Bootstrap Boys, Kip Moore, Greensky Bluegrass: Photos-Local Spins

Share the story

Musical contrasts were everywhere when it comes to West Michigan concerts to close out October and kick off November. From bluegrass to heavy metal, Local Spins recaps the week in scintillating images.

‘Day of the (Grateful) Dead’: The Bootstrap Boys on stage during Saturday’s benefit at Founders Brewing. (Photo/Eric Stoike)

SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTO GALLERIES

Support our coverage of
West Michigan's music scene

Talk about juxtapositions.

While horror film-inspired and masked Cleveland heavy metal band Mushroomhead infected Grand Rapids’ The Intersection on Wednesday with pre-Halloween pandemonium, the lilting, harmony-propelled Americana super-group The Rebel Eves mesmerized fans at SpeakEZ Lounge just a mile away with fetching melodies and socially conscious messaging.

It’s all about “love and healing,” said Rebel Eves guitarist and singer Grace Theisen.

‘Guitar Man’: Kip Moore at The Intersection. (Photo/Eric Stoike)

And after mainstream country singer Kip Moore regaled an Intersection crowd on Thursday with the likes of “High Hopes,” “Beer Money” and “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck,” Grand Rapids rebel/vintage country act The Bootstrap Boys hosted an all-star “Day of the Dead” Grateful Dead tribute and benefit at Founders Brewing Co. on Saturday in honor of their late guitarist Nick Alexander, with proceeds going to support Alexander’s wife. The packed affair featured sets by Full Cord, Cosmic Knot and many more Michigan artists.

Saturday boasted more musical contrasts: While Boston’s experimental electronic music artist Cyclops brought his heavy “Eye Spy Tour” to The Intersection, Kalamazoo bluegrass favorites Greensky Bluegrass followed up an acoustic afternoon performance and record-signing event at Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe (its old stomping ground) with a second, more-robust concert at Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, with thousands of fans cheering their hometown heroes on their 25th anniversary.

Saturday’s celebration of the band’s new album marking Greensky’s quarter-century milestone featured a guest appearance by keyboardist Holly Bowling, along with singer Lindsay Lou, who also joined the group on Friday. (Check out Local Spins’ review and photos from Night 1 at Wings Event Center.)

Browse photo galleries from all of the shows below, along with video highlights from Greensky’s acoustic performance at Bell’s.