WYCE-FM’s Jammies XIII
5:45 p.m. Tuesday
The Intersection
Free; donations of clothing, non-perishable food accepted
Sure, everybody’s still talking about the Grammys, but there’s no time to look back: The Jammies, Grand Rapids’ answer to the Grammys, bust out Tuesday night at The Intersection and there’s absolutely no danger of Nicki Minaj swooping in to attempt to exorcise her bad taste.
Support our coverage of
West Michigan's music scene
Nope, this is a true celebration of West Michigan talent as I noted in REVUE Magazine recently, and the folks at community radio station WYCE-FM (88.1) always create a great vibe and assemble a terrific show.
Hey, lovebirds, there’s no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with performances by 26 acts on two stages and a boatload of awards for the year’s best regional albums doled out by WYCE. Better yet, admission is free, though I’d encourage all Jammie-goers to bring donations of non-perishable food items, gently used clothing and diapers to aid the cause.
Starting with a Grand Rapids and District Pipe Band procession at 5:45 p.m., the main stage (in this order) will feature Ghost Heart, Chain of Lakes, Creolization, Steve Talaga, The Fainting Generals, Four Finger Five, Grupo Aye, Orpheum Bell, Joshua Davis, Greg Nagy, Valentiger, An Dro, The Crane Wives, The Fuzzrites and, yes, Alexis, in what promises to be a delectable party-ending set. Starting at 6:05 p.m. the front lounge stage unfurls The Wealthy Orphans, The Willeys, Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys, Dave Hardin, Fiona Dickinson, Jes Kramer, Gifts or Creatures, Who Hit John?, Red Tail Ring, Midnight Cattle Callers and Afterhours Experience.
Egad, who wouldn’t pay a tidy sum to see all of that? (I certainly wouldn’t miss it, so you can expect a Spins on Music update Wednesday.)
To warm you up, check out the brand new video below of The Crane Wives – highlights from their rousing opening set for Rusted Root at the ‘Section on Sunday night, in which they played a host of new tunes.
As for the big Jammie of the Year award, I’m thinking those Crane Wives and Alexis are frontrunners, though you never know. Now, onto my Under-the-Radar picks for the week.
Lotus
8 p.m. Wednesday
The Intersection
$15 advance, $17 day of show
Lotus, a real standout in the electronic jam-band scene, returns to Grand Rapids for a show at The Intersection on Wednesday night. The band is now touring behind its latest self-titled album which came out in September, a recording that ranges “from gentle, ambient grooves to pulsating beats accented with hip-hop style vocals” or so says the promotional material.
Regardless, I’ve seen this band twice and I can vouch for its mesmerizing groove and sharp musicianship. Get details about this 17-and-older show here.
North Mississippi Allstars Duo, Alvin Youngblood Hart
8 p.m. Thursday
Pepsi Stadium Club, Fifth Third Ballpark
$25 advance, $28 day of show
The Dickinson brothers, Luther and Cody, have captivated audiences as the North Mississippi Allstars since the mid-1990s with their Southern blues-rock jamming. Well, they also tour as a duo, and West Michigan fans get a chance to see them up close and personal at the Pepsi Stadium Club at Fifth Third Ballpark on Thursday, part of The Outlaw Music Series. I saw them open for Robert Plant and the Band of Joy last year, and believe me, this could be a real treat of a show. Ticket details here.
Email: jsinkevics@gmail.com
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.