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With the pandemic finally fading completely into the rearview, live music has resumed in full effect, with a spectacular slate of summer outdoor concerts, and packed houses at indoor shows all year long.

Embracing the blissful escapism and total euphoria that only live music can provide, West Michigan has returned to many of our longtime favorites, while also welcoming some surprising new faces when looking over the results of this year’s Best of the West Music finalists.

The Pyramid Scheme reclaimed the top spot as the Best Music Venue, a title it last earned back in 2021, and one that has had tough competition with last year’s winner The Intersection, and multiple year finalist GLC Live at 20 Monroe. All three host the most concerts year-round, so it’s no surprise that they all vie for the favorite place to experience live music every time.

Returning to our lists this year is Best Music Festival, with the trippy EDM wonderland that is Electric Forest taking the top spot. World-renowned and bringing in thousands from all around the country to experience the psychedelic spectacle in all its glowing glory, the weekend-long event towers as the premiere experience, but locals shouldn’t sleep on fellow finalists Burning Foot Beer Festival in Muskegon and Upheaval Festival at Belknap Park. Both pack a punch with stacked rock lineups and high volume performances that mix rising and legendary artists on the same stage.

When it comes to Best Cover Band, Brena reigns supreme, once again earning the honors, while being joined by another annual mainstay Project 90, and a first-time finalist Onager. Likewise Best Original Band sees Grand Rapids jam band Desmond Jones returning for the second year in a row, with psych-rockers Overdrive Orchestra and first-time finalists Phabies rounding out the category.

The biggest surprise of the year came with Best Solo Artist, where first-time finalist Andrea Jenkins takes the prize. The multi-media artist and influencer has gone viral with her song “Royaltea,” and has shocked our results, landing ahead of longtime finalist and past winner Chris Cranick of Overdrive Orchestra, and other unexpected newcomer Evelyine. With two new artists shaking things up this year, who knows what could happen when voting begins again next year, and your favorites could find their place among our Best.

BEST COVER BAND FINALISTS

Brena | brenaband.com

Onager

Project 90

BEST DJ

Adrian Butler (AB)

Moments in Time Disc Jockeys SuperDre

Staff Picks

Best Original Band - Pink Sky

Perhaps something of a fond farewell, beloved Grand Rapids electronic duo Pink Sky shone too bright to ever make it onto Best of the West during their time here in West Michigan. Now that the band has embarked on a move to Los Angeles, following the release of their revelatory album, Total Devotion, earlier this year, and culminating with their triumphant final show at The Pyramid Scheme last month, it goes beyond words to say just how rare and unique a star the group was in the local music scene, and how much their lasting radiance and boundless vision will carry on in years to come.

— Eric Mitts

Best DJ - Pablo Eskobear

Sure, his name is a pun and in reference to the infamous “Cocaine Bear” of the 1980s, but when you land a viral summer smash like “Pool Noodles,” win a Jammy Award, and release a fire album fittingly titled Champion Bangers, you’re no joke. Mixing old school samples with new school techniques, and live instruments, Pablo might fall just outside the conventional definition of “DJ,” so forgive us for simplifying his ultra-chill, hip-hop-inspired sound into a categorical box for these purposes. Just give his stuff a listen, and hear why he’s one of the best working right now.

— Eric Mitts

Music Venue - Glass House

Though more of an event space than a music venue, the Glass House in Holland offers some of the West coast’s most vibrant music gatherings. From jazz to folk concerts, Glass House celebrates the local arts scene by coupling creative community with live music in their gorgeous greenhouse. Also a hotspot for intimate weddings and art classes, the Glass House is a notable central point for all types of events.

— Michaela Stock

BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

Electric Forest | electricforest.com

Burning Foot Beer Festival

Upheaval Festival

BEST MUSIC VENUE

The Pyramid Scheme | pyramidschemebar.com

GLC Live at 20 Monroe

The Intersection

BEST ORIGINAL BAND

Desmond Jones | desmondjonesband.com

Overdrive Orchestra

Phabies

BEST SOLO MUSICIAN

Andrea Jenkins

Chris Cranick

Evelyine

BEST VINYL RECORD STORE

Vertigo | vertigomusic.gr

Off The Record

The Corner Record Shop