Music lovers couldn’t have asked for much more: Regional bands at KDL Vibes Fest, Celtic strains in Muskegon, an M-45 Celebration, album-release shows in Kalamazoo. The photos at Local Spins.
Diverse Romps: Money Soup at Vibes Fest, Celeste Allison and Lucius Fox at album-releases, Michigan Irish Music Fest. (Photos/Holly Holtzclaw/Derek Ketchum/MIMF Social Media Team)
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September’s late-summer glory had a lot to offer music lovers: the packed Michigan Irish Music Festival at Muskegon’s Heritage Landing, Allendale’s M-45 Celebration, Kalamazoo record-release shows by Celeste Allison at Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe and Lucius Fox at Shakespeare’s Lower Level, Soccer Mommy at Bell’s Beer Garden, and yes, the third Vibes Fest featuring regional acts at Kent District Library’s Cascade Township Branch.
Check out photos from all of the events below, with a recap of Saturday’s Vibes Fest by Holly Holtzclaw here. And check out a full Local Spins review with photos of Vance Joy’s Thursday’s concert at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
KDL VIBES FEST MOVES INDOORS WITH REGIONAL STARS
For the third year, Kent District Library invited artists featured in their KDL Vibes streaming catalog to perform at the Cascade Township Library. Home to more than 100 local artists’ albums, KDL’s music streaming platform offers musicians a chance to get paid and reach new audiences while allowing KDL patrons to discover some new favorite artists and stream music for free.
With rainy weather in the morning disrupting the set-up process, Saturday’s festival took place completely indoors despite its original plans to host performances on the Friendship Park Pavilion stage.
Inside the main portion of the library, acoustic acts shared their talents in a cozy setting complete with a fireplace and comfy armchairs for library patrons who chose to stop and listen.
Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Caitlin Cusack — who was awarded the title of being the No. 1 most-streamed artist on KDL Vibes in 2024 — delivered piano-led songs about her journeys through life, love and grief. Cusack shared the personal details about her life that inspired each song, making the performance feel especially intimate and emotional.
Library as Music Venue: The festival was staged indoors. (Photo/Holly Holtzclaw)
Folk artist Rin Tarsy followed up with her own set of acoustic tracks containing compelling lyrics about navigating life when everyone around you seems to have everything figured out.
On the main stage in the library’s Wisner Center, the Nicholas James Thomasma Trio provided an upbeat folk set, encouraging the audience to sing and dance along. Thomasma commented on the fact that libraries are no longer strictly “a quiet place with books” and have expanded to include fun — and sometimes noisy — events like Vibes Fest.
Americana singer-songwriters Tony Halchak and Sarah VE, who shared a time slot, each took a turn accompanying one another on their respective songs. The artists brought both original tracks and crowd-pleasing covers of John Prine and Bruce Springsteen to the stage.
“Don’t go to Spotify. Go to KDL Vibes,” Halchak said while telling the audience where they can stream his music.
While acoustic folk was heavily represented throughout the day, some sets pushed the boundaries even further beyond what is expected of a library. The echoes of Overdrive Orchestra’s electric, “progidelic” rock set extended to every corner of the building.
“Libraries are a very important thing now more than ever,” said vocalist Chris Cranick.
One of KDL Vibes’ newest additions, Money Soup, brought the energy up at the end of the night, closing out the festival with a soulful funk set full of jam sessions and clever lyrics. The young band members have already mastered the art of playing through each track with the nonchalant confidence of well-seasoned players.
KDL Vibes Fest cements the idea that libraries are important community resources in ways that go beyond checking out books. From all-ages events that bring people together, to providing a platform for local art, libraries can be vital to the local music scene.
KDL Vibes is currently taking submissions from Michigan musicians to have their music chosen and added to the streaming catalog this fall. Apply online here. Submissions will remain open until October 12. – By Holly Holtzclaw
PHOTO GALLERY: KDL Vibes Fest 2025 at Cascade Township Library
Photos by Holly Holtzclaw
PHOTO GALLERY: Michigan Irish Music Festival at Heritage Landing
Photos by MIMF Social Media Team
PHOTO GALLERY: Celeste Allison, Jonah Why, Jey Starcross’d
Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe
Photos by Derek Ketchum
