Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.

This episode was recorded at the Michigan Music Econ Summit in Grand Rapids and features Martel Strickland, founder of DJ Fest.app, and Kenneth Cortez, vice president of the Film and Media Alliance of West Michigan. The conversation focuses on building real opportunities for artists in Grand Rapids and West Michigan, especially the gap between small shows and larger stages.

We discuss how both guests are creating systems, events, and community infrastructure that help artists grow, get organized, and move from grassroots performances to the next level.