It's all about the music. Unlike the Grammy Awards' la-la land of red carpets and celebrity sidewalk stars, Grand Rapids' Jammies are the no-hype awards. That's what makes it one my favorite nights of the year.

Detroit still has a pulse! That's one of many factors that drew Shara Worden to the city. The mind behind My Brightest Diamond planted her roots in Detroit soil after living in New York, preceded by a year in Moscow.

With a history dating back almost 30 years, 1964, The Tribute has been bringing Beatlemania back to both old and new fans alike. Sporting the attire, instruments and stage presence of the early touring Beatles, whose music grabbed the attention of an entire planet, this group is as authentic as any tribute comes.

While the Detroit area has long been a bastion for music and has produced many a fine rapper, the west side of the state — and Grand Rapids specifically — is getting national recognition for its hip-hop music. Much of this is due to the work of William Jackson, better known as Willie the Kid.

Willie the Kid, who grew up on the southeast side and attended Ottawa Hills High School, is the younger brother of Wu-Tang Clan affiliate LA The Darkman.