Bell’s Eccentric Café has struck upon a brilliant idea with their Spring Concert Series, offering local talent the opportunity to shine on a professional stage—and what remarkable talent Kalamazoo has to showcase! This week I enjoyed performances from three outstanding groups, plus an exciting new star who illuminated the Backroom stage. Yolonda Lavender, Normal Mode, and Brandon Fitzpatrick & The Element joined together for a memorable night of local musical magic.
The evening opened with Yolonda Lavender, a true Kalamazoo treasure. Yolonda’s voice is rich in timbre, possessing the smooth elegance of jazz greats combined seamlessly with her own funky flair. Having begun her musical journey as a child, Yolanda has cultivated a dedicated fan base. Beyond her artistic career, she serves as CEO of Soul Artistry LLC, an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting local artists. Tonight, Markeva Love was on hand to engage fans about the organization, accompanied by community leader and fellow artist Lipsey. Learn more about their inspiring work at the website | YLSOULARTISTRY.
Yolonda started the music off with a delightful surprise, inviting 16-year-old Anessa Hodges to perform two original songs. With impressive stage presence, Anessa shared heartfelt introductions to her songs, "Gilded" and "Confused." Her soft yet intense vocal delivery and skilled guitar playing captivated the audience, hinting at a bright future ahead—especially with Yolanda’s mentorship.
Taking the stage afterward, Yolanda enchanted everyone with silky, soulful blues. Her intimate interactions with the audience amplified her captivating performance. The energy surged further when her cousin, rapper BC, joined her onstage, their natural chemistry creating an unforgettable dynamic. Backed by a polished band, Yolanda and BC made the moment timeless. Fans eager for more can explore Yolanda’s discography on Truth Tone Records and enjoy her music videos on YouTube.
Next, Normal Mode transported us into another dimension with their lo-fi, space-inspired sounds. Hailing from Grand Rapids, this ensemble features Dutcher Snedeker (keyboards), Ian Thompson (bass), Nathan Coles (drums), and Adam Marth (guitar). With songs dedicated to cosmic themes and figures like Carl Sagan, Normal Mode delivers intellectually stimulating, funky jazz that resonates deeply.
Tracks such as "Quasar," "Orbital View," "Aqua Nova," and "James Webb Space Telescope" highlighted the group's impressive musicianship and thoughtful compositions, conjuring vivid images of interstellar journeys. Brandon Fitzpatrick joined the group briefly, trading playful keyboard riffs with Dutcher Snedeker on the songs "Phobos" and "Deimos." Their virtuosity inspired the audience to sway and drift like planets caught in a celestial groove. Normal Mode’s captivating tracks are available on Spotify and other streaming platforms, with hopes for new releases soon.
The evening culminated with Brandon Fitzpatrick & The Element, revered in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo as masters of jazz fusion. Led by Brandon Fitzpatrick—who not only performs but also produces music—the band unveiled several new compositions that were immediate hits with fans. Echoing jazz fusion legends like Pat Metheny, Fourplay, and Chick Corea, the group's performance showcased their extraordinary depth and skill, effortlessly navigating through dynamic, flowing compositions. Although Brandon has yet to officially release these tracks, his current work is readily available across streaming services.
Overall, Bell’s Spring Concert Series proved itself a resounding success, thanks to the vision and efforts of Racheal Reinholtz and Sounds of the Zoo, supported by Stefani Bishop of Jack 106.5. Here’s to many more seasons filled with the exceptional local talents Kalamazoo continues to nurture and inspire.
