Author

Bill Lee

Bill Lee's Latest Articles

Courtesy of Desmond Jones' Facebook page
Chris Bota and Desmond Jones find their work-life balance in music

Chris Bota has not looked back as he and other members of West Michigan jam band Desmond Jones have toured different parts of the country (Colorado, the West Coast and the Northeast) bringing their unique sound to their audiences.

Carlos Seise performs.Courtesy of Carlos Seise
Carlos Seise: An international operatic tenor in West Michigan

Carlos Seise, 61, a professional operatic tenor, has been quietly residing in West Michigan for the past 24 years. He has traveled the world sharing his gift with audiences for 40 years and recently has been helping young singers with their own musical gifts.

Sean Prusko combines technology and music to create House

Sean Prusko, Grand Rapids resident and fourth-year student at Ferris State University, has been putting his double major to use by producing electronic music for the past couple of years. His love of technology and music has allowed him to create music, collaborate with other producers and connect with record labels in the house music genre.

Loren Johnson: Nothing but grateful for her moment

It has been a time of celebration for artist Loren Johnson. The Grand Rapids musician and photographer recently opened a photography studio and released her first album. Both endeavors have been a year in the making and have been a collaboration with other local artists.

Hannah Laine
Hannah Laine: A unique voice in the Grand Rapids music scene

Hannah Laine’s singing style is melodic, and it changes beats and pitches within one song line, hitting high notes, then lower ones, using shorter sounds then longer ones. Laine sees her voice as just another instrument. Erykah Badu’s influence is apparent, but Laine’s sound also comes from mimicking noises and using sounds from her background with meditation.

The Music That Raised Us honors some of the local Grand Rapids Black women performers who have been an inspiration to Sarena Rae.
Sarena Rae shares her music and leadership in Grand Rapids

Finding a love for music at an early age, Grand Rapids native Sarena Rae was able to find her voice and share part of her story. Now, in her 20s, she is using her passion to help other musicians and amplify other stories and voices.  

Stephen Norregaard: Caretaker of memories

It is this natural connection he has with people that allows Stephen Norregaard to stand out among other photographers. He genuinely enjoys sharing his vision with each couple when they are seeking a photographer.

Last year, Lowell United Methodist Church ended up exceeding its goal and providing 2,000 gift bags to four groups of essential workers.
Community Support Month in February: Where big ideas start small

Last year, Lowell United Methodist Church started small by providing gift bags for four groups of essential workers. The church not only reached their goal of raising $700 for the effort, but once the word spread in a grassroots way, that number reached $3,000 and they ended up recognizing more than 2,000 people in Lowell and surrounding communities.

LowellArts Program Director Laurel Conrad is proud of the mission the nonprofit has upheld over the years.
LowellArts: Connecting local artists to audiences for decades

Inspired by a visit from the Artrain USA program in 1976, LowellArts hasn't slowed down since. The nonprofit has been connecting artists and audiences in the little town of Lowell for decades.

Michigan musician Kait Rose
Kait Rose, one “Bad Mother,” making her voice heard throughout West Michigan

Michigan musician Kait Rose is becoming more comfortable with herself and her music and expanding her horizons in 2023 with The Band of Thorns.

Our Partners

Disability Advocates of Kent County logo

Don't miss out!

Everything Grand Rapids, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.