Local Area Music

Hi, I'm Amy.
I'm an attendee at ZHS.
Grade? Doesn't matter. East or West? Doesn't matter.
I'm writing this blog to get out word about the local music around this area.
Although we live in a small city, big dreams do develop here.
West Michigan consists of many schools, in this area we're near
West Ottawa and Holland schools.
We all have connections and are friends of friends or, family friends.
Back in first semester I was in a Media Communications class.
In this class I met a new friend.
One week he was asking for donations and some extra money from people,
I finally had a nerve to ask, "Adam, what are you needing money for?"
His answer? I need money for my band so we can record our demo.

Ever since 8th grade I've always been intrigued with the local music scene. I help out in any way I possibly can. That being said I donated quite a bit of money to Adam's band, Beyond The Gates.

In 8th grade I worked on a street team for Skindred, Non Point, and Authority Zero.
Awesome how a few years later those bands are now showing up on TV and radio.

Ever since I donated my first dollar to Beyond The Gates, I just jumped into their band wagon and started helping out. It started out with taking live photos for them, [which can be seen on their myspace: www.myspace.com/beyondthegatesband] to working their merch table for them, and running their myspace.

I think it's great that the Sweet Bean has opened up to allowing musical artists to perform. But I think the rest of Zeeland needs to open up and be open minded about certain things.
I think the type of music that Beyond The Gates plays is frowned on upon many citizens of Zeeland. But why? Can a few teenagers get together and write/play music that expresses themselves?
Although Zeeland is a small place I think we should invest in opening up a venue for aspiring artists.
Not just the elegant piano players and vocalists with angelic voices.
But a venue where bands and unleash themselves and have fun once in a while.

I see old abandoned buildings almost everytime I drive down through Zeeland and I just wonder, wow, that'd be such a great place to have music.

Now, that all being said, because Holland actually supports the local music scene quite a bit, with, Roxies clothing store, the new House Of Nyx, Lemonjellos, and the Park Theatre, people should stop hiding in their homes and checking out these venues for new music.

On Saturday May 17th, Beyond The Gates will be playing downtown at the Park Theatre at 6:30PM.
Check it out. And Bring the mosh! =]

-Amy.