The third spotlighted venue in the “Comeback Road” video series focuses on the daunting challenges faced by one of Grand Rapids’ most revered music hot spots. Watch the video, see how fans can help.
Before the Shutdown: A capacity crowd in the main showroom in February. (Photo/Eric Stoike)
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part three of the “Comeback Road” video series assessing the plight of West Michigan concert venues amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, filmmakers Michael Whitenack, David Darling and Kari Cohen spotlight The Intersection in Grand Rapids.
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When up-and-coming country singer Eric Church sold out The Intersection’s main showroom more than a decade ago, it represented a successful buildup of his West Michigan fan base after previous Grand Rapids tour stops.
Ten years later, the superstar played two straight nights to capacity crowds at the 12,000-seat Van Andel Arena – and gave shoutouts to the nightclub while wearing an Intersection T-shirt.
“He still talks about The Intersection to this day. He always remembers us and gives us tons of love,” said Scott Hammontree, operating partner, talent buyer and general manager for The Intersection.
Scott Hammontree and Signs of the Times
“That to me is the most glaring example of somebody that never forgot what he built here. If I could get a couple of those every week, then we’re doing our job.”
Of course, with the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic shutting down music venues since March, those opportunities to showcase fast-rising acts have disappeared. And the future for the multi-stage Intersection – and thousands of other venues across the country – remains uncertain.
After hosting well over 300 shows a year in its three principal performance spaces, The Intersection is now playing a waiting game and “a guessing game” when it comes to reopening for live music.
Watch the video below for performance snippets and more details as Hammontree relates the story of The Intersection and the challenges it faces while hoping to add to its star-making legacy.
“The list of artists that have played here that we’ve clicked with or have went on to bigger and better things is so long,” said Hammontree.
VIDEO: Comeback Road – The Intersection
(Local Spins photos by Eric Stoike, Anna Sink, Anthony Norkus, Kendra Petersen-Kamp)
To view “Comeback Road” videos spotlighting The Pyramid Scheme & Tip Top Deluxe: https://localspins.com/?s=comeback+road+video
To help employees by purchasing Intersection T-shirts: https://sectionlive.com/product/section-fam-shirt/
To assist the National Independent Venue Association and show support for legislation to assist concert venues nationally: https://www.saveourstages.com/
To support Michigan music venues seeking state assistance: https://www.savemistages.com/
Silent Stage: Elevation inside The Intersection. (Photo/Kendra Petersen-Kamp)
Copyright 2020, Spins on Music LLC
