Alan Turner is a singer-songwriter with songs that speak of loves gained and lost and raucous Whiskey drinking, often times with a sly twist of humor mixed in. Alan Turner’s voice is rich baritone that pours “country” into every note he sings. His inspirational country songs talk about his love of God, country and family and they will touch your soul. Alan Turner jets off the stage to mingle with the crowd throughout his performance with his non-stop mix of traditional country with a rockin’ edge like no other.

This project is funded in part by Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Blue Soul Express is a professional five piece band out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The band’s style is as varied as their musical influences, with adynamic collection of Blues, Soul, Funk and many surprises along the way.  In addition to a repertoire that spans many decades and multiple genres, the group also incorporates original music from their CD “This Little Love,” nominated for Best Blues Soul Album of the Year in 2017 WYCE 88.1FM Jammie Music Awards. 

The band is led by the resonating vocals of Brenda “Sookie” Harris, along with the soulful guitar of Darryl Matthews, spirited keys & vocals by Mike Phelps and a rock solid rhythm section of bassist, Mark Hicks and drummer, Mark Jilbert.

Deep Greens & Blues is a down-home Americana band based in Grand Rapids. Blending soulful harmonies and artisan-crafted songwriting, the band explores the depths of roots, country, and folk traditions, creating new vibes inspired by old sounds. The band features Travis Atkinson on vocals and acoustic guitar, Kelsey Gustafson on vocals, Jason Upton on upright bass, Ben McNeil on drums, Matt Young on electric guitar and mandolin, and Susan Mora on fiddle. 

River City Jazz Ensemble, known for being the high society dance band that plays all the standard swing tunes, has been entertaining in the West Michigan area since 1976 when it was founded by Henry Swart and son, Dave Swart. In 2008, Henry turned over the leadership to David Wells. A retired music teacher who performs, composes, arranges, and directs for various musical groups in the Grand Rapids area, Wells has led River City to being the premier swing band everyone wants for their next event.

River City Jazz Ensemble will be joined by singer, Rick Reuther. When Rick begins to sing, heads turn!  Sounds like Sinatra!  Sounds like Bennett!  These comparisons alone, while frequent, do not begin to capture the essence of Rick’s stage presence and warmth.

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. In high school, Lockwood’s band Big Dudee Roo started covering Mary Jane’s Last Dance at their frequent shows in West Michigan. After the passing of Tom Petty in October of 2017, Lockwood organized the band by pulling together some of his favorite musicians. “We try to honor what Mr. Petty and the Heartbreakers have done for rock and roll each night. We’re fans of the music foremost. These songs are woven into the fabric of the American identity.”

A “Magic Bus Show” is a total trip back to the Woodstock era. Take the greatest music from three of the most influential years in pop history and combine it with seven veteran professional musicians who have a passion for it. From the moment the stage smoke starts billowing out and you hear the beginning of Jimi Hendrix’s “Star Spangled Banner” to the flower power feel of The Youngblood’s “Get Together”,  you instantly feel transported back in time to the Haight-Ashbury District of San Francisco in the late 1960s. Suddenly it’s the “Summer of Love” and you’re there! Peace signs, Headbands and all! The Band’s colorful, authentic costumes and Hippie like approach only serve to further the already enjoyable journey you’re about to embark upon. A journey through the years that created some of the greatest hit songs of all time!

This activity is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Minigrant Program, administered by LowellArts.

Riverwalk Stage at 12:15 PM

Lowell-based independent singer/songwriter Bruce Matthews’ music is rooted in an Americana, ‘front porch’ tradition. His songs come from and speak to the heart—about family, the outdoors, brokenness and redemption. Matthews’ voice is authentic and unpretentious, and the songs are rich with experience. “You look in the mirror,” Matthews says. “Some things you celebrate. Others maybe not so much. What matters is what you do with it today.” And some of what he’s doing is making deeply personal roots music. 

Riverwalk Stage at 2:00 pm

The Adams Family takes you on a nostalgic journey through popular music eras, with a crowd-pleasing repertoire that includes everything from folk and Doo-wop to classic rock hits. The Adams Family mines the treasure trove of the 1950s-60s music with exceptionally tight vocal, guitar, and rhythm arrangements. Musicians include: Jerry Adams (guitar, vocals), Cindy Adams Kropf (vocals), Brian Adams (guitar, vocals), and Dale Kropf (bass, vocals).  

This activity is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Minigrant Program, administered by LowellArts.

The JetBeats are a vintage Rock & Roll combo from Grand Rapids. The members were brought together over a common obsession with the savage early 60’s Rock & Roll sound. A JetBeats show is a rocket ride to the fabulous early 60’s, with a contemporary twist. The JetBeats will remind you of a time when Rock & Roll was fresh, wild and unjaded. The JetBeats are: Morgan May Moallemian (vocals, guitar), Ben Erhart (vocals, guitar), Mark O’Conner (vocals, bass) and DJ McCoy (drums, percussion)

Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish is a simple rock and roll band. This band will take full advantage of Elvis-style vocals, splitting harmonica, and a drummer that won’t allow your hips to stop moving. As iron sharpens iron, Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish have refined themselves with every performance. Their inspiration is drawn from those around them, and their energy is a reflection of those who support their craft. The band includes: Jesse Ray (Vox, Harmonica, Guitar) and Dingo (Brando) Hopp (Percussion)

It is not only heart, but blood that unites the core of Roosevelt Diggs. At its base: Two brothers, Levi and Logan Duddles, who have spent a lifetime creating and writing music together. With the addition of the musical backbone of Jon Shears on the upright bass and John Ellsworth on percussion, they transformed from two brothers picking on stringed instruments to a band with a fire inside. Musically, Roosevelt Diggs finds itself in the long standing Michigan tradition of acoustic based music. Blending Folk, Country, Bluegrass, Blues, Rockabilly and Rock and Roll into a melting pot of true Americana, Roosevelt Diggs proudly carries on this tradition and brings a genuine approach to acoustic music. In November 2018, Roosevelt Diggs released their third album, “Better Days” that was awarded the 2019 WYCE Jammie for “Listener’s Choice Album of the Year” The band includes: Jon Shears (Upright Bass), John Ellsworth (Percussion), Logan Duddles (Guitar, Vocals), and Levi Duddles (Guitar, Vocals)

Desmond Jones is a five-piece rock/funk/jazz fusion band from Grand Rapids. With original music written to complement the group’s sound as a whole, the music is centered on melodic guitar riffs, groovy basslines, funky drumbeats, and smooth saxophone. The group takes influence from Frank Zappa, The Grateful Dead, Phish, Miles Davis, The Band, and Led Zeppelin to name a few. Desmond Jones puts on exciting and high-energy shows with a high level of musicianship and skillful improvisation. Desmond Jones is John Nowak, Isaac Berkowitz, Chris Bota, George Falk, and John Loria

The B-Side Growlers are an acoustic trio from Grand Rapids who focus on what’s become their tagline: “Tradition inspired, toe-tappin’ fired, vintage acoustic blues, jazz and country”.  This allows them to create a musical experience with a rich history, festive atmosphere and a wide variety of song styles.  Tradition inspired music is alive and well…and The B-Side Growlers enjoy being a part of it! B-Side Growlers are Mary Lewandoski (vocals, percussion, guitar, harmonica), Matt Porter (bass, vocals) and Pete Lewandoski (guitar, banjo, fiddle, vocals).

This project is funded in part by Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.