By Cameron Kerkau, Staff Reporter.
You can find out a lot about a town by looking at it’s music scene. At first glance, Bay City might seem like an unassuming place, but if you search a bit you’ll find a music community worth getting into.
Good Day Good Sir and All is Well, two Grand Rapids based bands, played in Uptown Bay City Friday, Oct. 26 at local coffee shop, The Fix, 5 East Main Street.
Owner Jack Rechsteiner makes it a point to consistently hold music based events. “It has been very exciting to watch the local music scene foster.”
Good Day Good Sir, the project of singer/songwriter Luke Nowland on tour with a backing band, was the first to play. With their dynamic instrumentals and emotional lyrics, they created a visible connection with the audience which held for the remainder of the night.
Unfortunately, midway through the first set Rechsteiner received a noise complaint.
“It was disappointing, but eventually we were able to get quiet enough to finish the show,” said Rechsteiner.
Good Day Good Sir continued their set with only the lead vocals and electric guitar. While it is unfortunate that the full band could not finish together, the crowd nonetheless seemed impressed with the final songs performed by lead singer Luke Nowland.
“It was a totally different vibe than I expected… having to turn down on the spot was fun and challenging,” said Nowland.
Once Good Day Good Sir finished their set without another noise complaint, All Is Well decided that their full band would play as planned, though a bit quieter than usual. All Is Well features Nick Van Slett on bass, Hannah Van Slett on the keyboard, Nate Krikke and Erik Rice on guitar and Nathan Coles on drums. The band members explained that playing quieter was a new and interesting experience.
“I felt very exposed,” said Erik Rice, and Nate Krikke agreed. “Yeah exposed, but it worked out.”
The band’s musical message really seemed to come across to the crowd. As they began playing, members of the audience turned to their friends to express their approval. The band’s sound, which they describe as melodic post-rock, visibly moved the crowd.
One crowd member, Bailey Krzyminski was pleasantly surprised and happy that she came out. “I was very impressed and I could really see these bands making it big one day.”
The Fix will strive to continue bringing music to the community.
“Hopefully going forward we will be known as a really good music venue in the area for more quiet, intimate shows,” said Rechsteiner.
Like The Fix on Facebook to stay up to date on upcoming events. The Fix also has an open mic night every other friday.
Find Good Day, Good Sir at gooddaygoodsir.bandcamp.com
Find All is Well at alliswell.bandcamp.com