West Michigan Jazz Society Launches
“Tuesday Night Jazz at the Fountain” Spring Series
Grand Rapids, MI — The West Michigan Jazz Society (WMJS) is launching a new spring concert series, Tuesday Night Jazz at the Fountain, held at Fountain Street Church on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7:00–9:00 PM, beginning Tuesday, March 24.
The series marks a meaningful return to the organization’s roots. WMJS founder Betty Forrest was inspired to start the society after attending a Stan Getz performance at Fountain Street Church years ago. Disappointed by the small audience for such an extraordinary artist, Forrest vowed to build a stronger community of jazz supporters in West Michigan. That moment ultimately sparked the founding of the West Michigan Jazz Society.
Now WMJS returns to the same historic venue with a new monthly series designed as an intimate listening-room style experience, held in the Social Hall at Fountain Street Church.
The Spring 2026 lineup includes:

- Tuesday, March 24 – Thomas Tran Quartet
Featuring WMJS Scholarship winner Thomas Tran, kicking off the series. - Tuesday, April 28 – Mary Rademacher and Friends
- Tuesday, May 26 – Rick Reuther and Friends
Featuring the 2025 WMJS Musician of the Year
Admission is $10 for WMJS members and $15 for non-members. Beer and wine will be available for $5.
Doors open at 6:30 PM, with performances from 7:00–9:00 PM.
“Returning to Fountain Street Church brings the West Michigan Jazz Society full circle,” said WMJS President Shannan Denison. “It honors the moment that inspired Betty Forrest to create this organization while continuing our mission to support local musicians and build a vibrant jazz community.”
2026 MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS ARE NOW OPEN!
Our Mission Statement
The mission of the West Michigan Jazz Society is to advance, uphold, and sustain live jazz in West Michigan through promotion, performance and education.
- M-Thurs, 7pm-12am, F- 7pm-9pm Jazz with Scott Vanderwerf
- Sundays 10am, Classic Jazz, 11am, Spotlight with Harvey McKnight, 3pm, Basically Big Bands, 5pm, Jazz Night
- M-Thurs, Jazz Overnight, 12am-5am, and Sundays 10pm-5am
- features Jazz From Blue Lake every Monday through Friday starting at 10 p.m. and the 5 hour broadcasts are also available the following day on demand by clicking the Jazz From Blue Lake links at www.bluelake.org/ondemand.




























