It's near impossible to sit down for a show at the Kalamazoo State Theatre and not marvel at its artistry. The uniqueness of its architecture, as well as its starry-skied ceiling, really bring a new dimension to performances of all types. That's especially true for an act like The Wizards of Winter, a Christmas-themed progressive rock group who last week brought its symphonic holiday rock opera to Kalamazoo's historic stage.

If one new band has been making waves — dreamy, synthy, bassy waves — in Grand Rapids this year, it’s PARTS.

When Northern vocalist Ryan Valero decided to come up with the title for his band’s new EP, he wanted to find the saddest phrase in the English language. After a profusion of research, Valero landed on these four words: “It Could Have Been.”

The New Year always presents a time for reflection and rebirth. Old habits can change, new goals can be made, and the future can rise up on the horizon wider and brighter than ever before.

Such is the case for longtime Grand Rapids jam band Ultraviolet Hippopotamus. 

From its beginning in spring 2004 in Big Rapids, the five-piece has made a name for itself with a tight mix of funky jams, explosive improvisations, unconventional covers and other “onstage musical alchemy.” 

After almost a year of touring the U.S., The Outer Vibe returns home to Grand Rapids with a new EP.

Hundreds of bands come through Grand Rapids every year, but some stand out, providing an unforgettable experience. Here are five of those shows for Nicole LaRae, venue and booking manager for The Pyramid Scheme, founder of dizzybird records and volunteer programmer at 88.1 WYCE.

If jazz is about creating tension between tradition and innovation, singer Cécile McLorin Salvant is an undeniable voice leading the genre today.

Brothers and fellow podiatrists Bill and Jim Gray receive rock star treatment when they attend performances in other countries. However, they still remain largely unknown in the United States for their work to establish a world-class brass band named for their native Battle Creek.

A review and track preview of the debut album from George Szegedy's (of The Peoples Temple) new band Crystal Drive.

Before the show could begin, I was asked to turn off a lamp. That might seem antithetical to the name: Lamp Light Music Festival, but this one moment captures the intimacy and comfort of a very special weekend.