All musicians start somewhere. Simply put, tomorrow’s superstars are playing in coffee houses and dive bars today. So why not give them a helping hand on their way up? Enter Racheal Reinholtz and Seth Bernard. Racheal is the talent agent at Bell’s Brewery (positioned as the premier music destination in Southwest Michigan), and Seth is the founder of the Earthworks Harvest Festival at his family farm. Seth inspired Racheal to look for a way to create a music series for Bell’s in which local talent could be showcased on the impressive Backroom stage. Allowing local talent to perform with a professional sound and light team gives them the opportunity to perform at their peak.
Looking for support, Racheal found Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert, the founder of Kalamazoo's Sounds of the Zoo festival. The festival showcases local talent in a free, week-long event spread throughout the city’s favorite concert venues, culminating in a Sunday concert at Bronson Park. Using her charm, grace, and magical talents, Racheal created the Bell’s Spring Concert Series. This year, the series consisted of four nights of music by various and varied local musicians. To get the word out, Racheal enlisted the help of local radio personality Stefani Bishop from Kalamazoo’s 106.5 Jack radio station to promote and MC the event.
Tonight, I am fortunate enough to hear Seth Bernard himself, along with local rock hero Greg Stovetop, in the Backroom. Seth starts off the night with “Overhaul,” a lovely tune with a heartfelt message to set the mood for this acoustic set. He is a master of folk fingerstyle guitar, bringing back memories of countless campfire concerts in the ’70s. “Sandman's Dust” and “When They Speak of Me” follow, along with a cut from his newest album, “Don’t Lose Track.” His repertoire is filled with inspiring and uplifting songs. Other highlights include “Who Are You?,” “Shadowside,” and the ever-inspiring “Return to Love.”
Seth has a mellow and highly enjoyable vibe going, but it’s time to rouse the patrons with Dick Gaughan’s “Workers’ Song,” which is fun, inspirational, and very well done. To close out the set, Seth calls out Yali Rivlin, a local sax player (whose album “Willow” is available on all streaming platforms). Together, they end the set with Seth’s trademark sound, including the crowd favorite “Dinosaurs.”
A short intermission follows—perfectly timed to pick up another round and some poutine. I take the opportunity to catch Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert to find out more about the Sounds of the Zoo. This is year two for the event, and it already has 55 acts, all free of cost at various venues around the city. Jen tells me it is all about promoting local talent to encourage the arts. For those in the know, Kalamazoo is the original home of Gibson and Heritage guitars and has a long history in the music industry.
The crowd now refreshed, Greg Stovetop takes the stage. Greg is another local rock hero, originally hailing from Chelsea, MI. He has played every genre of music, resulting in a hard rural rock uniquely his own. Songs like “Headlines,” “Helium,” and “Silver Lake” from his latest album hit hard and rock the audience, who cheer in approval. Greg puts every part of his being into the music. While on stage, he is a perpetual blur of motion, never seeming to slow down.
On stage tonight, Greg has assembled some of the most talented musicians in the area. Holding down the bottom end is Mathew Milowe, with percussion handled by Adam Denis. On guitar and saxophone is the enigmatic Jarad Selner, aka “Saxsquatch.” The ensemble works like a well-oiled machine, pumping out waves of sound that keep the Backroom jumping. Greg brings up Seth Bernard to add a little shredding to “It’s So Right,” with Jarad laying down the soulful sax track. The evening closes out with “Got It Bad” and a great rendition of “Good Stuff.” A high-energy rock party from start to finish.
Add your support to these local treasures by streaming their music or heading to their websites to pick up some vinyl or a T-shirt. You are sure to be pleased.
