The much-anticipated show at The Intersection on the second Friday in February now boats more than 20 performances on two stages while honoring dozens of the best regional acts.
Friday the 13th could be a very lucky day for some of West Michigan’s most talented and compelling bands and solo artists.
Support our coverage of
West Michigan's music scene
The 16th annual Jammie Awards hosted by Grand Rapids community radio station WYCE-FM (88.1) will honor the best in local music on Friday, Feb. 13 at The Intersection, with 22 acts now slated to perform at what’s considered West Michigan’s prestigious version of the Grammy Awards.
WYCE this week added a second Legacy Award winner to the night’s agenda: Alt-rock’s The Verve Pipe will not only be honored with the award, but will also perform as part of the evening’s entertainment. Local ska legend Mustard Plug previously was announced as a recipient of a Legacy Award and will also perform.
The community radio station also added Channing & Quinn, Hannah Rose Graves & Justin Wierenga, Micah Ling, Nicholas James Thomasma, Tom Hymn and Vox Vidorra to the roster of artists previously booked for the big night. Also, singer-songwriter Seth Bernard will host a Jammies after-party starting at 11:30 p.m.
Up-and-coming roots artists such as The Accidentals and Billy Strings & Don Julin from Traverse City, Grand Rapids jazz trumpeter Brad Fritcher, hip hop’s Dante Cope, rockabilly’s Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish and folk-rock’s The Muteflutes will join an eclectic roster of established regional stars such as Seth Bernard and May Erlewine, A.B!, Alexis, Josh Rose, The Concussions and Valentiger in performing at the evening-long awards show that once again will host sets by nominated artists on two stages.
Also on the bill: Maraj, Max Lockwood and Roosevelt Diggs, all of whom have released highly praised albums over the past year. Not surprisingly, those performing — especially first-timers — are flattered by the opportunity to showcase their songs for a big audience which includes many fellow musicians.
EXCITED ABOUT PERFORMING AT THE JAMMIES
“We are very excited to be able to perform at the Jammies,” said Josh Worsham, drummer for Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish, which is nominated for its “Gravedigger” album. “It is a huge honor and surprise to be offered a spot to play. I am really looking forward to meeting so many other local musicians, along with people who really live and breathe local music.”
“It’s always such a great time to reconnect with fellow musicians and to hear a taste of what everyone has been up to musically,” said Micah McLaughlin of The Muteflutes. “The Jammies is a brilliant opportunity to say thanks to the West Michigan music community that supports musicians all year long. This event just keeps getting richer every year.”
More than 130 albums are nominated for album of the year honors as noted in this Local Spins story, and people’s choice and critic’s picks prizes also will be awarded.
One of the nominees, The Accidentals, nominated for their album, “Bittersweet,” said in a band statement that they were “honored beyond belief. WYCE was the first station to play ‘Bittersweet’ and they are a huge support for indie music, and to be asked to be a part of the Jammies is just unreal.”
Doors for the all-ages event open at 5:30 p.m.; admission is free but donations to WYCE are encouraged. Those wearing pajamas or donating a minimum of $10 the radio station will receive a free album from WYCE’s collection. Attendees also are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food items and gently used clothing.
The event is presented by Bell’s Brewery with support from The Intersection, ViziDef, GRTV and LiveSpace.
Get more details about the upcoming Jammie Awards show online on the event Facebook page.

Jammie Awards Show Rockers: Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish will bring their hyper-energetic stage presence to the February awards show. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
Copyright 2014, Spins on Music LLC












