There is something that feels strangely familiar every time I visit Con Artist Crew's space. Maybe it is their neighborhood's rough-on-the-edges (and everywhere else), warehouse district location that triggers my memories of Grand Rapids in the '80s. You just can't fight that feeling of wanting to look over your shoulder as you exit your car to walk up to CAC's space. (But, it really is safe.)
The programming at CAC never disappoints. Their experimental nature lends itself to moments that tweeter between the sublime to the unexpected, and the upcoming concert produced by Dan Climie of Scopitone Vidbox is sure to entrance those who dare to venture to CAC this weekend.
Friday night's headliner is fuzz folk band Drunken Barn Dance. The Ann Arbor act will reunite former Michigander (but now San Franciscan) and lead singer Scott Sellwood with an all-star lineup of musicians from Michigan's music scene. Joining Sellwood on stage with be bandmates Scott DeRoche on guitar; Ryan Howard on drums; Greg McIntosh on guitar; and Jim Roll on bass. Expect an engrossing night of songwriting with rust belt sensitivities that is at once explosive and yet intimate. Raucous activity will ensue before the night switches gears for a downright confessional number that Sellwood delivers in whispers.
To say that this is a performer you will remember for a long time is surely a cliché, but after a few spins of Drunken Barn Dance's music, you will want to email Climie to secure your tickets.
The band has released two full-length albums on Michigan-based label Quite Scientific Records, and presently partway through a three-part EP run -- the second installment,
Sequoia, has just been released.
Also performing this evening will be two outstanding West Michigan acts: Helical Scan (beloved and sought after by their fans for their live shows), and AOK, who has been really off most people's radars as they only play a few shows here and there. They have an edged-up, danceable poppy sound with big beats marrying massive riffs -- truly a perfect complement for this night.
Ben Weissenborn (new drummer for Stepdad, former drummer of Petals Rang the Bell) will be DJing between the acts except right before AOK when Douglas Davis, a.k.a. Dougstep has promised to drop a one of a kind set that Climie says, "might just bring the place down to the ground."
Because CAC is an art space, this night will also be the debut of artist Chelle Blundell's acrylic and pastel paintings reflecting on the theme of nature.
"This show is the first BIG one I have produced in a while, and I curated it as an eclectic selection of what amazing and different talent there is in our city," says Climie. "It is also rare to have one of Michigan's best and most veteran musicians stopping by to throw down a party at one of Grand Rapids' best new arts venues."
It's a BYO…and that's what you really want to know on that front. In additon,
Lamp Light will have a big announcement for those at the show.
Admission: $5 advance / $7 day of show (For advance:
[email protected])