Favorite Music of 2025

Favorite Album of the Year:

Brandee Younger - Gadabout Season 

Favorite Concept Album of the Year:

Derek Webb - Survival Songs 

Favorite Songs of the Year: 

May Erlewine - Animal 

Patty Griffin - A Word

Lucía - Lacy 

Derek Webb - I've Been There Too, It Won't Be This Way Forever 

Favorite Concert of the Year:

Pokey LaFarge - Sept. 25, Park Theatre, Holland, Mich.

Favorite Live Experience of the Year:

Artemis (pictured above) - May 11, Garcia's Chicago, Chicago, Ill.

BPM @ SPBH

I enjoyed the vibe and tunes provided by BPM Jazz last night at Sandy Point Beach House.

Home for the Holidays with the Holland Symphony

The Holland Symphony Orchestra presented their "Home for the Holidays" program -- featuring guest vocalists Steve and Allison Martin, as well as the Deos Contemporary Ballet -- at the West Ottawa Performing Arts Center last night.

Fifteen Times with Over the Rhine

Last night, I experienced Over the Rhine in concert for the 15th time; this one for "An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine" at The Ark.

Celebrating the Season with Winter Jazz

The Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra brought holiday cheer to the Park Theatre last night as a part of the inaugural Dutch Winterfest seasonal celebration.