Question of the Week: When it comes to music, what are you most thankful for?

Local Spins’ Question of the Week (Nov. 19, 2020)

When it comes to music, what are you most thankful for?

This week’s winner of Local Spins merch: Email subscriber Stef Loy, who responded to the Question of the Week and was entered into a drawing for Local Spins merch. Sign up for email updates and the weekly newsletter here: https://localspins.com/subscribe-local-spins-mailing-list/

THE READER RESPONSES:

Shazzer McBroddle – I am most thankful to ALL the musicians that acclimated to these strange times and brought us live music to ease our suffering souls via live streams. True artists never stop creating and growing, and this has been a year of major change. Thank you to all the musicians for giving us music and giving us hope.

Joe Chamberlin – All the music communities coming together to help each other

Bożena Aneta – Thankful for all the kind comments and likes of my The Moonrays / Mark Huizenga video.

Jennifer HudsonPrenkert – So much love and appreciation for John Sinkevics and Local Spins!

The Moonrays – Thankful for all the kind comments and likes on our video.

David Kuzma – Thankful for Bill Kirchen for his weekly online showcase.

Steve Middendorp – Thankful for the city of Grand Rapids’ pop-up performer program that kept me active playing music for money and tips while other options deteriorated due to COVID. The people dining outside also really appreciated it.

Brian Haik – Most thankful for The Score this year. They were the only music venue in the state (that I’m aware of) that hosted outdoors, physically distanced shows, seven days a week. Without them, I would’ve had no shows this year. Thanks The Score!

Lauren Lukasik – I’m thankful for the music my parents shared with me and the wonderful memories it all brings back, especially drinking wine and singing with my dad.

Jeffrey Caron – My beautiful wife Lorraine Caron and her unique voice.

Al Haaksma – The gift of being able to play music

Kevin Lyons – Thankful for a hobby (guitar) that has done so much to enhance my life…and right there at the top is the people I have met playing and singing

Steve Briere – I’m very thankful for all the people in my life. My family, my friends, my coworkers. I share in music with all of them in one way or another. I’m very thankful for all of them.

Peter Stieler – I’m thankful that I used cotton in my ears during the many concerts I attended in my youth!

Carolyn Heines – Jazz

Brad Vredevoogd – Definitely thankful for the feeling that writing and playing music gives me these days. Like any art, it just feels good to get it out, even if nobody hears it!

Tommy Orr – I am thankful that my mother got me interested in music at an early age, and for all the music that played around the house as I was growing up with my wonderful family. I’m grateful that I have been able to make a living playing music, and see parts of the world I probably never would have otherwise. And as my brother Greg said, for so many wonderful people I have made and enjoyed music with over the years. I am so abundantly blessed.

Ted Smith – Bummed that I have not been working shows both at The Arena and at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill but I have had more time to actively listen to music at home, fun to rediscover CDs and records that I haven’t played in a while plus some great new releases

Bryan A Harrison – The atmosphere of local music festivals. It’s the perfect combo of camping/friends/music. Zen for me.

Jonathan Beaver – The opportunity to catch music at a slower pace at socially responsible House shows as well as being able to host a few ourselves. Also thankful to see the music community coming together to help each other out in this time of need.

John Breen – I’m thankful I was able to make it my profession.

Matthew Farage – John Breen: Yes, and a lot of knowledge and experience in that mind of yours too. Not many musicians started out as well as you did being so young. You are like Mr. Music for Grand Rapids. The veteran that knows his craft, etc.

Matt Nelson – Thate the song ‘Happy’ isn’t a thing anymore.

Kristine Carpenter – Live music. Hope we will get it back soon.

Ethan Keller – Experiences to sing about

Bill Vits – I am thankful for my entire musical family but especially the management of the Grand Rapids Symphony. Other larger orchestras have abandoned their musicians in these difficult times. We all continue to adapt and reinvent ways to share music and emotion. I also miss rocking out with The Concussions. Boy, will that be a return to crazy when we next play.

Pete Dunning – Being a part of the local music community here in GR has been and continues to be a beautiful blessing in my life……

Bonnie Sue Norment-Anderson – Sometimes, music is the only medicine the heart and soul need.

Dana Scott – That I found myself in Big Trouble!!

Shirley Clemens Griffin – Chris Cornell’s entire body of work.

Nicholas James Thomasma – Two weeks ago I asked people to leave a link to music they released in 2020 on my wall. 250 comments and more than 2 weeks later I still haven’t made it through the list. People are still adding links. Have you ever had a Facebook post that stayed active for over 2 weeks?! I’m very thankful to be a part of this incredible music community.

Stuart Poltrock – Bonnie Raitt

Mary Sue Wilkinson – I am SO thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to play music with others. From stages to backyards to living rooms to festival campsites. Harmony!

Bill Seppla – The time I spent as BILL WALTERS in radio – especially lucky to have Tony Gates as my boss when I first got to WKLQ in 1998. He knew my track record and let me bring in a sack of cd’s FROM HOME every day. Freedom: How radio used to be. Very thankful for that.

Kate Meinel Kirchner – I am thankful that I manage a band that sticks pretty closely together and have had so much “live” music in my life since March. #spoiledrotten

Nicole Danielle – I am so thankful for all of the creative people still creating art during these challenging times !!

Kyle Rasche – John Sinkevics & Local Spins.

John Lighthizer – The amazing talents … of others.

Bruce Ling – To have come from a family of musicians and having had played music pretty much daily for 60 years, since I was a small child.

Lani Jordan – Bruce Springsteen’s weekly ‘Live from Home’ segment on SiriusXM E-Street. Love the music he shared and the commentary.

Craig Gietzen – Marty Schwartz and Jack Leaver!

Teri Marin – Bose

Diane Yob – Facebook can be so annoying, but in these times it has been great to see musicians reaching down, digging deep, and finding ways to share their music with everyone. Kind of like a revolution in spirit, to rise and be present even in the middle of all of this craziness.

Mônica da Silva -This Thanksgiving, I’m so thankful that I have had the time to record a new album this year. I went from performing full time and being super busy, to having lots of time on my hands. Working on new material has helped to keep my outlook positive. I am glad to be taking it slowly with the recording. Songs have evolved in ways that I didn’t foresee.

Mike McCarty – I am thankful for the memories that music evokes in me. From the moving “Amazing Grace,” which was played at family funerals, to the silly like “Shimmy, Shimmy Ko-Ko-Bop” when it came on the car radio and my dad tapped his finger to the beat.

Matt Smith – Being in a new band, loving the drive and creativity of everyone in BoneHawk

Dave DeHaan – My wife and I put all our possessions in storage and moved into a small cottage a year ago. The plan was to take a couple months off to chill after a difficult year, and then buy a house and move. The plan failed thanks to all things covid and here we are still, no house, no possessions, and no gigs. Did I mention that we are both self employed musicians? Anyway, the long setup is crucial to understanding my thankfulness and gratitude for music. Music kept me going and growing, it never got boring but it expanded my abilities and my imagination. I am thankful for music because it doesn’t care if you are rich or poor, sick or healthy, liberal or conservative. The more I try to put it into words the more I want to just pick up my guitar and play so…..see ya!

Mike Cortson – Mozart, the genius of creating melodies that ring within all people.

Mike Schertenlieb – Having a place I can play drums every day, still being able develop and grow despite 2020 chaos.

Dave Adams – I’ve been thankful for the collaboration videos I’ve seen like Peter Frampton with the Doobie Brothers covering Eric Clapton’s Let it Rain.

Hope Pearse Kolker – I’m thankful to have a Sonos system. When I feel down I crank up the volume and dance.

Steve Secor – Thankful for the people in local music – musicians, club owners, support, writers, promo, tech peeps, etc., who are doing what they can to help us get rolling again when the time comes

Morgan Moallemian – Despite the shittiest year of my life, being unemployed, the continuing hiatus of live music, and zero prospects of any gigs with my band, The JetBeats, there is a little silver lining. I’ve had time to dive into songwriting and have been surprisingly productive.

Chessa Turcott – I’m grateful for the music shared by YOU, Uncle John Sinkevics. I do not think you know what a LOVE for the piano your great nephew has. Opera, Broadway, Rap (“dj music), whatever that loud screaming crap is his dad listens to, country, Michael Jackson and the list goes on. We MISS you tons. God speed to all things music.

David DeVos – I’m thankful that I live in a community that places value on the arts, and is willing to invest in them, attend events, and support the arts by volunteering.

Dustin Anderson – My new band!

Bruce E. Matthews – To be able to make and create music within a vibrant music scene and with such a talented and supportive group of musicians both in my band and within the community.

Sally Schmidt-Jarceski – That I’m old and have seen some of the best bands ever!

Andrew Szumowski – I’m thankful for the musicians who hire me and don’t expect me to play for free.

Michael Van Denend – Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington – Verve Records, Sarah Vaughn, and Nina Simone.

Lee Chase – Today I’m thankful to be alive. Looking back I’m thankful to have been introduced to a variety of music at an early age, to have seen numerous killer shows over the past six decades and to have shared a stage with some fantastic musicians!

Obe VanderTol – God giving me the talent and desire to make music for a lifetime of enjoyment for myself as well as other people.

Scott Langford – I’m thankful for the “WFH” (Work From Home) playlist to which everyone in my department has contributed. Although I would rather be in the office, I’m grateful for the ability to work at home and glad to have a fully stocked playlist.

Brian VanOchten – I am especially thankful this year for the great memories of seeing Edward Van Halen play live eight different times. He has been a big part of the soundtrack of my life.

Juan Daniel Castro – I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to reconnect with my community of musicians in Mexico this past weekend.

Peg Alofs Becker – That past shows of On the Music Road and Hometown Pickin’ are stored at Archive.org.

Jan Hecht (Brett Mitchell’s manager) – I’m thankful for whomever had the heads up and wherewithal to push to get musicians and gig workers included in the COVID unemployment. As a full-time musician for 16 years, Brett would have starved. As his manager and agent, my workload in the music biz has obviously minimized but I am thankful I have other income.

China VanProoyen – Streaming ‘Radio Paradise’

Myron Elkins – I’m thankful for the 10 studio albums Mr. Otis Redding was able to make in his short and tragic 26 years of life.

Karen Dunnam – Tree lightings. Show up with a horn and the lights magically illuminate. Hoping to find one this year.

Andrew Ogrodzinski – Thankful for my bandmates, the venues who have hosted my bands and everyone who comes to my gigs. Sure do miss all of that.

Don Bidell – Having been able to play my shows outside this past summer and entertain people. I got as much as I gave.

Brad Hastings – Though 2020 has been chaotic, and my personal musical endeavors have been nearly non-existent, I was really fortunate to travel to see the Greensky Bluegrass drive in shows in North Carolina for Halloween. I have also enjoyed several livestreams and my vinyl collection is ever growing.

Dave Joanis – Thankful for the few great live shows I got to enjoy before the lockdowns. Whiskey Myers/Steel Woods in January, Allman Betts/JD Simo in February, and “Kingfish” Ingram in March.

Julie Bernat Swanson – Hands down, WYCE!

Terri Grannis – That I’ve been lucky enough and blessed beyond all belief to be a small, small part of the music world. Still can’t believe it all happened, but soooo glad it did. #luckygal

Jennifer HudsonPrenkert – I am just thankful for having music in my life and having the ability to listen to it every day to help me get through these challenging times! And so very thankful for the musicians and all the creators/ collaborators involved with the music production. I am always fighting the good fight to stay hopeful and come out for the better in the music industry somehow.

Mary Ellen Murphy – I’m thankful that a little song can make my day. I still get chills when I play Abbey Road. I’m thankful for the band That Beatles Thing too.

Lynn Shackelford – Thankful for my son, Jack Shackelford, and all the music he has shared with me and Andrew Shackelford.

Gail Greco-Bieri – I am so grateful to be a member of the audience of some very extraordinary musicians. I am very thankful that I have the sense of hearing. And mostly super grateful that I was surrounded by “in tune” humans who had much greater knowledge and taste in music than I did. Thank you to all of my early influencers.

Cole Hansen – Thankful for the Internet right now and all of the connections I’ve made online. It’s still a love/hate thing for me but sharing music would be virtually nonexistent to impossible right now without it.

Mehgan Bechtel – Trey Anastasio’s Beacon Jams, it’s been a great thing to look forward to these last several weeks. And I’m always thankful for music under the summer skies with Tricia Boot, can’t wait for that to resume.

Jill Weide Mc Shane – I am thankful for the abundance of musical talent in Michigan. Especially here UpNorth. Love my musician friends and all the joy they bring to the world. Also thankful for you John and your keeping us all in touch with what’s going in our Michigan music scene.

Felicia Flinsky – We are very thankful for celebrating with our local artists. I really miss dancing with everyone !! Someday soon my friends, dark skies will part.

Lukas Schroeder – Thankful for my and my band’s health while we await an epic return to the stage

Gerry Bose – Memories

J Oscar Bittinger – Dolly Parton, Inc. (And Local Spins!)

Randy Scott Marsh – I am thankful that I have my health and have so far managed to avoid this horrible virus. I am also thankful for all of my music colleagues, family, friends, and music lovers. I’m thankful also for the great radio stations like WYCE, WBLV, WCMU, WGVU, and WNMC in TC. And of course I am thankful for you and Local Spins.

John W. Hartel – Thankful that l have been blessed with an outlet for my creative expression.

Devin Dely – The ability to express myself through an instrument

Mary Schumaker – The Chicks new music, ‘Gaslighter’

Diana VandeWater – The ability to express myself through music.

Mamie Graziano – I’m surviving with the help of musicians:. Mondays with May Erlewine, and Dougie MacLean live from Scotland on YouTube Saturdays.
Kevin Murphy – I hadn’t thought about it until just now but the universality of access to music in the current age is quite a blessing during this pandemic. The fact that we can live stream music from anywhere around the world and access practically every recorded work in the history of music is some serious consolation for not being able to do so many things. Imagine if a pandemic of this scale would have happened in the 60s or 70s. You would only have the music on the radio and whatever records you had laying around your house.

Rachel Watson – The Highwomen!

Matthew Farage – Thankful my ears still work I guess. Lol

Serita Crowley – I’m thankful for gifts that God has giving me to be able to share with everyone!!! The people and associates that I’ve had support from and have been blessed to work with and I’m thankful to know other talented people who actually have genuine love and support for everyone and not little isolated circles of choice associates and friends because they had to start somewhere and was giving a chance…. so essentially remembering where they came from who is down to Earth and real. I’m also thankful for the pioneers for giving us some of the greatest music hope and inspiration! Happy ThanksLiving y’all! Be blessed and continue to stay safe and creating…. Love y’all.

Annette Taborn – I’m thankful for the daily healing power of music. For myself and for others I can sing to and with.

Steve Talaga – I’m thankful for the keyboard instruments I have in my house and the time in retirement to use them! So very therapeutic right now while friends and family are out of reach.

Brian Kelly Rampenthal – That I see concerts being scheduled for next year.

Jason Goorman – Thankful to be able to sit down and play endless amounts of music on all of my instruments at home and for the incredible amount of sheet music that can be found right in the palm of my hand. So thankful!

Todd Long – Being able to record and still play a few shows here in AK

Cyndi Stebbins – My buddy Nathan Walton & WYCE
Jon Miner – That Billy Strings took the brave step and went to Nashville

Kim Clapham – Tthe ’70s and ’80’s

Copyright 2020, Spins on Music LLC