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.

Them Coulee Boys, composed of brothers Soren Staff (lead guitar) and Jens Staff (mandolin), Beau Janke (banjo), Neil Krause (bass), and Stas Hable (drums), have made a name for themselves as innovators in funky bluegrass music. Tonight, they're at The Livery promoting their new album, "No Fun in the Chrysalis," and fans have come from far (Chicago) and near (Fairplain) to hear these storied musicians.

Back in January, Billy Strings and his outfit performed at Ball Arena in Denver in front of their largest indoor crowd to date. Making magic for three nights in a row, the crowd left each show wanting more and for Colorado, this is typically the case when it comes to bluegrass.

I love the Dead. I could listen to "Brown Eyed Women," "Bertha," or "Jack Straw" every day for the rest of my life and be happy. But there comes a time to ask: "What would Jerry do?" Thinking about that question, the answer is right in front of us—he and all the other members of the Grateful Dead would have (and, in fact, did) make new and interesting music.

ALO, once and sometimes still known as Animal Liberation Orchestra, released their latest album Frames (Brushfire Records) today, April 4. The 10-song collection is either the sixth or the ninth album by the NorCal quartet, depending on whether one counts three late-90s records that can’t be found anywhere on the internet.

Celebrating their return to Los Angeles and the illustrious Wiltern Theatre, the veteran Scottish rock act pulled out every stop imaginable to a sold-out crowd over the weekend. Preceded by a rousing introduction by up-and-coming New York act Telescreens, the stage was set for a memorable performance from Glassgow greats.

The rising jam rock artist Dogs In A Pile returned to the Brooklyn Bowl to headline their first ever two night run at the iconic venue on March 29, 2025. Their last show at the Brooklyn, NY locale was on October 21, 2021 as an opener, and what a difference three and half years made. Their friend and New York City resident Karina Rykman joined them for a tune, which only elevated this tasty performance.

In December of last year, guitarist Trey Anastasio announced his first ever extended solo acoustic tour and for many, the idea of seeing this legendary talent deliver his lyrics and stories in intimate settings warmed many a winter heart with anticipation. Detailing twenty shows originally and adding a second night due to demand in his old stomping grounds of New Jersey to close the tour, tickets for almost all the performances sold out in moments.

On a rainy Wednesday evening in Santa Barbara, The Motet brought their signature blend of funk, soul, and afrobeat to the intimate stage of C. The venue—known for its eclectic vibe and excellent acoustics—proved the perfect setting for the Colorado-based ensemble to deliver a night of infectious grooves and high-energy performances across two distinct sets.

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.