Grand Valley State University Department of Music, Theatre and Dance students kicked off the semester with an end-of-summer outdoor performance in Grand Rapids. The Summer Dance Festival was hosted by Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB), giving West Michigan dancers the opportunity to showcase their talents to their local community.

“It was so nice to be around people who wanted to celebrate dance because that is what we all love,” said Eliana Weinert, a GVSU dance major who choreographed a number for the GVSU dance program to perform at the festival. “There was such a wide variety of who (was) performing, like hip-hop groups and ballet groups.”

GRB is Michigan’s only classical ballet company, and frequently collaborates with the local dance community. The Summer Dance Festival took place Aug. 23-24.

Read more about Lacie Hoffman’s coverage of the summertime festival here.

Grand Rapids Woodstock Fest supports family in Gaza

Woodstock Fest, a benefit concert held in Grand Rapids on Oct. 5, supported the ElMassry-Sahmound family’s survival in Gaza, as well as local artists and musicians. The festival, which was held at Heritage Hill, was co-organized by Grand Valley State University Professor James Champion, and is held annually in an effort to garner exposure and donations to specific causes.

This year, Woodstock Fest partnered with Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids, a political organization that organizes in the Grand Rapids area for the liberation of Palestine. Partnering with Woodstock allowed the organization to help raise donations for the ElMassry-Sahmound family, which is trying to escape devastation in Gaza and relocate to Egypt. The money sent to the family in need will be used for supplies including food, water and sanitary items until they are able to evacuate from Gaza.

The festival featured 14 local artists, including GVSU student Anthony Erlandson. Performers played a variety of musical genres including folk, hyper pop, punk and more.

Read more of Lacie Hoffman’s story on Woodstock Fest here.

GV improv group promises laughter for just two dollars

“Improv Type Stuff” was a fitting name for the monthly performance of Subject to Change, Grand Valley State University’s improv club. The show, which had an only two dollar cover charge, was held Friday, Nov. 8, at the Kirkhof Center.

Like many improv shows, Subject to Change decides on a variety of “games” that they will play during a show. The scenes that play out have certain rules or gimmicks that the group’s participants, and the audience, are expected to interact with. Beyond the game rules, everything is completely improvised and set up to invoke audience suggestions, participation and laughter.

“What goes into it is not what the games will look like, it’s what games we’re going to play,” said Jacob Jahshan, Subject to Change’s Promotions Officer. “Because it is still improv, we don’t know what the (audience) suggestions are going to be. That’s the fun of it.”

Read more of Lee Marentette’s coverage on the GVSU improv group here.

GV students get thrifty by shopping second hand

Thrifting is a more sustainable and affordable option for obtaining clothing pieces, which is why so many college students acquire their wardrobe second hand. Many Grand Valley State University students have found thrift shopping to be a fun way to put together outfits that aren’t cheaply made or associated with fast fashion apparel and accessories.

GVSU student Lauren Elias explained that she doesn’t buy clothing from high-end stores anymore due to the cost. Elias shops at the Goodwill Outlets in Grandville and Muskegon. These outlets are often called “the bins” because they feature large, blue bins filled with stacks of clothes that customers can peruse and purchase by the pound. While further away from GVSU than some local Goodwill locations, many students make the trek to the bins for better deals.

“I just can’t pay 20 bucks for a shirt that I could get for three or four dollars at Goodwill,” Elias said.

Read more of Sofia Ellis’ coverage on the thrifting habits of GVSU students here.

GV alumna performs in Academy Award-winning “Anora”

On Sunday, March 2, the Academy Awards took place in Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, and the feature film “Anora” swept the floor. The 2024 film, which showcased a forbidden romance between an escort from Brooklyn and a Russian oligarch, won five of the six awards it was nominated for, including Best Picture. Celebrating among the cast and crew as a supporting actress was Grand Valley State University alumna, Lindsey Normington.

Normington graduated from GVSU in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Theatre. She spent her time as a student involved in a number of campus theatre productions and projects. One of these programs was ReACT!, a peer education theatre group that provided support to sexual assault survivors and prevention programs at the University.

Read more of Jada Dobbins’ coverage on Normington’s Hollywood role here.

GV alumna’s film screening advocates for birth justice

On Thursday, March 20, Grand Valley State University’s Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies welcomed alumna Amanda Rostic back to campus for a showing of her documentary film “Delivering While Black.”

Through the screening, Rostic, who graduated from the University with a Master of Public Health degree, brought attention to racial disparities in maternal and infant birthing outcomes. Specifically, the film focuses on the inequalities Black women have faced within the healthcare system in Grand Rapids. The event ended with a group Q&A and panel discussion, where community members were able to engage in conversation with the film’s cast. The panel also included healthcare specialists, who shared their personal experiences within the healthcare and delivery system.

“I hope my film creates spaces where people from different backgrounds can come together and learn,” Rostic said. “I hope students and faculty feel encouraged and inspired to use their voices and influence to change the world around them in positive and meaningful ways.”

Read more about Jada Dobbins’ coverage of the film documentary here.

“I tend to hold back on proving myself and my ability with dance,” Kyrlowicz said. “This is my moment to show my personality through movement.” 

Krylowicz’s self-choreographed solo titled “Uncharted Chapter” is a contemporary fusion with themes of resilience and perseverance, illustrating how Krylowicz views herself as a dancer. Krylowicz said she wants to focus on being herself and enjoying her last performance with the GVSU Dance Department.

“There are times when we feel down, it’s (about) reminding myself it’s alright to choose me instead of second-guessing.” 

Krylowicz’s group piece titled “Interfuse” features rhythmic and free-flowing hip-hop movement accentuated with contemporary dance vocabulary. The piece explores the fusion of different genres of movement into one cohesive whole, with the dancers costumed in neon colors and elaborate makeup.

“I am just proud of the dancers that I had the amazing opportunity to work with,” Krylowicz said. “I learned how to test myself as a choreographer and also open the space to try something out of their comfort zone.” 

At the beginning of the winter semester, Krylowicz, Armijo, Glover and Bernhardt began the enormous task of creating, funding and performing a complete dance concert. Every part of the showcase was organized by the group, from auditioning dancers, choreographing a group piece and a self-performed solo, raising money for tech production, setting lighting trees and hauling chairs into the performance space. 

“Capstones are so special,” said Jenna Altman, who danced in Armijo’s group piece. “I’m really excited to perform the amazing works these seniors have created, especially after going through the same process last semester.”

Armijo’s group piece titled “Corporeal Projections (Of what we can’t control)” used themes of emotional identity to portray the complexity of an individual’s psyche. Her cast worked together to explore the internal push and pull within a person’s illustration of self.

“Essentially, the group piece is about acknowledging who this person in the dance is thus far in life: the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful,” Armijo said. “It’s a melancholic sort of vibe. We can see the struggle, but we also see the strength.”

Armijo added that the piece is informed by her own personal journey of growth in the last four years. Her solo also portrays similar themes in a deeper, more personal context. 

Altman said that performing in Armijo’s group piece was cathartic, as it landed in a personal place for her.

“The piece feels good to perform because I was given the chance to identify with the character and relate it to myself,” Altman said. “The piece was literally built for me to express the feelings Emma had in her vision, and in dancing it, I can identify an authentic emotional experience that is also true to me.”

Some dancers were cast in multiple group pieces, such as Haley Rosendale, who performed in both Armijo and Glover’s pieces. Rosendale said that participating in senior capstone projects is one of the most rewarding experiences in the semester. 

“My favorite part about dance capstones is getting to work alongside amazing dancers,” Rosendale said. “The connections that are formed throughout the process are really special.”

Glover’s group piece is titled “A Reflection of Me,” featuring a blend of contemporary ballet movement in a dynamic routine. Through this and his solo, titled “Unseen,” Glover was inspired to explore the authenticity and vulnerability in the choreography as a reflection of finding his own way during his time at GVSU.

“It’s about my journey in college, feeling alone and lost,” Glover said. “(It’s about) dealing with obstacles that came my way over the years and how God has helped me overcome those battles.”

Bernhardt’s solo was also a reflection on the obstacles she’s overcome, and was composed of contemporary and modern movements. Her group piece, “When the Dust Settles,” was an interpretation of the effects of societal challenges on individuals. 

“This has been a lovely process with my beautiful dancers, and I couldn’t be more grateful for them,” Bernhardt said. “Our rehearsals have always made me smile, even if I was having a bad day. I am so proud of their hard work and contribution to this process, I cannot thank them enough.”

GVSU dancer Kennedy Maynard, who performed in two of the pieces, said she finds the senior capstone projects a creative and inviting way to work with her friends. 

“My favorite part of the capstone process is getting the opportunity to connect with everyone during rehearsals,” Maynard said. “These groups are such a great support system throughout the semester, and it is nice to have people to lean on inside and outside of rehearsals.” 

Krylowicz, Armijo, Glover and Bernhardt all said they felt a special connection while working with their dancers to put on the showcase. “Moiré Patterns” was a reflection of their own unique illustrations of identity under an artistic lens and their all-encompassing, end-of-year send-off. 

“Holland” follows teacher and homemaker Nancy Vandergroot and her friend Dave Delgado, played by Gael García Bernal, as the pair unravels a dark secret about Vandergroot’s husband. Soon enough, despite Vandergroot’s picture-perfect family and idyllic suburban lifestyle, darkness soon befalls.

“Every day, I get to wake up in the best place on Earth: Holland, Michigan,” says Kidman’s character, Vandergroot, in the film’s opening sequence.

Despite the majority of filming being done in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee, the film included a handful of nods to Holland’s heritage, such as the beloved Tulip Time Festival and parades, Windmill Restaurant and Holland High School. The brief shots that were done in Michigan were filmed at the Windmill Island Garden, home of the 251-year-old De Zwaan Windmill, which happens to be the only authentic, working Dutch windmill in the United States.

In early March, the film premiered at the South by SouthWest film festival in Austin, Texas, where the cast took pictures alongside miniatures of notable Holland iconography such as its Peanut Store and De Zwaan Windmill. Shortly before the movie’s digital release, a free, one-night screening was held on Monday, March 24 for Holland residents. The screening was followed by a Q&A session with the film’s director, Mimi Cave, and was hosted by Holland Mayor Nathan Brooks. 

Still, “Holland” has received mixed reviews from audience members and it currently only has a 23% on Rotten Tomatoes and 5/10 on IMDb. The reasons behind its lukewarm reception vary, as many viewers have pinpointed its writing, plot and direction for why the film fell flat. 

“It’s an interesting premise with an all-American family living in Holland, Michigan that has some deep, dark secrets, but it doesn’t quite all come together in an interesting way,” said a Rotten Tomatoes user named David F.

Faith Hutson, a senior in Grand Valley State University’s film and video production program watched the movie’s trailer, and was intrigued.

“From the trailer, it looked visually interesting and really colorful,” said Hutson. “I personally haven’t really seen any of the reviews (but) the only reason I can think of (for why) it may have fallen flat for some people is simply because it’s a horror movie shot in Holland. (The city) doesn’t really give horror.” 

Nevertheless, a feature-film centered around West Michigan and its inclusion of prominent actors and actresses could possibly be a promising advancement for the expansion of West Michigan’s local film industry and movies set in the area. 

“I think having big names is definitely a step in the right direction, as fans of certain actors will definitely be drawn to it and more likely to watch,” Hutson said. 

Honors Familia is an affinity group that hosts events with the representation and education of different Latinx identities in mind. Throughout the event, students were encouraged to ask questions about piñatas and the Mexican tradition they were participating in. The session provided an opportunity for all students to explore a recognizable tradition, whether they came from a Latinx background or not. 

Melanie Hernandez, the group’s president, has first-hand experience making piñatas and wanted to share the cultural tradition with other GVSU students. 

“At first, I hoped to bring in a professional in piñata making,” Hernandez said. “But (then) I remembered I made them when I went to elementary school in Mexico. We wanted to allow our members to remember these (cultural) roots and learn the ‘how to’ so they could continue creating these memories.”

The origin of the tradition, hitting a brightly decorated piñata with a stick until it breaks open and treats spill out, dates back hundreds of years and was brought to the Americas by the Spanish. Many scholars believe the tradition originated in China, with hanging paper dolls that were hit and crushed, spilling seeds and then burned for good luck. 

Drawing from her experiences and knowledge of the craft, Hernandez planned the session for students to appreciate part of Mexico’s cultural background while upholding the mission of Honors Familia. 

Hernandez prepared the piñata bases in advance, making them out of balloons, colorful paper strips and glue. She prepared cones made of thick paper that were glued to the piñatas’ bases, creating an animal shape. Students had full creative freedom with decorating the piñatas by using strips of tissue paper that could be stacked or cut into specific designs.

“Students had the opportunity to collaborate and have fun, all while getting to know our group’s mission,” Hernandez said. “Honors Familia is dedicated to fostering community and support with the Latinx population. (We aim to) embrace the values of academic excellence, cultural celebration and camaraderie.”

By creating their own piñatas, students were given the opportunity to appreciate the rich history of the art form and its cross-cultural reaches in a way that Honors Familia members will remember. As students created the craft, members of the group shared their own personal  experiences regarding piñata making.

Honors Familia hosts various events throughout the year that feature speakers and activities. The group invites students to attend events in an effort to immerse themselves and learn more about history and traditions.

Eight participating students created musical compositions based on artwork, which were then performed by the New Music Ensemble in front of a panel of judges. This year’s guest judge was Cindy Meyers Foley, the director and CEO of the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM). The original compositions were inspired by two art pieces from the museum’s exhibition “Climate Matters: Our Changing and Resilient Planet.” 

GVSU senior Joy Anderson submitted two, 60-second compositions for the ensemble to perform.

“I was so happy to hear my work being performed, and so incredibly excited and proud to hear my classmates’ and friends’ pieces,” Anderson said. 

Anderson added it was both fun and nerve-wrecking to be part of the competition, as the premiere of new compositions have the ability to make for an exciting performance.

“For these two compositions, I took the approach of creating a story in my head behind each artwork, (and) came up with a pre-composition plan about what I wanted the piece to sound like,” Anderson said. “After I had a clear picture of (the) form and mood of the pieces, I started putting notes on the page until I came up with something I liked.”

Noah Seim, a pianist in the New Music Ensemble, said it was an interesting experience to play music without knowing the composers. 

“As performers, we don’t know who the composers are, even though we’re playing their music,” said Seim. “We’re as oblivious as the audience.”

Having received composers’ submissions a number of weeks ago, the musicians had time to prepare for the performances. Seim felt there was a great amount of pressure on the ensemble to perform well because the pieces are entirely new compositions. 

“There’s a ton of pressure on the group to play because it (the event) carries the weight of being the first time the work has been performed,” Seim said. “I was really nervous about the resonance in the space.”

The judges choose the composition they felt best fit the exhibitions’ two pieces, with a cash prize being offered to three winners. The audience was also allowed to vote, with an additional prize handed out to the audience’s favorite pick. 

“My favorite part of the night was the time in between the final piece and when the judges finished their deliberation, while the audience’s votes were counted,” Seim said. “The air was really quite electric, as everyone was talking (and) excitedly discussing the pieces in anticipation (of) the final results.”

The first place award was given to Adam West, while the second place winner was Zach Haverkamp. Third place was given to David Grimard, who was also the Audience Favorite. A bonus award was given to Anderson for composing the 300th piece of the event’s history.

“This is such a unique experience that I am so grateful we have been given here at Grand Valley in our Music Department,” Anderson said.

The Write Michigan contest is held by the Kent District Library in partnership with Grand Rapids’ Schuler Books. The competition aims to nurture and promote local literary talent among all age groups. Bufkin was one of the youngest participants in the contest’s adult category. 

“I’ve been entering the Write Michigan contest for years,” Bufkin said. “On a whim, I decided to submit my piece (this year, and) received the fantastic news that my story had been accepted for publication.”

“Yellow Eyes in a New World” is a fictional story that centers around two characters: a humanoid machine that awakens from a 200-year nap and the girl who suddenly awakens the apparatus. Together, the pair explores the world, working with nature to decolonize the globe. 

“(My) story’s themes center on community, decolonization, autonomy and climate change awareness,” Bufkin said. 

Bufkin expressed that advancing to the final round gave them a huge confidence boost, as they were able to be recognized for their dedication and progress as a writer. 

“It’s utterly fantastic,” Bufkin said. “I’ve worked relentlessly to establish myself as a writer, and so far, this is my most significant achievement toward that goal. Being a writer means getting a lot of rejection. But, I believed my words were powerful and that they would resonate with someone, someday, and now they have.”

Bufkin said their friends and family have been a major source of encouragement and support along their writing journey. Specifically, Bufkin said their father, Theodore Bufkin, also an aspiring writer, has helped them grow their writing skills through praise and encouragement. 

“Max popped out of the oven nearly (a) fully-baked writer, blazing with skill that even those with such natural ability take years to cultivate,” Theodore Bufkin said. “Max wears their heart on their sleeve because they aren’t ashamed of it, and because it’s (communicating openly) the fastest way into yours.”

Theodore Bufkin added that, aside from innate talent, it is the self-discipline, sacrifice and tedious revision Bufkin practices that makes them such a great writer. 

Max Bufkin compared their writing process to that of blacksmithing, which involves refinement, fluidity and adaptability. 

“Usually, my process with writing is to get everything out all at once, and then edit and refine it over and over,” Bufkin said. “I have to just slap all my ideas onto the anvil and hammer it again and again until it takes the right shape.” 

Bufkin is also intent on telling stories that not only resonate with themselves but also leave a mark on those who come into contact with their work.

“The most challenging part of writing is being able to create your work without worrying about what others may think of it,” Bufkin said. “My ultimate aspiration is to make people feel seen, loved and hopeful through my writing, and I believe this story is a solid start for my career in that direction.”

The fourth graders at GRCDC are an incredibly creative group of artists, and are always exploring new ways to express themselves. Their first project of the winter semester was to create superhero self-portraits, where each student illustrated themselves as both their everyday self and their superhero counterpart. This project was an exciting way for students to tap into their imaginations while also reflecting their own identities. Through these portraits, their unique personalities and art styles were able to shine brightly. 

Their superhero self-portraits were then selected to be part of the Art Education Showcase at Grand Valley State University’s Calder Fine Arts Center. The showcase highlighted the work of teacher apprentices and interns by featuring student artwork generated from lessons they had taught. It was a fantastic opportunity for my fourth graders to have their work displayed in a professional setting, and for me to showcase their talents. 

After the showcase, students built upon the skills they developed in character creation and design to begin a new project: a short-form, three-panel comic strip. With this project, they explored visual storytelling. I guided them through understanding the parts of a comic and emphasized how the elements work together to create interesting stories. The panel comics created by fourth graders at GRCDC will be posted for viewing here.

The experience and knowledge that students developed from making their three-panel comics will serve them well as they transition into their next project: team comics. In this project, each student will become part of a collaborative team responsible for creating a full-page comic. This exercise is designed to simulate the comic creation process, where artists work together to create a final product. Within their teams, each student will be assigned a specific job title and a set of tasks, encouraging them to focus on different parts of comic production. Whether they are in charge of story writing, panel layout, character design or background art, each team member will play an important role in bringing the team’s vision to life. 

The fourth graders at GRCDC are incredibly dedicated to their artistic vision and work with meticulous attention to detail. I have been consistently impressed by their ability to think critically and find creative solutions when faced with challenges. While I’ve been teaching the them about comic creation, they have been teaching me too. They consistently demonstrate fresh perspectives, unique storytelling approaches and an eagerness to push artistic boundaries. This exchange of knowledge has been a rewarding aspect of my student teaching experience, always reminding them and myself that learning is a two-way street.

This semester at GRCDC has been a truly memorable experience, filled with creativity, collaboration and inspiration. The fourth graders have shown just how much heart and dedication can go into comic creation, proving that storytelling through art is not only fun, but also deeply meaningful. As they move forward with their artistic endeavors, one thing is certain: these young artists have a bright and imaginative future ahead of them. 

I want all GRCDC students to know I have loved every moment of student teaching; I am so proud of the artwork and growth that I was lucky enough to witness.   

Through the screening, Rostic, who graduated from the University with a Master of Public Health degree, brought attention to racial disparities in maternal and infant birthing outcomes. Specifically, the film focuses on the inequalities Black women have faced within the healthcare system in Grand Rapids. The event ended with a group Q&A and panel discussion, where community members were able to engage in conversation with the film’s cast. The panel also included healthcare specialists, who shared their personal experiences within the healthcare and delivery system.

“I hope my film creates spaces where people from different backgrounds can come together and learn,” Rostic said. “I hope students and faculty feel encouraged and inspired to use their voices and influence to change the world around them in positive and meaningful ways.”  

Joy Schaefer, an Interdisciplinary Studies affiliate faculty member who helped organize the screening, said the college hoped to highlight the ongoing urgency of the subject, as well as the importance of centering topics related to systemic and institutional racism. She added that the topic was able to spark deep reflection and inspiration during Women’s History Month. 

“As a white woman who has never been interested in having biological children, I’m practicing cultural humility by co-organizing (the film showing) that asks us to listen to Black women and Black birthing people who have been harmed by institutions that are built to help people like me survive and thrive more than them (Black individuals),” said Schaefer.

Schaefer pointed to CDC data, which reports that Black newborns in the U.S. have more than double the infant mortality rate than white newborns, and that, in 2020, Black American mothers were twice as likely to receive late or no prenatal care as compared to white mothers.  

Beyond raising awareness and creating dialogue, Rostic also called on the GVSU community to strengthen its ties and focus on taking tangible steps toward combating systemic and racial inequality. 

“GVSU should leverage the collective passion, energy and brain power of their student body and faculty,” Rostic said. “We should connect and offer our time and services to the greater community and follow the lead of communities doing great work already.” 

Rostic’s documentary provided examples of how to get involved in ending the racial injustice of delivering while Black. The call to action encouraged supporting doula organizations, backing local and state legislation centered on increasing maternal and infant safety, talking about birth justice with others and asking Black women what forms of support they need.  

“I hope administrators and professors use this event as a catalyst to create an even more inclusive curriculum, and that GVSU community members are inspired to practice allyship in the ways that the documentary suggests,” Shaefer said.

Crystal Scott-Tunstall, another Interdisciplinary Studies faculty member, expressed that the documentary brings awareness to a topic that’s historically been “swept under the rug.”

“Amanda (Rostic) is paving the way for change around the health disparities faced by Black women, and leading as only a Laker can,” Scott-Tunstall said.

Medley was originally conceived as a collection of French performances and presentations. Carol Wilson-Tiesma and Séverine Collignon, senior affiliate professors at the University, took over Medley’s organization four years ago, and expanded the number of languages celebrated at the event. This year, seven languages were represented by 31 participating students and professors: French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Latin, Arabic and Hindi. Performers spotlighted the art of language through singing and piano, recitation, artwork and the interpretation of poetry and prose.

“When Carol and I took over (the event, we) decided to celebrate all languages, not only French,” Collignon said. 

During Medley, prose and poetry recitation were popular acts across all languages, and the various musical performances showcased talents across genres, such as opera, gospel and pop. While visual artwork was less popular, an Italian cultural piece presented by the artist in Italian stole the show.  

“The artwork (stood out to me) because it was the first time a student presented their original artwork to communicate their love for (Italian) language and culture,” Collignon said. 

It was not only students who had the chance to show their appreciation for language. Visiting professor Arya Jadhav, an educator, data scientist and artist, shared her poetic work in Hindi.

“We were thrilled that our Medley event gave (Jadhav) the unique opportunity to share her native language,” Collignon said. “A Hindi poem written and performed by (her).” 

While many performers shared their native language and cultures, the event also saw participants sharing works written by others that they admired, and wanted others to appreciate as well. 

Three students interested in Latin studies performed a section of Ovid’s poem “Metamorphosis” in its original language. The 15-book poem, which was originally published in A.D. 8, is considered the Roman poet’s magnum opus.

Anthropology major Olivia Savage shared that she admires the French poet Arthur Rimbaud, who is best known for his unique creative style that influenced modern literature. Savage recited his poem, “Chanson de la plus haute tour,” which translates to, “The Song of the Highest Tower.” Rimbaud inspired Savage to study French because she wanted the ability to appreciate his writing in its original language. 

Since Medley has been extended, the event has allowed for a more expansive celebration of languages, and encourages students to explore and appreciate a diverse group of cultures. 

In this guide to student musicians at GVSU, five artists have shared their passion for creating original music, along with their future aspirations. A list of additional student musicians follows, although this is by no means a comprehensive guide, as GVSU is home to many talented artists.

Anthony Erlandson

Anthony Erlandson is a senior at GVSU and a solo, pop artist who enjoys performing their original music on local stages. Erlandson has been making music their entire life, with their earliest musical experience being the GarageBand app. Since being introduced to making music, their creative process has developed over time.

“I make a full beat first or full instrumental,” Erlandson said. “Or, it’s 2:00 a.m. and I get an idea, and I just word-vomit into my Notes app.” 

Erlandson thinks their music is particularly unique, especially for the Grand Rapids area, which does not have an expansive local pop music scene.

“I want to make stuff you can play at the club and have fun,” Erlandson said. “Maybe the gay club, but still a club nonetheless.” 

As a solo artist, Erlandson has no plans to join a group, and wants to continue making music and performing for their own enjoyment and that of others.

“I love being a solo artist,” Erlandson said. “I don’t have to argue with people over sh*t.”

Outside of their performances, you can find and listen to their music on streaming services under Anthony Erlandson.

Julie’s Bones

Andy Lunn is a GVSU student who plays bass in the band Julie’s Bones, alongside group members Colin Overway, Violet Sisson and Duncan Lam. The alternative rock band writes and performs their own music on stages around the Midwest, with every member contributing to the songwriting process.  

“I’ve always wanted to experience and share the energy of the stage with as many people as possible,” Lunn said. “I grew up as a huge fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and their stage presence and sound shaped a lot of (who) I am now.” 

The group met as members of a high school jazz band’s rhythm section. All Julie’s Bones members are multi-instrumental, and will sometimes switch around the composition of the band by altering who plays what instrument. 

“I think West Michigan has a very particular alt-rock sound,” Lunn said. “Some have even ventured to call us Midwest emo in our delivery, which I don’t believe we are at a point to necessarily refuse.” 

Lunn said he is happiest when performing onstage with the group. He added that the band has helped each other through many difficult times over the years.

“I use the artistic process to express feelings that I don’t know how to show otherwise,” Lunn said. “In many ways, it is my most important outlet.”

Looking to the future, Julie’s Bones plans to grow together as musicians while continuing to create as a group, regardless of what genre they may morph into. They also hope to go on tours outside of the Midwest.

“I see us experimenting with songwriting techniques and I am very excited to share this growth with some of my best friends over these next few years,” Lunn said.

Julie’s Bones releases music on all major streaming services under the band’s name. They plan to keep performing in Grand Rapids while also expanding into shows at new venues. 

Silven

GVSU student Evan Arraut created the post-hardcore band Silven, in which he plays the drums, with his band members Alex Perez, Gabriel Jones and Trevor Buskard. The band members met through various informal gatherings, a history that has followed them into their songwriting process, which always begins with a jam session.

“We tend to start with instruments only,” Arraut said. “What we usually do is either one of the three string players bring a riff to practice, or sometimes we come up with it (the riff) on the spot, and we just jam off of it.” 

Post-hardcore is a punk rock genre that emphasizes creative expression, which the band takes seriously. After the band’s initial recorded run-throughs, their process involves trial and error to perfect their sound. 

“We record the whole thing and then just play it back to ourselves and pick up the best parts of it,” Arraut said. “Then, we reorganize it (the song) into an interesting structure so that it’s more appealing to the ear.”

Silven’s original music can be found on Spotify and Bandcamp. They also perform regularly in Grand Rapids at local venues.

Stephanie Dryburgh

Singer-songwriter Stephanie Dryburgh started writing songs in fifth grade that were inspired by her faith and mental health struggles. Dryburgh is involved in multiple off-campus worship groups.

“I have grown up doing music for a long time,” Dryburgh said. “I am a Christian, and I have anxiety and depression. (Music) is how I get my emotions out and how I process (them).”

Dryburgh said she hopes to inspire others through the music she produces, as she struggles with emotions and feelings that many others may experience as well.

“Hopefully I can produce (more songs) one day that people can relate to,” Dryburgh said.

Right now, Dryburgh only has one song released, but she is working toward producing more, and thinks that singing and songwriting will always play a part in her life. 

“It’s my kind of therapy,” Dryburgh said. “I used to make up melodies in my head and make up words, but now I do it mostly with piano.” 

Dryburgh’s favorite musical genres are country and pop, which is reflected in her songwriting. Her song, “I Want More” is available on streaming services under her name.

Lezzu

Devan Walker is a GVSU student who moonlights as musician Lezzu when releasing and performing beats. Walker began his journey in music when he was about eight years old. Over time, he turned his poems into freestyle rap and, eventually, into fully-produced songs. 

“I see no limits,” Walker said. “I just let my thoughts and the beat or melody guide my pen.”

While Walker said his music is seeped in emotion, he does not want to restrain himself to the idea of a genre. He added that he finds beauty in all types of music, but rap is the genre he gravitates toward.

“I see my music touching hearts all across the world, making bodies dance and jam,” Walker said. “I know this is what I am called to do for the rest of my life.”

Currently, Walker is working toward becoming even more independent and creative as an artist by learning new writing and producing processes. He added that faith, family and love are what guide the creation of his music.

“What inspires my music is God and the hardships and beauty of life,” Walker said. “The things I have been through in my life have made me a man who only wants to be the best version of himself and see the world for the beautiful place that it is.” 

Walker won the People’s Choice Award on March 12 at the annual GV’s Got Talent showcase, and he hopes to continue performing more live shows in the near future. His music can be found on all major streaming platforms under his stage name, Lezzu.

“I see a message living forever in music,” Walker added. “The message is that love wins, always.”

Additional student artists

• Zachary Jaeger, solo artist
• Reette Thorns, solo artist
• Nicholas Plummer, Lie.
• Brendan Harris, Wishes for the Well / Saint Martyr
• Cayden St. John, Jules Bonnot