New Year's Fest
A Celebration of the
Performing Arts
December 31st, 2023
2023 Bands and singers
This is our 2023 New Year's Fest Band & Tribute Acts.
Click the artists' name to learn more about them!
Location: Radisson Ballroom
Time: 6:15, 7:45, 9:30, 11:15 (P.M.)
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Ada LeAnn is a 17-year-old American singer and songwriter. She was the State of Michigan's representative for NBC's tv show hosted by Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg, The American Song Contest Season 1. She was a Semi Finalist and episode 5's Jury selection in which, Tom Poleman the Chief Program Director for iHeart Radio Stated "Ada LeAnn reminds me of the first time I heard Taylor Swift! That Voice! Those Lyrics!". She has released 2 EP’s, multiple original singles and multiple covers. Along with her song "Natalie" that she performed on the American Song Contest and recently performed at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville Tennessee. “Natalie” was released worldwide by Atlantic Record and recently won her a Josie Music Award for Single of the Year.
Location: First Congregational Church
Times: 7:00, 9:00, 11:00 (P.M.)
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Grace Theisen is a queer Americana/Blues artist originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan. After venture in Nashville, Grace recently moved back to Kalamazoo to pursue music full-time. Fairly new to the Michigan Music Scene, Grace won Cari Cole’s Best New Artist of 2021 and was named “Artist To Watch” by Michigan’s Local Spins media outlet in January of 2022. This past July, She was just named by Revue as one of the “Top 10 Bands Heating Up The Summer.”
Location: First Congregational Church
Times: 6:00, 8:00, 10:00 (P.M.)
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The Nathan Moore Affair is the soulful semi-acoustic gestalt of singer/keytarist Nathan Moore, guitarist Chris Schleuder, bassist Mark Glubke, and the amazing Carolyn Koebel on percussion! Formed in Kalamazoo MI, the band has been refining their signature fusion of indie-soul, blues, folk and rock since 2018.
Location: Radisson Ballroom
Time: 7:00, 8:45, 10:30 (P.M.)
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Minor Element is an all-instrumental jazz fusion band out of Battle Creek, Michigan. They have been playing Jazz together since 2012 where they originally started as a jazz trio. As they grew in their musicality, so did their band, their musical taste, and distinct sound. Their sound is inspired by Jazz, Rock, Gospel, Fusion, and anything they can draw inspiration from. Minor Element prides themselves in being music for the musician. Not only can you find a grove, but you can also hear the complexity in the original compositions. Now Minor Element consists of 9 members. They have a very diverse group of musicians that come from all sorts of musical backgrounds and experiences which is part of what makes their sound so unique.
Location: KNAC
Time: 6:45, 8:30, 10:15 (P.M.)
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Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Megan Dooley has performed globally for 24+ years. Her music combines soul, blues, folk, and americana with powerful vocals and professional whistling, creating a unique and captivating sound.
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Recently, Dooley earned the 2019 title of "Best Solo Performer" in the region by popular vote and Revue Magazine, as well as "First Lady of Kalamazoo's Music Scene."
Location: Bronson Park Tent
Time: 8:30-11:45 (P.M.)
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It's time to close out 2022 with DJ Monte. Under the heated tent, it's a place to stop in, enjoy great music, celebrate the ability to do a few dance moves, and then keep visiting all the great venues and artists. The music will warm you up.