Arts, Beats, & Eats is a beloved Labor Day weekend tradition for Michiganders, drawing large crowds year after year. This four-day festival features a diverse array of vendors alongside ten stages showcasing a wide range of musical talent. I had the privilege of covering three incredible local bands, each with their own unique style.
Ritual Suns
As 4:45 p.m. rolled around, Ritual Suns took the Soaring Eagle stage and delivered a powerful, hour-long set packed with heavy guitar riffs, intense vocals, and a raw, unapologetic energy. Their setlist featured a mix of original material alongside nods to their musical influences with covers of “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man,” “Like A Stone,” and “La Grange.” Each band member brought a distinctive stage presence, amplifying the overall performance. This was particularly obvious when lead guitarist Will Pruitt wowed the crowd by playing his solo in “La Grange” with his guitar behind his back.
One of the standout moments of their set came when they performed their song “Dirty Water,” a gritty, hard-hitting track inspired by the Flint Water Crisis. The heavier subject matter gave the song an extra edge, both lyrically and musically, making it one of the most emotionally charged performances of the night. The band’s intensity reached its peak during a powerful breakdown, prompting the entire audience to head bang in unison with the band—an unforgettable moment that closed the set on a high note.
Wisher
Later in the evening the audience was treated to an amazing performance from metal band Wisher. From the moment they launched into Dio’s “Stand Up & Shout,” it was clear the crowd would be entertained. While the band’s musicianship was tight and impressive, it was Kayleigh Kann’s powerful vocals and commanding stage presence that truly elevated the performance. Every song, whether original or a cover, was delivered with precision and raw energy, captivating the entire crowd.
Wisher showcased original tracks like “Greatest Show” and “Steel Sharpens Steel,” both featuring optimistic, empowering lyrics. Their set also included covers of iconic bands such as Nightwish, Avenged Sevenfold, Metallica, and Slash, all of whom are clear influences. What made their covers stand out was the way Wisher added their own unique spin, while still honoring the spirit of the originals. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, with each member getting a chance to shine, adding depth and dynamic flair to the performance.
LYONS LANE
The first band to kick off the National Stage on Sunday was Michigan’s very own rockabilly group, Lyons Lane. Arts, Beats, & Eats has become something of a homecoming for them, and this set was undoubtedly one of their best yet. They opened with their track “Don’t Shoot The Messenger,” setting the tone for the show with a tight, driving rhythm section and charismatic showmanship from frontman Mark Leo. Lyons Lane has a unique ability to transport their audience back to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll while making it entirely their own. This was especially clear during their high-energy rendition of “Love Potion No. 9,” which retained the vintage charm of the original but was electrified by the addition of a saxophone solo.
The band ran through their entire catalog, including crowd favorites and newer material like their latest single, “Femme Fatale,” which had the audience tapping along to Tomcat Thompson’s infectious bass line. They also treated fans to some unreleased tracks, such as “Honeydripper” and “Clockwork,” which harken back to their early sound. A standout element of their performance was the contribution from the backing vocalists, whose harmonies added richness and depth to their already dynamic sound.
Whether it was a fan’s first time seeing them or they’ve followed Lyons Lane for years, there was an undeniable sense of pride in the air. Their performance was a reminder of how far they’ve come—and that their journey is only just beginning. Lyons Lane is definitely a band to keep an eye on for what’s next.
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