The Easter weekend concert roundup boasts a mix of national tour stops and impressive performances by local and regional bands. View the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Reigning Supreme: WGRD Heavyweights winner Izzy Reign on Saturday. (Photo/Eric Stoike)
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Amid the flurry of tour stops by national acts over the past week, rock bands from Holland and Grand Rapids made their own mark for packed houses.
The Mannequins took home the win at the finals of this year’s month-long Battle of the Bands at The Stray in Grand Rapids on Saturday, closing out a night defined by energy and emotion in front of a capacity crowd.
The intimate venue amplified every note, as the audience leaned in toward the stage, creating a sense of closeness between performers and listeners. That proximity made each moment, whether a quiet instrumental passage or an explosive chorus, feel immediate and personal, keeping the crowd fully engaged throughout the night.
Opening the finals night for the fifth-year event, Grand Rapids’ Marcus A.K delivered a layered set blending rock instrumentation with pop song structures. Their performance balanced energetic guitars and live drums with dreamy electronic textures, creating a sound that was both catchy and immersive. The melodic vocals floated over the music at times and blended seamlessly at others, keeping the audience captivated.
The 2026 Winners: The Mannequins at The Stray on Saturday. (Photo/Adam Briggs)
Detroit’s Ironwood followed with a lively Celtic folk set driven by acoustic guitar and violin. Their fast-paced songs, some with an Irish jig vibe, encouraged claps and movement from the crowd, while softer, intimate string moments provided a contrast that highlighted their versatility.
Chesaning’s The Rupple Brothers brought a dynamic folk performance that balanced tension and tranquility. Their first song built gradually, letting strings and harmonies shine before reaching a strong emotional peak, and their second, a quieter piece, showcased gentle, soothing arrangements that kept listeners fully absorbed.
The Mannequins, meanwhile, delivered a high-energy, theatrical set that ultimately secured their win. Their alt-rock sound combined driving drums, punchy guitars and eerie synth layers to create an intense and immersive experience. Beyond the power of the music, the emotional rawness of their performance stood out.
“I think it just shows us that people are connecting with what we’re doing,” guitarist Grant McKenzie said afterward. “It’s another affirmation from the local community that we’re onto something that hopefully connects with people.”
Added bassist Carter Bulthuis: “I had an exceptionally emotional set. I was really letting it out, and I feel like this kind of reaffirms that that’s what people need, to connect to the emotion.”
The Mannequins — who won the $500 top prize — plan to continue their momentum with more shows in the coming weeks and hinted at upcoming recording sessions that could result in new singles.
It wasn’t the only Grand Rapids band battle to produce a winner on Saturday.
The 2026 WGRD Heavyweights competition — featuring sets by Flood the Desert, He Who Dwells, Izzy Reign, Secret Satan and Some People’s Kids — wrapped up at The Intersection with Grand Rapids dark pop/metal act Izzy Reign taking home the top prize of $2,500 and a performance slot at this summer’s Upheaval Festival at Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park.
View photos from both band battles below, along with galleries from West Michigan performances by Patty PerShayla, Midnight Til Morning, Dirtwire, The Devil Wears Prada, Poolkids, Dikembe, Bad Suns, The Black Dahlia Murder, Buku, The Joy Modulators and Kalamazoo’s OigsFest heavy music fest.
PHOTO GALLERY: Battle of the Bands Finals at The Stray
Photos by Adam Briggs
PHOTO GALLERY: WGRD Heavyweight Finals at The Intersection
Photos by Eric Stoike
PHOTO GALLERY: Buku, Deva at The Stache
Photos by Benjamin Howell
