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, 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, 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.
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’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.
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.
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 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.
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 is becoming more comfortable with herself and her music and expanding her horizons in 2023 with The Band of Thorns.
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