One heavily packed Kia Soul, two best friends and a destination across the country began the journey that helped cultivate a career for Afterglow. Featuring lead singer and guitarist Adrian Mitchell, and backup vocalist and keyboardist Jackson Simmons, the Michigan-made alternative rock band left the Mitten for the promises and potential of the L.A. music industry in 2016. And now, almost a year later, the band is returning for its first Michigan show since.

This playlist and list of upcoming shows is a sonic collaboration between Revue and WYCE. Each of the bands featured will be performing in West Michigan in July.

When the members of Grand Rapids’ The Zannies found out they would get to play as part of this summer’s Tuesday Evening Music Club at Frederik Meijer Gardens, the show came as a complete surprise.

“We’re more used to playing venues like Mulligan’s,” vocalist/bassist Ben Steer said, of course referring to the legendary Eastown pub known for its hard-hitting drinks and even harder-hitting music. 

For 19 years, West Michigan residents gathered for Muskegon Summer Celebration, an 11-day party to celebrate the best of summer on the shores of Muskegon Lake. 

The festival brought national big-name acts to scenic Heritage Landing, along with thousands of people who patronized downtown businesses after the concerts and other festivities.

Since the 2011 demise of Summer Celebration, several local business owners and entrepreneurs have stepped up to organize more unique, boutique-type festivals and fill the economic void and create a positive and memorable experience that will make visitors want to return.