Holy moly, Grand Rapids, you showed up and showed OUT last Friday night (April 25, 2025) for some Skelletones shenanigans! We, the ever-humble Misplaced Memories, had the absolute privilege of sharing the stage with the electrifying Garden Effect, the genre-defying First Aid Spray, and the downright transcendent The Mannequins. This wasn’t just a show—it was a full-on sonic riot, and we’re still picking up the pieces of our blown minds.

Kicking off the night was Garden Effect, Grand Rapids’ own punk rock juggernaut. Lorenzo and his crew stormed the stage like a pack of caffeinated wolves, unleashing a high-octane set that could power a small city. Their Beer City punk ethos—raw, loud, and unapologetic—had the crowd moshing from the first chord. Tracks like “Garden Song” and “Average Day” hit like a sledgehammer, proving why they’re a staple in the local scene. These guys don’t just play music; they ignite it. If you haven’t caught Garden Effect live, you’re sleeping on one of West Michigan’s finest exports.

Next up, First Aid Spray, who hauled their gear all the way from Portage to melt our faces.  They dragged along their posse of party animals, ready to turn Skelletones into their personal playground. Andy, Adam, and Ty have this uncanny ability to spin any topic—seriously, ANYTHING—into a banger. Their set was a wild ride through punk, pop-punk, and whatever else they felt like throwing in, all wrapped in their infectious, let’s-have-a-blast energy. Crowd favorites like “Blow This Town” had everyone screaming along, while “Caffeine” was basically an IV drip of adrenaline. And let’s not forget “The Elbow Song,” which, if you know, you know—it’s absurd, it’s iconic, it’s First Aid Spray. These dudes brought the Portage party vibe and left no one standing still.

Then there was us, Misplaced Memories, the scrappy pop-punk underdogs who probably shouldn’t be trusted with microphones but here we are. We took the stage with our usual mix of enthusiasm and questionable life choices, ripping through our set like we had somewhere to be. “See You” got the crowd bouncing, “For the First Time” had fists in the air, and our surprise cover of Blink-182’s “All the Small Things” was our shameless attempt to channel our inner 2000s mall rats. We debuted our latest single “FUCM” (because we’re mature like that), keeping the dance floor alive, and closed with “Long Way Down,” our standard “let’s leave it all on the stage” anthem. Were we perfect? Nah. Did we have a blast? You bet your spiky wristbands we did.

But let’s be real—the night belonged to The Mannequins, who drove the 45 minutes from Holland, to deliver a performance that should come with a warning label: “May cause jaw-dropping and existential reflection.” This alt-rock/emo/indie trio is a force of nature. Frontman Grant’s vocals are a masterclass in raw emotion, weaving lyrics that hit you right in the feels while commanding the room like a poet possessed. Carter, on bass, is a whirlwind of energy, laying down frenetic lines and howling backup vocals that add this haunting, almost primal layer to their sound. And Michael, the man behind the kit, is the glue holding it all together, delivering complex rhythms with a precision that’s melodic yet relentless. Their set was a journey—think Brand New meets Death Cab for Cutie with a dash of Midwest grit. Songs like “Possum Hollow” and “Porphyria, Pt. 2” left us all a little speechless, which is saying something for a room full of punk kids. If you haven’t seen The Mannequins live, clear your schedule and make it happen. They’re not just a band; they’re an experience.

None of this magic would’ve happened without the Skelletones crew, led by the legendary Mark, who keep this all-ages, substance-free venue thriving. Skelletones isn’t just a stage—it’s a safe haven for young folks to lose themselves in music, and we’re endlessly grateful for it. The sound was crisp, the vibes were immaculate, and the staff made sure everything ran smoother than our attempt at a three-part harmony.

This night was a reminder of why we do this: the music, the fans, the shared chaos. No egos, no drama—just a bunch of bands pouring their hearts out and a crowd giving it right back. To Garden Effect, First Aid Spray, and The Mannequins: you’re the real MVPs. To everyone who screamed, danced, or just showed up: you’re why we keep lugging our amps around.

Here’s to more nights like this, Grand Rapids. Stay loud, stay weird, and we’ll see you at the next one.

— Misplaced Memories