Sunday, December 8, ArtRat Gallery hosts the latest in its roots music series curated by The Stableford Agency. Americana Sundays: The Shrock Bros’ Holiday Show 3! runs 3-5pm at 46 Division Ave. S.
West Michigan's favorite family band sprinkles in a few family holiday favorites to their repertoire of original Americana/blues/soul music for their 3rd annual ArtRat appearance. (Admission $25; tickets available on Eventbrite.)
The Schrock Bros actually comprise two generations of West Michigan rock ‘n’ roots: brothers Andrew and Jason and their father, Mark, who’s been performing since the 1960s.
Ahead of Sunday’s party, Mark filled us in about the history of the band and the holiday show.
This will be your third holiday visit to ArtRat’s Americana Sundays. What can newcomers expect from the show? And for regulars, what new tricks do you have up your sleeves?
We're looking forward to carrying on the Schrock Bros Holiday tradition at ArtRat. We'll be playing songs from our year round repertoire, with a few holiday tunes thrown in for merry measure. We hope to debut a couple new originals.
Because of the intimate nature of the space, we'll be going for a more "unplugged" vibe this year. The lineup is Andrew, Jasen & Mark Schrock on guitars, bass, mandolin and vocals, with our pal Michael Shimmin on percussion.
You’ve created a happy tradition here that showcases American music with a holiday vibe. Has playing music always been part of the Schrock family’s celebrations?
Yes. Our family is very musical, not only our trio, but also grandmas, grandpas, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandkids. Our family was into handmade gifts for awhile, so the boys and I recorded a few tunes every year and gave those "Christmas Tapes" for a number of years. It was our first foray into playing as a unit, working out harmonies, instrumental parts, etc. I think Andrew (now 40) was 6 or 7 years old the first year.
You visited ArtRat in October with Youngman & Oldman, who have been playing together in different configurations for 50 years. Any observations about working with friends vs. family?
The dynamics, roles and relationships in any kind of musical group are very similar, whether with playing with friends or family. In our case, we have friends who feel like family, and vice versa … The boys and I like to hang out together, and The Schrock Bros play in configurations from 3 to 10 people, all who have worked together in some way for years.
You’re also an owner of Salt of the Earth, a renowned farm-to-table restaurant in Fennville, MI, that also hosts live music. Any seasonal treats — culinary or musical — you’d like Grand Rapids to know about?
Thanks for asking. We are currently doing shows approximately once per month. The Bros are doing a holiday show in December which is sold out.
On January 19, we have The Temperances, a singer-songwriter trio from West Michigan and January 26, Larry & Joe, an internationally acclaimed duo that plays a fusion of Latin & Appalachian music. Our music schedule can be found here.
Culinary wise? "Seasonal" is what we're about, every day, all year long!
What do you want for Christmas?
Nothing material, I'm good. I'm wishing for more time with my amazing family & friends; safe travels; good health; cool gigs; and a little more peace, love and understanding in the world.
