Irish-American supergroup Cherish the Ladies Returns for Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day celebration

MUSKEGON, MI, February 28, 2024— The New York Times calls their music “passionate, tender, and rambunctious” and The Washington Post praises their “astonishing array of virtuosity.” For more than 37 years, Irish-American Cherish the Ladies has won the hearts of audiences worldwide with their rousing blend of traditional music, captivating vocals, and propulsive step dancing. […]

BLKBOK at The Block

Muskegon, Michigan, February 19, 2024—BLKBOK’s high-energy style seeks to entertain with a live piano based performance that is culturally reflective and encourages dialogue. BLKBOK’s website describes him as equal parts “artist/pianist/composer/lover of humans.” His stage name is a nod to the legendary J.S. Bach and an embodiment of the diverse influences that have shaped his […]

“Charming, charismatic” violinist returns to WMS for groundbreaking Four Seasons program

Muskegon, MI, February 5, 2024—When shelter-at-home orders were lifted in early summer of 2020, West Michigan Symphony was the first orchestra in the U.S. to return to the stage—via a “Virtual Concert” series featuring previously scheduled but delayed programming. Violinist Chee-Yun was the featured artist for its first full-length concert video, featuring the combined Vivaldi […]

West Michigan Symphony kicks off 2024 with award-winning young pianist in music of Beethoven and Mozart

Muskegon, MI, January 15, 2024—Acclaimed by the Baltimore Sun as “one of the biggest pianistic talents in 25 years,” pianist Terrence Wilson will make his debut with the West Michigan Symphony, conducted by Scott Speck, in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 at 7:30pm Friday, January 26. Also on the program will be Beethoven’s sunny Symphony No. […]

Clickity Clack Ho Ho Ho returns to The Block

Costumed musicians, narration and graphics are all part of this unique storybook series for children ages 3 to 8 Muskegon, Michigan, November 30, 2023—What would the holidays be without the West Michigan Symphony Brass Quintet “reindeer” performing great seasonal music for youngsters? Based on the book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin, Clickity Clack Ho […]

Scott Speck, West Michigan Symphony showcase music from favorite seasonal films in Home for the Holidays

Muskegon, Michigan, November 30, 2023—It’s a Wonderful Life. Home Alone. Elf. Babes in Toyland. Polar Express. Meet Me in St. Louis. A Christmas Carol. It’s all on the bill when Music Director Scott Speck leads the West Michigan Symphony and guest vocalist Holly Payne in the beloved annual Home for the Holidays concert at 7:30pm […]

2023-2024 Masterworks season opens with Scheherazade and regional debut of genre-bending clarinetist

Muskegon, Michigan, October 18, 2023— A Jazzthetik review captured the essence of Syrian clarinetist Kinan Azmeh’s music: “It’s not Arabia, not jazz, not classical—it’s all of the above.” The genre-bending improviser and composer has been hailed as “intensely soulful” by The New York Times and “spellbinding” by the New Yorker. Azmeh will make his regional […]

2023/24 Block Season Opens with Acoustic Guitar “Ninja” Trace Bundy

Muskegon, Michigan, October 3, 2023—Acoustic guitar “ninja” Trace Bundy must be seen, not just heard. His music is poetry in motion, using harmonics, looping, multiple capos, and his unique banter and stage presence to deliver an unforgettable live concert experience. Bundy will open the 2023/24 Season at The Block at 7:30pm Saturday, October 14. For […]

West Michigan Symphony season opening celebrates Michigan’s Queen of Soul: Aretha Franklin

Muskegon, Michigan, September 18, 2023—She left us just five years ago, but Aretha Franklin remains one of the most influential singers of all time. West Michigan Symphony will present a concert tribute to the Queen of Soul at 7:30pm Friday, September 29. Music Director Scott Speck will lead the performance featuring Franklin’s greatest hits, including […]

Your WMS Musicians.

by CEO Andy Buelow I had a delightful conversation with one of our musicians down in the Frau Lounge after last month’s season finale. This is a player who travels in from Chicago, maintaining an active performance schedule there as well as several other major markets throughout the U.S. She said, “I always wait until […]

Michigan Arts & Culture Council
National Endowment for the Arts