As Michigan’s spring finally began to emerge, national and local heroes raised the temperature musically from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. The recaps and photos at Local Spins.
Rock and Soul for a Cause: The scene during Feedback 2025 at Founders Brewing on Sunday. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
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The sold-out venues in more than one city told the story at Michigan singer-songwriter May Erlewine launched her Michigan tour behind her new rock-fueled album, “What It Takes.”
Two straight nights at Midtown in Grand Rapids, followed by a two-night stand at Kalamazoo’s Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe created an upbeat, loving vibe propelled by Erlewine’s distinctive voice and compelling songwriting, with guitarist-singer Theo Katzman opening the shows.
“Friday night was the most ‘listening-room-style’ show ever in the back room at Bell’s, with the sold-out crowd reveling in a fantastic experience,” wrote Local Spins photographer Derek Ketchum.
‘Bells and Whistles’: Bright Eyes at The Intersection. (Photo/Anna Sink)
“May and band blew everyone away with the rocking riffs on this album. It was if we were invited into their home for a show. An incredible experience.”
Meanwhile, indie-emo-folk-rock band Bright Eyes — led by acclaimed singer-songwriter Conor Oberst — brought the tour behind the album, “Five Dice, All Threes” to The Intersection in Grand Rapids on Sunday night.
The same day, just a block away, the 26th Feedback benefit concert rolled out at Founders Brewing Co., with performances by The Soul Syndicate, Money Soup and The Honeytones — raising money and awareness for Access of West Michigan’s anti-poverty and food programs.
Organized by Local Spins and The Honeytones, the taproom was packed early on during The Honeytones’ rock-fueled set — with special guests singer Hannah Rose Graves, harmonica player Hank Mowery, guitarist Tommy Schichtel and the Soul Syndicate horns — and the dance floor was packed later for soulful and funky sets from Money Soup and the 10-piece Soul Syndicate.
May Erlewine (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
The benefit — representing the first Feedback event since 2019 after COVID upended things — raised more than $2,000 for the nonprofit organization that cultivates solutions to poverty in Kent County. Donate online here.
Beyond that, Killswitch Engage, Fit for a King and Frozen Soul pumped up GLC Live at 20 Monroe in Grand Rapids, Papadosio did the same at Elevation inside The Intersection, and Molly and Kait Rose were the latest Michigan artists to play the Spring Concert Series at Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo on Thursday.
View all the photos and videos below.
PHOTO GALLERY: May Erlewine, Theo Katzman at Midtown, Bell’s
Photos by Chelsea Whitaker and Derek Ketchum
PHOTO GALLERY: Feedback 2025 at Founders Brewing
The Honeytones, Money Soup, The Soul Syndicate
Photos by Anthony Norkus and Derek Ketchum
PHOTO GALLERY: Bright Eyes at The Intersection
Photos by Anna Sink
