While we love going to see country artists in concert here in West Michigan, but we aren’t exactly the home of country music. However, you may be surprised to hear that two of country music’s most promising up and coming artists call us home.
Last week the Country Music Hall of Fame announced a new edition of an annual exhibit that highlights new and currently trending country artists from around the country. The ‘American Currents: State of Country Music’ exhibit takes a ‘broad look at country music and its place in American culture over the past year.’
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opens American Currents: State of the Music
Artists like Oliver Anthony whose viral hit ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’ took the internet by storm, and Taylor Swift whose Eras Tour set box office records are obvious finds in the hallowed halls of Country Music’s greatest artists. And now for the next year, (Until Feburary 2025) two of our own can be found on display.
Who are the two West Michigan country artists you will find right now at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee?
Ionia’s own Billy Strings has his own feature in this year’s addition of the Currents exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Laura Hardy / TSM
You and hundreds of thousands of other visitors will have your chance to see Lyrics, his banjo, sneakers and more up close and personal for yourself.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opens American Currents: State of the Music
But he’s not the only one getting a nod from the greats… Grand Rapid’s own The War and Treaty also have a well deserved spot in the exhibit as well
Laura Hardy / TSM
Their outfits that they famously wore during their performance at the 2023 CMAs is displayed, telling the story of how they are currently changing country music, one soul stopping performance at a time.
The 57th Annual CMA Awards – Show
While Nashville may not have a lot of former Michiganders amongst their celebrities, it’s amazing to see some West Michigan natives showing that we can yeehaw with the rest of them here in the mitten.
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If you’re looking for a bonus reference to West Michigan, find your way over to Eric Chruch’s exhibit and you’ll see this really amazing poster trio that he released for his show at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids
Laura Hardy / TSM
If you head to Nashville any time in the next year, make sure you visit this incredible exhibit located on the second floor of the Country Music Hall of Fame
In Memoriam: Country Stars Who Died in 2024
Take a moment to remember the country artists, songwriters and industry members who died in 2024.
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak
