easyreeder
77 posts
Dec 29, 2011
9:25 AM
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I'm in Grand Rapids frequently this year, with some idle time available to window shop, and possibly hear some music. My favorite store is Elderly Instruments in Lansing, but that's over an hour drive. Anybody familiar with the music scene in Grand Rapids? Jams, open-mics, stores?
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eharp
1632 posts
Dec 29, 2011
9:31 AM
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have you ever looked at the site:
http://openmikes.org/
there are a couple of good bars in the area, i think.
one may be called billy's?
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easyreeder
79 posts
Dec 29, 2011
9:47 AM
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@eharp
Thanks. Yes, I have, and did before this post. There are a couple of listings, but my experience has been that the information on that site is often unreliable or outdated, and that first hand knowledge from locals is better.
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eharp
1633 posts
Dec 29, 2011
12:23 PM
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there is some open jam in muskegon.
i know it may be @ an hour drive.
if i see a listing for that jam and remember you were inquiring, i'll post any info i see.
chicago is only a couple of hours from grand rapids.
there is matha's midway tavern in indiana that may be just past an hour's drive.
howard levy has done some shows in three oaks, mi.
madcat might be playing on that side of the state. in fact, this winter he is doing something in sturgis. not sure how far that is.
harper has played in grand rapids. that might be at billy's.
kalamazoo used to have a couple of blues bars.
there is a blues society in western mich (more info may be found at CABS- capital area blues society in lansing) and i think kalamazoo has a blues society.
good mcdonalds at 4th and main.
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eharp
1634 posts
Dec 29, 2011
12:30 PM
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open jam just n.of gr tonite
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easyreeder
81 posts
Dec 29, 2011
1:33 PM
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@eharp, thanks for the research. For Madcat I might stretch things and make it as far as Lansing, but as a rule leaving Grand Rapids isn't an option. I'm not free, just have some idle time that I might get out for an hour or two.
The CAB web site had a link to the Western Michigan Blues Society. Nice to know about.
And, for the trivia minded:
Chicago is about three hours from Grand Rapids.
Muskegon is about 45 minutes.
Grand Rapids to Indiana state line is 1.5 hours (about the same for Sturgis, MI)
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eharp
1635 posts
Dec 29, 2011
3:40 PM
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and we'll all sleep better knowing these fun facts.
lol
maybe it's that i drive waaay too fast?
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Train-train
34 posts
Dec 29, 2011
5:37 PM
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I thought I would post the Sturgis venue that Madcat will be playing, in case any of you are interested.
http://www.sturgisarts.com/event_details.php?event_id=14
The venue is a thousand seat auditorium with good acoustics.
Last Edited by on Dec 29, 2011 5:37 PM
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easyreeder
83 posts
Dec 29, 2011
7:26 PM
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@Train-Train, @eharp:
You're bad influences, both of you. Luring me far afield. Stop it. If I'm in town on that date, and I go there, it's your fault.
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Blind Melon
45 posts
Dec 30, 2011
8:40 AM
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eesyreeder,
I grew up in Grand Rapids and now live just west of town.
Here are a couple of music stores that I use and they usually stock the popular harp keys:
Rainbow Music
Locally owned and decent prices
1148 Leonard NW (Grand Rapids)
616-774-0565
Firehouse Guitars
3125 28th Street SW (Grandville / SW Grand Rapids)
616-532-3473
There are a couple of blues jams / open mics in the Grand Rapids area. Google West Michigan Blues Society and then go to calender. Mondays and Tuesdays are the days for open mics. Here is the link:
http://www.localendar.com/public/king1blues
If you get a chance to check out the local musicians, a couple to check out is:
Hank "The Hawk" Mowery - IMHO the best blues harp player in the area.
Jimmie Stagger - The best blues slide guitarist around. He has been playing forever around here.
James Reeser and the Back Street Drivers - More west coast swing. Great band. Good harp. Jim is a friend of mine.
Last Edited by on Dec 30, 2011 8:46 AM
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easyreeder
86 posts
Dec 30, 2011
10:43 AM
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@Blind Melon:
Great leads, thanks. Since you know the town so well, can you warn me off of any "don't go there at night" areas?
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The Iceman
208 posts
Dec 30, 2011
10:45 AM
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Don't go to the Amway Grand Plaza area after dark....
lots of Yuppie Zombies roaming the grounds
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The Iceman
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The Iceman
209 posts
Dec 30, 2011
10:46 AM
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Don't go to the Amway Grand Plaza area after dark....
lots of Yuppie Zombies roaming the grounds
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The Iceman
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easyreeder
87 posts
Dec 30, 2011
11:25 AM
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Yeah, they hang around on the corner asking if you have any spare Starbucks.
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