No other story dominated the West Michigan music scene quite like the grand opening of the new Acrisure Amphitheatre in downtown Grand Rapids. From its massive 12,000-person capacity and massive $184 million price tag, its inaugural season this past summer literally reshaped the region’s concert landscape.
Similarly, the size and scale of hometown hero Billy Strings’ wildly celebrated weekend-long return with his first ever Ionia Freak Fair found the now three-time Grammy-winning guitarist embracing his two deepest loves: bluegrass and metal. The event also doubled as a massive celebration for his new album, So Much For Goodbyes.
Likewise, fellow former West Michigan musician turned Nashville transplant Lindsay Lou also made a big return, with her show at The Big Room last month, showcasing the release of her new album, Bluegrass Women, with an all-female band.
Members of Grand Rapids’ beloved band The Crane Wives stepped into new territory this year. Drummer Dan Rickabus released his second solo album, Ache in the Blooming, while vocalist/guitarist Emilee Petersmark launched her solo endeavor as Lee Emi with DESTROY EVERYTHING. Both explored elements of their distinctly different voices, delivering something new and innovative, yet totally satisfying to longtime fans of the indie-folk band.
With major changes and big names continuing to keep GR on the musical map, one of the biggest joys here at Revue remains highlighting just a few of the very best, most diverse releases from the thriving local music scene.
Narrowing this list down to just five always becomes something of a nailbiter, so definitely share with us some of your own favorites, and let’s help continue to grow our music community into something even bigger and better in 2027.
Micah Dailey-White - MANIA
instagram.com/micahdaileywhite
Arguably on his way to becoming bigger than anyone else mentioned in this article, Kalamazoo’s Micah Dailey-White has built an audience on TikTok that now tops more than 2.2 million followers. Leaning into short, often comedic videos before his music became impossible to ignore, he drew the attention of major label Columbia Records who released his second album, MANIA this year. Proving there’s far more to him than vertical-video virality, Dailey-White moves effortlessly between R&B, bedroom pop, synth-rock and dance music, in a way that feels like one giant creative playground. Pairing irresistible hooks with left-field ideas and deeply personal songwriting, it’s an impressive leap for an artist whose reach is growing far beyond West Michigan.
Red Arrow Highway - Be Someone Better
instagram.com/redarrowhighwaymi
Something of an embodiment of the West Michigan music scene at large, alt-rockers Red Arrow Highway have spent years sharpening a sound that sits comfortably between heartland rock and melodic punk, and their second album Be Someone Better feels like the payoff. Made up of members from Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Grand Haven, their sophomore album combines Springsteen-style storytelling with driving guitars and songs about friendship, grief, relationships, and simply trying to become a better version of yourself. It’s the kind of record that understands the enduring power of a great rock song: direct, emotional, memorable and built to be shouted back from a crowded room. Heartfelt without becoming sentimental, catchy without feeling calculated, it captures a band sounding increasingly confident in its own skin.
Larry D - FEEL.
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Although Grand Rapids rapper Larry D technically released FEEL. in December 2025, the record shouldn’t get lost in shuffle of the changing of the year. Completing a thoughtful trilogy that began with THINK. and continued through MOVE., the album turns inward with thoughtful storytelling, real vulnerability, and hard-earned perspective. Tracks like “Dear Rap,” “GR Attitude,” and “Home Is Where My Heart Was” give the project a distinctly personal heartbeat, balancing introspection with confidence. Larry D demonstrates how powerful local hip-hop can be when it prioritizes substance over spectacle, delivering a record that feels grounded in Grand Rapids while speaking to experiences far beyond it.
Between Two Voices - Between Two Voices
betweentwovoices.bandcamp.com
Longtime friends Micah McLaughlin (formerly of The Muteflutes), Aaron Wildey, and Angel Napieralski bring decades of shared musical history into the self-titled debut from their fresh project Between Two Voices. Built around rich three-part harmonies, stripped-down arrangements, and songwriting that trusts the listener to lean in, the Grand Rapids trio creates something quietly powerful. There’s patience here, but never passivity; every voice adds another shade to the picture. In an increasingly noisy, screen-based world, the album finds strength in simplicity, allowing the songs and performances to carry the weight, and provide an escape. Warm, thoughtful, and deeply human, this record is a beautiful reminder of what can happen when friendship and music grow together.
Vida Eterna -Vida Eterna EP
vidaeterna.bandcamp.com
Translating to “eternal life,” Vida Eterna is the new project from April and Adam Zimont, former longtime members of scene-shaping Kalamazoo shoegaze band glowfriends, and its successor Tamborina. Hosts and founders of the annual Kalamashoegazer Festival, the dream-pop group’s debut EP drifts between shimmer and sorrow, post-punk tension and slowcore introspection. Built around ethereal vocals, distorted guitars, and an instinctive understanding of atmosphere, the EP feels simultaneously nostalgic and fresh. It’s a short four-song release, but shows continued promise from this talented family, including a fun stop-motion video created by the Zimonts’ 12-year-old son, Nolan, for the track “Facing The Other Way.”
