120th Anniversary - American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada

The marquee at Wealthy Theatre on September 7, 2025 for “Grand Rapids Federation of Musicians Day”

Our Wind Ensemble opened the event with music by American composers, conducted by John Varineau. “Grandfare” by Local 56 member Greg Scheer received its premiere.

John Varineau received his AFM Life Member pin from Local 56 President Bennie Keys.

Ava Ordman received her AFM 50th Anniversary and Life Member pins from Local 56 President Bennie Keys.

Michael Bowman received his AFM 50th Anniversary and Life Member pins from Local 56 President Bennie Keys.

Perugino String Quartet: Eric Tanner, Christopher Martin, Stacey Bosman Tanner, and Barbara Corbató.

WINDFIRE: Flute and Percussion Spectacular: Paula and John Kasica.

Castalia: Jenna Buchner, Emily Grabinski, Leslie Van Becker, and Alicia Eppinga.

Solo marimbist David Hall.

Stage Manager Charles Johnson kept our day-long event running smoothly.

Vocalist Mary Rademacher, with Mike Lutley, Cherie Hagen, Elgin Vines, and Tom Hagen.

David Wells received his AFM 50th Anniversary and Life Member pins from Local 56 President Bennie Keys.

Harpist Beth Colpean performed music by Duke Ellington.

Trillium String Quartet: Diane McElfish Helle, Linda Nelson, Andrew Pool, and Lee Copenhaver.

Collette Vandenberg received her AFM 50th Anniversary and Life Member pins from Local 56 President Bennie Keys.

Performance by Bennie Keys, Larry Rhodes, and Gretchen Weaver.

Gretchen Weaver was recognized for being a member of Local 56 for 55 years.

Multi-talented performer Ben Traverse.

Performance by Alex Hamel, Dave DeVos, and Wright McCargar.

The Back Door Blues Band: Thion Charity, Nick Hiler, Herman Marshall, and Tim Hiler.

Just Friends: Bennie Keys, Kevin Murphy, Fred Mitchell, Tony Gant, and Adam McMillan.

Local 56 Vice President Kevin Murphy received his AFM 50th Anniversary and Life Member pins from Local 56 President Bennie Keys.

Asamu Johnson and the Associates of the Blues: Melvin Clark, Thion Charity, Asamu Johnson, Curtis Woods, Adam McMillan, and Craig Robinson.

Guitarist/vocalist Brian Morris.

Former Local 56 Secretary-Treasurer received his AFM 50th Anniversary and Life Member pins from Local 56 President Bennie Keys.

Phil Hamacher received his AFM 50th Anniversary and Life Member pins from Local 56 President Bennie Keys.

Singer/songwriter Amy Young, with Dave DeVos.

Evidence Jazz Group: Fred Knapp, Matt Sumner, Michael Doyle, Tom Lockwood, and Steve Talaga.

Michael Hyde received his AFM 50th Anniversary and Life Member pins from Local 56 President Bennie Keys.

GR Just Us Band: Don Newton, Ron Evans, Darryl Malone, Fred Mitchell, and José Ortiz.

Schedule of Performers