Kent District Library’s streaming service that launched in 2021 has opened submissions for albums by West Michigan artists who get paid an honorarium if selected. Plus, nine acts will play Sept. 13’s Vibes Fest.
KDL Vibes Fest: Returns to the Cascade Township Branch Library later this month. (Photo/Holly Holtzclaw)
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For the fifth year, Kent District Library is inviting regional artists to submit songs for their local streaming platform, KDL Vibes.
Starting today (Sept. 2), bands and solo artists across West Michigan can submit their EPs or full-length albums for consideration as part of the streaming service online here. The deadline for submitting music is Oct. 12.
The digital collection — which now features 128 albums and 1,077 songs by 115 artists on its KDL Vibes streaming platform — pays a one-time honorarium of $250 to bands and artists selected by a panel of jurors, which this year once again features Nicole LaRae, Della Marie Levi and Audrey Pearson. The service wants to add 27 new albums by West Michigan musicians as part of its fifth submission period. Artists can submit songs online at https://vibes.kdl.org/submit.
Not only that, but the Cascade Township Branch of KDL will once again host the free-admission KDL Vibes Fest on Sept. 13 with performances by nine area artists, including Mark Lavengood, Tony Halchak, Overdrive Orchestra, Nicholas James Trio, Money Soup, Mari Simone, Rabbit Fur, Caitlin Cusack and Rin Tarsey.
“There’s no better way to enjoy summer than with a music festival featuring your favorite West Michigan artists from the KDL Vibes collection,” said Adam Martin, KDL Wyoming Branch librarian. “Chat with other music fans, hear some of your favorite local musicians and get introduced to your next favorite band — all while hanging out at the library.
The third-year event begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 13 at Friendship Park and Pavilion, 2870 Jacksmith Ave. SE, with coffee and a classic car show. A bounce house also will be on hand, with music starting at 1 p.m. at the park and inside the library.
Leigh Verburg, KDL branch outreach and programming specialist, said bands and artists for this year’s Vibes fest were selected based on their interest and availability, as well as space considerations, along with “making sure we had different genres” represented at the festival.
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