!
You didn’t mention the Wilson Brothers, Andy and Joe, in the article’s paragraph about the homecoming concert at the State! They are such an integral part of the band!
Terrific musicians, those two.
Loved the Hi-ker Band interview ~ They are so good ! I wish them continued success ! i am so glad you had them on ! 🙂
This is a really terrific article on Joshua Davis. You have captured the importance of the entire Voice experience for Joshua and what he has to look forward to from his tremendous efforts as a singer songwriter. Thanks
Nice article, Jordan. It should be noted too, that WMJS members receive FREE handicap accessible parking for the entire summer concert series. I am excited for the Jazz in the Park summer concert series. I can see the crowds increasing every time too.
Are the photographs available for purchase?
Yes. Email me at john@localspins.com
“Thee Accidentals” was a band from Marshall MI… formed in 1994
Anyone know if this is them?
Looks like my hoop but I’m not 100% positive!
That six year old super fan was my daughter. She had an amazing experience and one she will never forget.
Loved this review . . . partly because it is so real and partly because it was from an unexpected source. I tire of jazz that is not ‘jazz’… as described in this review. I hear a lot of jazz and solos and musicians and most of the real ‘jazzers’ are trying to find a way to keep working and try to hard to please a public that is mostly grooved in to other kinds of music. BUT, I heard a group out of Detroit that played in Leland in the winter. I was there to photograph and didn’t expect much . . . but they did more real jazz than I’d heard in a long long time. The audience was enraptured by it. This was not a ‘jazz audience’… but a group of folks looking for some place to go mid winter in a closed down summer vacation town. The kicker however, is that the next day they played again at a hotel nearby and served up competent but far less interesting ‘smooth jazz/ R & B. I wanted the guys who played the night before to show up. sigh… Jazz is a tough world. You often play to an empty house.. unless you are Wynton or one of the other well known folks… and even then, you rarely get to do your real stuff. 🙂 Anyway, thanks for the review.
Hey, where are pics, video, and comments on day 2 and 3?
A computer phantom must have been at work. Yipes. The glitch has been corrected and the photo gallery has been restored: http://wp.me/p2aLby-aWW
The greatest thing about the group, is their approach to greeting the fans in a totally accessible way, especially to the kids. They come right down to their level and talk to them and show a genuine interest. They have ignited a spark in our youth to appreciate not only their indie style but enjoy the classically trained musicians that they all are.
We are delighted to pay a cover charge if we want to go hear a particular act. But the venue needs to start charging at the door. I guess if there is no cover charge, we should be laying some money on the stage for the musicians…which we are happy to do.
Live acts should not be less expensive to see than a movie!
awesome shot….
Here are some reader comments posted recently on Facebook where this column was shared.
Barry Bazza Crawford: “Live and recorded music has been devalued right out of sight for local bands in every city. The mindset that’s been with us for generations is that an out-of-
town band must be better than what we have. Switching towns is called “touring.”
Steve Middendorp: “Support local music (by) going to shows, buying CDs, etc. Grand Rapids has an amazing local music scene, and Michigan as a whole.”
Casey DeMink: “Great article, really great to see someone point out the issues us working musicians come across.”
More musicians should recognize poor fiscal arrangements and walk away MUCH sooner than the band mentioned in this article did.
Musicians/bands are not commodities: that is, they actually ARE NOT interchangeable. Venues tend to pretend that they are commodities, but their customers—aka the musicians’ audiences—know the difference.
Acknowledging that musicians can find plenty of opportunities to play for free, in the spirit of Labor Day musicians everywhere should recognize financially inequitable scenarios and stop participating in them. Perhaps tip jars in their rehearsal spaces would earn more funds than accepting the questionable bookkeeping techniques of cheapskate venues?
I have been fortunate to have made a meager living being a musician. During a 10+ year span, it is all I did. However, no matter how much I made, anywhere from $250 a week to $2,500 a week, it took a lot of effort, working connections and developing relationships to keep it going.
I decided after those 10+ years I wanted a home and family, and became a part time weekend warrior, and began a career in management..Today I am in a position where I perform for my own satisfaction and contribute to the control of what venues we accept. We negotiate our performance fee, and we have a minimum, or we won’t play. It’s worked out for our band, we do have a fan following that supports us and we really appreciate them. And, it becomes a mutually beneficial arrangement between us and the venue.
I’ve been performing since I was eight years old, these past 50 plus years have been most rewarding.
I support my musician friends as much as I can.
Get out there, listen to the music and support our community.
I have been playing the West Michigan club scene actively since 1975. The cost of everything in those clubs has doubled or tripled in some cases over that time frame but band compensation in many cases has not changed. It’s art and when people want to share there, art the compensation becomes secondary. That’s a very exploited and unfortunate circumstance working musicians find themselves in. True working musicians that have been here all along battle with this simple truth every day. When some retirees deside to ” put the proverbial band back together ” and go out and muck up the compensation equation for the rest of us who are not collecting pensions and are struggling to make a living here that doesn’t help. A rising tide raises all boats. Treat your art as a business. Create the best product you can and sell it for a fair wage. Stop giving the milk away if your trying to sell the cow. My two cents.
Joshua Davis is fantastic. There is another finalist from The Voice (a few years back) who is also a Michigan native: Tony Lucca (w/ band) will be playing the Talsma series at Rosa Parks Circle on Thursday October 8th.
What a great event…for art…including music!!!
Wow! I’m dizzy just reading about all the music and venues… and don’t forget another new one: The Harris Building. They are having music most nights during ArtPrize, too, and I am leading the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra there on two of those nights: Oct 3 and Oct 9. Lots of LIVE MUSIC in GR!!
Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra Quartet – not big band. Oops.
I suggest you check out Jason Elmore from Dallas Texas. I saw him at the Silver City Blues Festival when I lived in NM. He tore up the place. He has many videos on You Tube, several albums, a web site, his band is the Hoo Doo Witch and they also have a web page. I hope you are pleased with this performer.
It’s a great time to be part of everything Grand Rapids!
The Eddy has such potential and so much invested in it. Perhaps they need to invest in Marketing and Advertising. Heck, the bar down the road had NO idea what was going on. People in line waiting to enter The Eddy were asking what The Eddy was. Saturday should have been as sold out show and even though I know what The Eddy is, I am still having to look here and there to find out what bands are playing when. It’s just a little frustrating cuz I want more of this to come to my hometown. And this was not marketed to succeed. 🙁
Great Article btw. 🙂
Whoa! This time Josh used too much hair color! I miss before-the-Voice-Josh. He was a genuine musician, nowadays there’s hardly anything authentic about him: he conceals his bald patches, relies slightly too much on hair color and make up, wears skinny jeans (those jeans don’t really work when you are neither young nor skinny!), and covers Sting and the Beatles. Don’t get me wrong, I really like Josh –been a fan since Steppin in it. I just wish he’d focus more on his music than on catering to teenage girls (which at his age is kind of creepy): folk fans really miss you Josh, don’t forget about us!
Event information was hard to find. The lack of promotion did not help either.
Great idea, I’d like to see it happen next year, different time of year would be good. 3 or 4 day event similar to Rock the Rapids.
I am a production manager for Porterhouse and wanted to chime in and share our work. I canceled the band on Tuesday in a short email but was not trying to be unprofessional. The team was in the trenches trying to sustain and support all the artists best options for a show and due to very low weekday traffic we had to let artists know last minute that it was not working. We spent many hours supporting them, marketing and booking local talent and it is not fun to cancel. It was the first show Porterhouse canceled in 17 years supporting the arts. Sam and crew are amazing people and work so hard to make the best of any challenge like we faced. I watched us dig deep in our resources to support over 200 artists for this event and we felt strong purpose in activating an unused green space driving ideas for future cultural and economic opportunities for the Grand Rapids arts community. This should be celebrated and all come down and dance with us for Charles Bradley and Sierra Leone one of my favorite African based reggae world beats bands on the planet with an amazing story. Anyways, below is some of the email I sent to the band referred in this email and felt it was worth sharing.
–,
I saw you quote in Local Spin and wanted to again apologize as we were honestly looking out for the artists and your best interest since we had literally no one that day for lunch or the two days prior and that was why we cancelled at 4PM as we waited till the last minute. Please come to any show this weekend as our guests and Sam wants to extend this to the entire band as he really cares about all relations and this event kicked our ass. We bleed for the arts and really appreciate your time and support to help us attempt this arts experiment. It is never perfect and we made mistakes trying to communicate to many. We were buried that day in making tough decisions to cancel our main headliners so we can continue supporting thousands of artists annually all over MI. We appreciate it. Cheers, Johnnie
I think with some better promoting, this could have been a huge hit. Everyone I have talked to thought the tent was just set up for the Avett Brothers. Hanging informational posters (with times, website, etc) in different music/ High traffic venues could have helped. I saw the Eddy poster with all of the bands on it, but was confused as to if it was just a one day thing or what. It’s a bummer all these acts had to be cancelled. But, Billy Strings & Mark Lavengood rocked the Speak-EZ 🙂
I really think the promotion was a huge issue. Looking up information about this venue and its events was too difficult. I haven’t personally had any information about this show in my facebook feed…until now. I knew it existed, but didn’t search out the information and it wasn’t thrown in my face like so many of the other downtown events. People can’t attend what they don’t know about. Make this a more user friendly event and the draw will be a lot better. Create a facebook event. Invite EVERYONE. The Eddy needs a brand. It has to be treated as a destination for the public and it has to be easy for them to figure it out. Get the social media campaigns going. Be clear and concise. Make sure everyone knows where and what is going on! I’d love to see this work next year and really think with a few tweaks and more social media marketing, it could be a huge success!
Congrats to The Legal Immigrants!!! Well deserved!!
Trace of Lime got snubbed!
Last but, most definitely, not least! Brother Adams is going places! The Sky is the limit. 🙂
Everyone should also check out COUNTRY JUNKIE out OF Battle Creek! These 4 dudes can really rock out a place with their hillbilly rock!!
Dont forget Ribcage!!
crooked arrows *
Great article, interesting info about the bands featured.
Glad to see DeSoto got mentioned on the Skulx show at the Pyramid Scheme
Nice article Sink, about the 6 Pak..Great group of gals..We knew them back in the day when we were performing at the same era. Glad to see them having so much fun..
I believe they are still scheduled to play at Winter Wheat at the Intersection in Grand Rapids in January.
Great article! But I play guitar in the Darlins, not bass 🙂
So noted and corrected!
I need two tickets for 6Pak in Dorr on Dec 12. Where do I get them please.
The link for buying tickets is here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1636369393276098/
Have fun!
Johnny new my grandfather who was a musician as well and the rest of my family. Does he play at all locally anymore? I know my family would love to see him!
Kinda sad as they’re great together. I first saw Billy Strings at the Charlotte MI Bluegrass festival 2 years ago—at that time, he was just beginning to “branch” out from TC area. Look at how far he’s come since then! With his move to Nashville, guess I’ll really be able to say “I knew him when….!”. He’s going to go far, for sure.
Can’t wait to hear these awesome musicians in this space!
thanx for this, Brian \ truly sad i won’t be able to attend the Park Theatre memorial \ Eric [EP] was a good buddy, fellow fan, & a joyous ‘chorister’ who will be sorely missed \ glad to see all the people involved and caring __much love, jke__
p.s. bern one down for us all @ the blindsiders’ reunion!
Denise Davis would like to thank all of Kalamazoo for the evening of a lifetime. We had a great time. Hope you enjoyed us
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Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations
Thank you for the wonderful photos, I would like to purchase mine
ladyxaviersceo@yahoo.com for contact
Wow! Consistently blown away by the photos captured by Anthony Norkus. That guy has an incredible talent for lighting, composition and capturing the core essence of a time and place. He needs his own feature!
You all did a wonderful job covering this event!!!
Great read John!
Great article!
Strength Beyond Strength.
Rock on Andrew!!!!!
Here’s a video of Hazy Cosmic Jive (featuring members from Hazy Past and Devin & the Dead Frets) performing “Young American” from Bowie Night
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdZvtH9trRs&feature=youtu.be
This dude is great!! Can’t wait to see him!!
You may want to consider donating to this: https://www.gofundme.com/flinthomes
Sorry to break it to you, but no, the Jammies are definitely not better than the Grammys.
No worries. All a matter of personal opinion. The Jammies are by far more interesting to me.
Is it supposed to cut off on that 2nd Soul Syndicate song? Seems like the whole show didn’t get recorded?
Nice catch. Having the engineer correct this. Thanks!
Brother Adams loves y’all! 🙂
Nice article on a great group who quickly became great friends
Great musicians, great sound, very entertaining..I wish all of them success in whatever they decide to do.
Sat in on your show tonight (2-23-16) at the greenvile library. You all are awsome.
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