Described in localspins.com as “a road trip for the ears,” Whorled brings their audiences around the globe with their imaginative brand of world folk. Music lovers are delighted with this tapestry of Jazz infused Jigs, danceable Scottish trad music arranged unconventionally and many other “Irish Re-imagined” soundscapes. Whorled started as a band in the fall of 2019, when guitarist Thom Jayne, fiddler Keala Venema and accordionist Mariko Venema met at a local Irish session. The magic was immediate and they set about creating their own experimental fusion style. Despite the pandemic closing musical venues, Whorled used this time to formulate their signature brand of improvisational melodies, melding them together in surprising combinations. As 2022 opened up, Whorled gained immediate critical acclaim in West Michigan’s music scene and is looking forward to their debut 2023 album release.

Benzing’s solo twangy 2021 full length release ``Steady Your Nerves``, boasts classic country harmonies, searing instrumentals and some heavier, rock-edged salvos.
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Austin Benzing is a West Michigan singer-songwriter and guitarist making a mess in the genre sandbox. His original releases boast a wide array of influences, resulting in Michigan made country-fied progressive rock with a silver of acid jazz that is guaranteed to excite crowds of all ages and interests. Inspired by classic country and heavy metal influences like Buck Owens, George Jones and Metallica, it quickly became his focus to make his own mark. As his musical appetite increased to artists like bluegrass’ Punch Brothers, jazz’s Julian Lage and the jam band Umphrey’s McGee, his songwriting delved into multiple projects and interests. Benzing is a member of acclaimed West Michigan band, The Turnips, and the Avocadsquad collaboration collective. He was also part of the Balsam Brothers, a popular ``aggressively happy`` progressive rock band that came out of Ferris State University and birthed two records. Benzing also plays with Michigan country band, Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys, various bluegrass trios, and Bluewater Kings Band.

Hailed by The Grand Rapids Press as “top-notch, instrumental wizardry,” The Moxie Strings offer listeners the unique opportunity to experience some of the world’s best- known instruments through an electric, innovative lens. Diana Ladio and Alison Lynn hold Bachelor of Music degrees in music performance and music education, which have given each the technical foundation to explore the limits of her instrument and helped the group build a reputation for musical excellence. Alison performs on a newly-invented, electric cello, and Diana on a contemporary 5-string violin. Both use a variety of audio effects pedals. The Moxie Strings compose the majority of their pieces and arrange melodies from many countries, resulting in a genre-blurring blend of ear-catching, mainstream melodies and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms. The band’s polished, high-energy show continues to redefine strings’ role in contemporary music, and offers audience members a diverse, fun, musical experience. The two often join forces with dynamic percussionists to create an even livelier sound for larger venues.

Soon after forming in 2007, The Moxie Strings were inspired not only to perform, but also to teach. Having made the exploratory journey from classical music to a world of eclecticism and music creativity, the band has now dedicated their careers to helping young musicians make this life-changing and transformative transition. Moxie clinics focus on musical self-discovery and the importance of incorporating socially and culturally relevant genres of music in the music classroom. They have taught clinics in over 200 schools throughout the US, and also present on their research and methodologies to teachers at many music education professional development conferences. During most clinics, The Moxie Strings perform for students on electric instruments, teach music by ear, and introduce non-classical playing styles. The group has researched and created an innovative sequence of activities designed to introduce improvisation to classically trained musicians, which they employ at every clinic. The Moxie Strings deliver their message in a fun, accessible way, and stand before students as the illustration of the many opportunities that music holds.

Current Magazine insists that “the future of music could not be in better hands.”

Playing music that spans across generations, Funkle Jesse is a party band that will have you dancing all night to a mix of hits, songs you forgot you love, mashups and medleys. Their always-expanding song selection pulls from a variety of genres, including pop, rock, classic and current top 40 hits, and features a blend of voices, guitars, drums, keyboards and saxophone. Have mercy!

Brena Band is a one-stop-shop when it comes to summer entertainment. Their six member band, featuring guitars, drums, horns, violin, keyboards, and tight vocal harmonies, will keep you dancing all night long. Their wide variety of songs offer a little something for everyone; ranging from oldies, to current top 40 hits, classic rock to smooth R&B, country to high energy dance music, and everything in between.

Close your eyes and you won’t know the difference. Open them and you still might be fooled. The Insiders present the premier Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers experience. With 6 veteran musicians and decades of combined stage and touring experience, The Insiders are genuinely running down the dream.

It all starts with frontman Max Lockwood. “I grew up listening to Tom Petty. My mom would play the Greatest Hits record while she worked out. I’d sit at the top of the stairs and listen to those songs—it was my most requested CD as a young kid.” In high school, Lockwood’s band Big Dudee Roo started covering Petty songs at their frequent shows in West Michigan. “Tom Petty was part of the great American landscape to me—a legend by the time I was musically conscious. We got a great crowd reaction with Petty tunes, and people frequently commented that I sounded a lot like him.”

Nothing has changed with time. After the passing of Tom Petty in October of 2017, Lockwood organized the band by pulling together some of his favorite musicians for a benefit concert. After a sold-out show that raised thousands for a local domestic violence shelter The Insiders decided they wouldn’t back down. “We try to honor what Mr. Petty and the Heartbreakers have done for rock and roll each night. We’re fans of the music first and foremost. These songs are woven into the fabric of the American identity.” They’ve found no shortage of demand, selling out shows everywhere they go. Local Spins’ John Sinkevics had this to say: “The Insiders set the bar at a new level for Tom Petty tributes.”

The Insiders are based in Grand Rapids, Michigan and currently tour the Midwest and beyond.