Ringing the Opening Bell

Last night, renowned, Grammy-Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell graced the stage at Kalazmazoo's Chenery Auditorium, accompanied by Shai Wosner on piano. The recital was a special pre-festival concert on the eve of this year's Gilmore Piano Festival. No photographs were permitted.

Swingin' at the Park

The Dirk Quinn Band (above) brought their mix of jazz and funk to the Park Theatre last night. I was curious about their sound, but was most excited to hear the opener, Third Coast Swing Band, again.

Let Freedom Swing!

I savored the sounds of the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra at the Park Theatre yesterday afternoon.

A Full Circle Moment

Last night, I greatly enjoyed quality jazz at Noto's Old World Italian Dining from the John Shea Trio, who provided my very first live jazz experience, back in the mid-to-late 90s, at Hope College's Knickerbocker Theatre. I had the opportunity to tell John about the full circle moment and he responded by gifting me an autographed copy of their brand-new vinyl record!

Bringing the Blues to Holland

I experienced the music of award-winning blues artist John Nemeth at the Park Theatre last night and was especially impressed with his young guitarist, Sean McDonald.

Last Night at Lucy's

Last night at Lucy's, I enjoyed the smooth jazz stylings of Jazz 150, featuring Eddy Curtis (right) on flugelhorn, trumpet and vocals.

Legendary jazz quartet celebrates 40 years together

The Branford Marsalis Quartet thrilled a sold-out audience at St. Cecilia Music Center last night.

South Bend saxophonist swings on the lakeshore

Tonight, the Don Lerman Quintet brought "West Coast Jazz: Into the Cool" to the OxBow House, featuring Jim Cooper on vibraphone, Rob Hartman on bass, Fred Knapp on drums, and Jason Werkema on guitar.

Acclaimed international act Ladysmith Black Mambazo entertained, educated

Grammy-Award-winning South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo brought their signature storytelling style to Hope College's Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts last night.

Bagpipes and Accordians and Whistles! Oh, my!

Last night, the Scottish folk/pop/rock band Skerryvore entertained folks at the Holland Civic Center.

Winning at Winter's

I greatly enjoyed Abigail Riccards & Friends' terrific set at Winter's Jazz Club on Wednesday night.

Blues at Buddy's

Last night, blues guitarist Carlos Showers played a solo set at Buddy Guy's Legends club.

Jazzin' Up a Tuesday Night

Chicago-style early swing/trad jazz band Petra's Recession Seven celebrated Fat Tuesday last night at the historic Jazz Showcase.

Swingin' in Chi-Town

Last night, guitarist Joel Paterson and friends filled the house with jazz, blues, and western swing at the legendary Green Mill Jazz Club.

History and Song

The jazz/pop duo Edye and Mike Hyde shared their takes on the Great American Songbook yesterday afternoon at the Saugatuck Douglas History Center.

Art brings us together

Last night, I saw my first concert in a planetarium! Electro-synth pop duo How to Live Together played live in the Grand Rapids Public Museum's Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, while Kristin Zuller's visual art filled the "sky" above us.

Dudok string quartet dazzles and delights

The Dudok Quartet Amsterdam graced the stage at Hope College's Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts last evening.

Celebrating Miles Davis at 100

The Lakeshore Jazz Connection presented "Celebrating Miles Davis at 100" -- featuring Kenny Cooper on trumpet, Jim Cooper on vibraphone, Denis Sheboukhov on bass, and Danny Raymond on drums -- yesterday afternoon at the Ox-Bow House.

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.

A Magical Time at Motown

Last weekend, I finally made it to the Motown Museum in Detroit. As a part of the tour, we got to sing and dance to "My Girl," one of the many hits recorded in the legendary Studio A, in the historic studio itself.

'Tis the Season to Swing

The Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center Orchestra masterfully presented their "'Tis the Season to Swing" program yesterday afternoon at the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center.

Detriot Jazz at the Dirty Dog

I was pleased to experience the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation Presents DETROIT JAZZ MASTERS – Holiday Edition last night at the Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, featuring Dwight Adams, Cliff Monear, David Taylor, Jeff Pedraz, and Chris Collins.

Swingin' with Stanco

Last night, I enjoyed a terrific set by the Anthony Stanco Quartet at Cliff Bell's jazz club.

Sold-out Solo Show at St. Cecilia

I witnessed singer/songwriter Joy Oladokun's sold-out solo show last night at St. Cecilia Music Center.  I also enjoyed opener Bartees Strange's solo set.

Sebastian stars with students

The Hope College jazz ensembles presented "An Evening of Jazz" tonight at the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, featuring guest artist Ricky Sebastian on drums.

Classically Beautiful

Last night, I enjoyed a beautiful chamber music performance by the two-time Grammy-nominated Neave Trio at Hope College's Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts.

Michigan rock royalty returns

The Verve Pipe returned to the Park Theatre last night.

From Japan With Love

Last night, I enjoyed beautiful compositions by Hiroya Tsukamoto, a two-time second-place winner of the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship, at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.

Stellar Sax Sounds

I experienced stellar jazz by the Miguel Zenon Quartet at Hope College's Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts last night.  The frontman – a Grammy winner, Doris Duke Artist and Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow – lended plenty of Puerto Rican flavor and flair to the set.