"After so many years, why do the Jammies still matter?" This is the question I sent to Kevin Murphy, WYCE Station Manager.
His reply? "I think the Jammies matter more than ever." This is just the kind of response many of us have come to expect from a man who has shown over his tenure at community based radio station 88.1 FM that he is more concerned with the integrity of the event and how it relates to our arts scene.
"No two Jammies are alike, so that right there is a big reason why they still matter to an audience of music lovers who love West Michigan music artists," says Murphy.
The 14th annual Jammies Awards promises a lot of things you have come to expect from this event, like 24 acts performing over two stages.
And apart from a dream of mine to see a Jammies Bingo Instagram game of spotting of a PJ-clad aging music fan, or an onstage host"s "wink and a nod" over-the-top-but-ironic flannel attire will win you a music prize, this annual event is making its biggest change in years, backing up Murphy"s commitment to the event"s relevance.
The multi-act concert event has always been held on a Tuesday night, but this year, the event is on a Friday. Meaning, the awards show that has previously inched up to the Intersection"s 1800-person capacity is probably going to sell out. (In 2012, it was estimated that over the course of the night, which starts at 5:30 p.m. when the doors open, well over 2,000 people came through the doors.)
It is hard to "sell out" a free event that asks that you bring in a non-perishable food item or gently used clothing donation to pay it forward, but capacity is capacity, so arrive early.
Murphy says the 2013 event occuring the night before the Michigan Winter Beer Fest is happenstance. "Bell"s is sponsoring this event with us," says Murphy, "which when you add in the fact that we have such a massive music ticket, (means) we are sure to be attracting a huge crowd."
Admission: Free
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