Even as he’s living the dream of every working musician — out on the road playing packed venues and massive festival stages all across the country — organist/vocalist Michael Trotter Jr. admits he could have never written the script for his life right now.

Right from the very beginning, Watching For Foxes has always kept an eye on the next horizon.

With each of Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish’s three full-length albums earning a WYCE Jammies Award, as well as snagging the number-three spot for Best Original Band on Revue’s very own Best of the West readers’ poll, there is little doubt that the group has captured the attention of West Michigan.

Absolutely overflowing with talent, West Michigan’s local music scene has something for everyone. Once again, we’ve compiled our list of 10 bands across all genres who we think deserve your time this year.

The Ouroboros — in ancient mythology, it’s often depicted as a serpent devouring its own tail. The iconic image symbolized the infinite cycle of life and death, and came to define the work of medieval alchemists forging together new life from cast-off materials

As an artist, activist and human being, Grand Rapids emcee Lady Ace Boogie defies expectations.

Early this summer, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. announced that Movies in the Park would become Movies on Monroe. This sixth season of the free summer film series is taking place at 555 Monroe Ave. NW, located along Monroe just north of the interstate. Previously held at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, the move is part of the city’s acquisition of the sizeable riverfront property. 

Most rock stars don’t name their records after their grandmothers — let alone a series of records. Then again, Brian Sella, lead vocalist and guitarist of The Front Bottoms, isn’t most rock stars. 

At six feet, two inches tall and 260 pounds, violinist Kevin Marcus knows he’s not exactly what most people think of when they envision a classically trained string player.

Kalamazoo’s own Greensky Bluegrass has played just about every summer festival in America. From the esteemed Telluride Bluegrass Festival to the massive Bonnaroo and West Michigan’s own Electric Forest, the band has become an absolute staple on summer stages over its nearly two-decade history.