Whorled - WKTV Journal

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

Whorled won the March Battle of the Bands at The Stray. (courtesy)

Playing a style of music they call “World folk” has paid off for Whorled.

The critical praise has been huge, and the band won a Battle of the Bands in March at The Stray Café in Grand Rapids.

Local Spins recently described Whorled (pronounced “world”) as follows:

“The world folk band stole the stage with a set that was less of a performance and more of an experience. Many of its songs weaved through various genres — starting as an Irish highland tune, then transitioning to a traditional Japanese song and ending with a bluegrass swing.”

That makes sense when you consider the trio draws from celtic, gypsy jazz, Brazilian, bluegrass and classical influences, said Thom Jayne of Whorled. The group is known for playing a variety of instruments, including violin, accordion, guitar, banjo, whistles, and occasionally a didgeridoo, which is a wind instrument.

The band also consists of multi-instrumentalist Keala Venema and accordionist Marika Venema.

Jayne answered a few questions from WKTV.

WKTV Journal: How did you come up with your band’s name?

Jayne: The name signifies the diverse backgrounds and musical influences that each of us bring to create our signature “Whorled” sound.

WKTV: When did you form?

Jayne: 2020. We formed during the Covid period and have only been playing out in public during the past year.

WKTV: What do you hope to accomplish with your music?

Jayne: To create a unique sound that is both true to the traditions that we draw from and also to integrate them together in fresh ways.

WKTV: Has it been easy or difficult to break into the West Michigan music scene?

Jayne: We’re just starting out, so still finding out.

WKTV: What makes you stand out, outside of playing all those instruments?

Jayne: We have a strictly Celtic set, but most of our material features a variety of styles sprinkled with spontaneous improvisation so that no two Whorled shows are the same. Our show is high-energy, good-feeling, and crowd-interactive.

Upcoming Performances:

We’re playing at Meijer Gardens on July 12, opening for the Accidentals at the Saugatuck Jump into Summer Festival on June 17, and are being featured in the Sparta Irish Music Festival on August 12-13.

Learn more about the band at https://www.whorledband.com/videos.

John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Local group Whorled performing at The Stray Cafe. The group is one of the three finalists. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

It has been last minute solo decisions to all out phenomenal performances as Wyoming’s The Stray hosted its first-ever Battle of the Bands.

This Friday is the final round as the three remaining bands/performers, Whorled, Daisybox, and Epitones compete for bragging rights along with cash prizes, a free photoshoot and an opportunity to record at Dogtown Studio. First place will receive $300 while second and third will each receive a $100. The show is set to start 6:30 p.m.

“Whorled is a relatively new band, so we thought [Battle of the Bands] would be a fun way to meet other musicians and bands that we have not yet connect with,” Thom Jayne of Whorled said, adding the group heard about the competition from the staff at The Stray Café.

Epitones’ Matt DeRuiter said the group felt the Battle of the Bands would be a great way to showcase the band’s music. (Photo by Jessica Darling)

Grand Rapids-based Whorled (pronounced “world”), offers a unique twist on Celtic, gypsy, jazz, Brazilian and American folk music. The trio performs on a variety of instruments, violin, accordion, guitar, banjo, whistles, and occasionally a didgeridoo, which is a wind instrument.

“When we came across the Battle of the Bands, we knew that it would be a great networking opportunity and avenue to showcase our music,” said Matt Deruiter who is the drummer for Epitones. “We have each participated in Battle of the Bands events in the past with different groups which sparked our interest in this event.

“We’re grateful to be part of such a well organized event with so many great acts.”

Epitones is also based in Grand Rapids and is a three-piece band. The group’s music is original and unique, focusing on progressive instrumental structures and soulful vocals.

Taylor Hottenstein said it was his first time performing Daisybox material live. (Supplied)

Taylor Hottenstein, who is Daisybox, had a tough start as his backing band fell through leading up to his March 4 performance. Despite that, he went on with what has been described as a “raw and emotional” solo performance with just an acoustic guitar. Hotternstein’s music can be best described as soft rock with him focusing on originals and an occasional cover. (In his March 4 performance, he covered Mac Miller’s “Circles.”)

On Friday starting at 6:30 p.m., each of the groups will be performing for 45 minutes. Guest judge is John Sinkevics, who is a career journalist, musician and founder of Local Spins, the state’s fastest-growing music website that covers the West Michigan music scene.

“This was actually my first live performance doing the Daisybox stuff,” Hottenstein said. “I had been mulling over getting these songs out in front of people other than just through releasing singles. So when I saw this pop up, it felt like the right time. So glad I did!”

The Stray Café is located at 4253 S. Division Ave. For more information about upcoming events, visit The Stray’s website or Facebook page.