The eclectic West Michigan band that’s set to release a new recording later this year makes it SpeakEZ Lounge debut in Grand Rapids on Friday. Learn more about the band in this Artist Spotlight feature.
Winning Approach: Simply in Time at last summer’s Walk the Beat. (Photo/Local Spins)
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Local Spins ‘Amplified’ newsletter sent to email subscribers this morning listed the wrong date in a news item about this weekend’s Green Mitten 13th Anniversary Show at The Pyramid Scheme. The hip-hop show takes place Sunday night. Get details, tickets here.
Support our coverage of
West Michigan's music scene
Known for its eclectic and electrifying renditions of familiar funk, classic rock, R&B and yacht rock numbers, Simply in Time prides itself in delivering energetic displays of its musicianship.
With a set list covering decades of classics — including songs by Bruce Springstein, Elton John, David Bowie, H.E.R, Vulfpeck and Scary Pockets — the band dubs its music “theatrical funk fusion.”
“So, the first part of the set is a lot of newer stuff that we’ve added and a more laid-back groove,” says vocalist Sadie Raede. “Then as we get into the second set in the last part of the night, it’s more of Simply in Time’s classic set of dance music, a lot more upbeat party music, so people like to stick around for that part.” (Scroll down for video.)
Fans will get the opportunity to experience that vibe when Simply in Time makes its SpeakEZ Lounge debut for the Local Spins Fridays series at 7:30 p.m. Friday (April 18). Get details online here.
From Laid-Back Grooves to Dance-Party Music: Simply in Time (Courtesy Photo)
Based in Grand Rapids, the band consists of Raede (vocals), Christopher Page (lead guitar) Steve Boersma (sax/percussion), Eric Nollet (bass) and Robb Hughes (drums/backing vocals).
“We like to write songs as we’re playing because we feel like as we’re playing things like cover shows, it’s kind of drawing out what we’re naturally influenced by and how we’re feeling,” Page says, adding that it then “feels a lot more fluid and comfortable.”
After winning Grand Haven’s Walk the Beat band competition last year, the funk/fusion collective earned a chance to record a batch of songs at Third Coast Recording in Grand Haven. Those tracks are now in the final stages of production.
Since winning the competition, the band has continued to curate evenings of top-notch grooves, noting it all comes from working together with respect.
“There are no prima donnas. There’s a lot of mutual respect for everybody else so it’s not one instrument just dominating the entire thing,” insists Nollet.
“There’s just space for everybody and we’re excited for each other to play. I don’t think I have ever felt annoyed with anyone here for taking space because it sounds good, and I like what they’re doing. It’s all shared and respected. Plus, we get along, so that’s a perk.”
The band also plays Grand Haven’s Grand Armory Brewing on May 10, Caledonia’s Butcher Block Social on May 17 and Grand Rapids’ The Score on May 24. The full schedule online here.
Copyright 2025, Spins on Music LLC
