This time last year, Grand Rapids hard rock band Trixy Tang had the biggest show of its career: opening for ’80s glam metal icons Warrant in Detroit. It was a dream come true for lead singer/band founder Klay Fennema, and a huge gig for the still relatively new band. It was also the first time the current lineup had ever played together onstage.

Politically charged and vinyl-inspired, Grand Rapids punk group 78 Revolutions Per-Minute might have been a long time coming, but the band is now quickly accelerating the local music scene, despite these divisive times.

It’s been three decades since Revue started charting the evolution of West Michigan’s local music scene. Grand Rapids alone has added landmark venues like Van Andel Arena, The Pyramid Scheme, Frederik Meijer Gardens and 20 Monroe Live to keep up with the increasing demand for live music. 

How different is today’s scene compared to 1988, when [Music] Revue magazine first started printing? 

Local rock artist Shane Tripp is the kind of musician who creates simply because he’s got songs trapped inside his head, eager to escape out into the world. 

And he’s been that way for almost as long as he can remember.