HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Jun. 12, 2025) – Although street performers can be seen in downtown Holland most every day of the year, the season in which they take over downtown Holland begins on Thursday evening.
The annual Street Performer Series kicks off with over 75 rotating, variety acts along 8th Street. Visitors will enjoy musicians, jugglers, balloon twisters, caricature artists, break dancers and more, with the proverbial hat or open guitar case nearby for gratuities. Staffers from event sponsor Gentex will be on hand in GDK Park with a prize wheel and giveaways for patrons, along with information on employment opportunities with the Zeeland-based specialty parts maker.
The Downtown Holland Social District will also be in operation, for those 21 years and older able to purchase alcoholic beverages at one of around 20 participating establishments, and take them outside to walk amongst the performers. While the festivities are slated from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, Holland Public Safety will block off 8th Street, between Columbia and River avenues, from 6-9 PM.
The Downtown Holland Street Performer Series runs weekly on Thursday evenings through August 14th.
Here’s a list of scheduled performers for July 12th, as provided by Downtown Holland:
Balloon Twisters
Balloons by Dan Mutschler
Dan Mutschler is a self-taught and talented balloon artist who performs regularly at birthday parties, scouting events, art fairs, and fundraisers. He has nearly 20 years of experience twisting balloons and is constantly learning new designs to share with young and old alike, including popular characters, animals, and more!
Jim Perry “The Balloon Guy”
Jim Perry “The Balloon Guy” has been entertaining children of all ages with his remarkable balloon twisting skills for more than 40 years. He is West Michigan’s premier balloon twister, doing 250-300 events a year. He is a graduate of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College and travelled the country for four years with different circuses.
Dancers
Flow Like Water
Flow Like Water is a high-level performance breakdancing crew from that brings the crowd to their feet wherever they go. Performing regularly at festivals and events throughout West Michigan, their high energy, hip-hop beats, and incredible dance skills make them a standout act. More than just performers, Flow Like Water is passionate about connecting with community.
May & De Fuego
Nick May is a seasoned fire performer with over 13 years of experience, blending dance, theatrics, and music into captivating, high-energy shows. He creates unforgettable visual spectacles with precision and passion. Joining him is Gemma Michelini (Gem De Fuego), a rising talent who adds both captivating performances and logistical support.
Michigan Moonwalker
Jake Thompson has been dancing like Michael Jackson since 2016, when he first saw a video of Jackson performing “Smooth Criminal” live. Jacob has performed at numerous high school talent shows and other special events and is excited to show off his skills at the Street Performer Series for the fifth summer in a row.
Mystic
Maribel “Mystic” Garza is a belly dancer with over 20 years of performance experience as both a soloist and member of various dance troupes. She got her start right here in Holland and has been part of the Series since its second year. She loves inviting audiences of all ages to join in the fun, sharing the joy, energy, and artistry of belly dancing downtown each summer.
Graphic Artists
Caricatures by Britta
Britta Lindemulder has been drawing caricatures since 2008, when she first learned the art at Michigan’s Adventure. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Illustration from Grand Valley State University in 2011 and now works as a tattoo artist. Passionate about all forms of art, Britta enjoys connecting with people and bringing their creative visions to life through her work.
Henna by Jahara
Jahanara Begum has been a Street Performer in Downtown Holland since the beginning of the Gentex Street Performer Series back in 2005. She is a highly skilled and experienced henna artist who uses all natural ingredients that are safe for the skin. Her designs never fail to impress her fans of all ages!
Liv for Henna
Alivia Apol is a 16-year-old artist with a passion for creativity, recently focusing her talents on the intricate art of henna. She has already gained experience applying henna designs at birthday parties and community events and is excited to return to Downtown Holland for her second year as part of the Gentex Street Performer Series!
Musicians
Andy Callis
Musician Andy Callis has played the accordion for a number of bands in the Lansing area, including The Lash, Zydecrunch, Heartland Klezmorim, and Atomic Boogaloo. He loves how the accordion can instantly evoke a time and place, as one hears it passing by on a summer evening in the city. He’s excited to be back at the Street Performer Series this summer.
Chris Clayton Loop
Chris Shideler is a solo musician based in Grand Rapids who takes listeners on a journey with his music. He found his passion for live looping years ago, and through hard work and practice, he has been making music ever since. Chris’ favorite part of performing is showing the crowd how he builds songs up and breaks them back down as he plays.
Doug Marlink
Doug Marlink is a talented banjo player who first began playing banjo in the mid-1970’s. He performs mostly bluegrass and some jazz music on the banjo. He is a street performer regular who can often be found performing both on the streets of Downtown Holland and at the Holland Farmers Market.
El Em En Oh Pea
Albert Gemmen, Jamison Worst, and Lindsey Burton have been playing together for several years, bringing a relaxed, nostalgic sound to summer gatherings and backyard barbecues. Their performances aim to create a chill atmosphere where audiences can sing along or simply enjoy the music in the background. They are also active participants in the street performer scene.
Hannah & Ali Music
Hannah Kok and Ali Podjan share a deep passion for creating and performing music together. Ali, who has been playing guitar for seven years, is currently studying cosmetology, while Hannah is pursuing a marketing degree at Calvin University. Both have been singing for as long as they can remember. They are excited to return for another year at the Series.
Isabel Noguera
Singer-songwriter Isabel Noguera has been performing since she was ten years old. She’s performed at many open mic nights and around the streets of South Haven and Saugatuck. Influenced by artists like Chappel Roan and Rosie Tucker, her sound sits somewhere between indie folk and rock, with subtle touches of dream-pop. She sings all her own original music.
Maddy Grace
Maddy Kok is a recent nursing graduate from Calvin University who has been passionate about music since childhood, teaching herself guitar at 11 and performing publicly since middle school. She loves sharing her music to create a fun, family-friendly atmosphere and bring joy to others at the Street Performer Series and beyond.
SAB
SAB is a saxophone trio made up of Evan Talsma, Joshua Bush, and Tristan Patch. Known for their top ratings at solo and ensemble competitions and a nomination for the MSBOA Outstanding Ensemble Competition, they enjoy playing movie themes and popular hits. SAB loves sharing their music with all ages and bringing fun to every performance!
Shawna and Matt Veenstra
Shawna and Matt Veenstra are a father-daughter duo who bring covers of both classic and contemporary pop music to the Series. Matt is a band director at Holland Christian Schools for 5th-8th graders and also spends some of his free time with a cover band called “Reckless Davey”. Shawna is currently a senior at the University of Arizona studying music education.
Silverado Band
West Michigan natives Harold Woodrum, Tom Bourne, and Mackenzie Woodring make up the Silverado Band. They play a wide variety of music including polkas, waltzes, and line dances that are sure to entertain a crowd at a wedding, bar, private parties… or at the Gentex Street Performer Series!
Stovepipe’s Caravan
Stovepipe’s Caravan is the moniker for Justin “Stovepipe” Stover, a one-man band currently based in Michigan. Stovepipe has performed at opera houses, bars, houses, small venues, large venues, and everything in between. His music is punk-tinged folk-rock perfect for fans of Tom Petty, Springsteen, and anyone who loves foot-stomping songs.
String Theory
Greg Howard and Dean Michaels are a Celtic harp and acoustic guitar duo who have been performing together across West Michigan since 1990. They’ve played for dinner parties, weddings, receptions, and church events, and have been part of the Holland Street performing scene for nearly a decade, delighting audiences with their unique blend of harp and guitar.
The Original Wooden Shoe Dixieland Band
Each of the five members in The Original Wooden Shoe Dixieland Band (Jeff Carroll, Tommy Davis, Ed Dublis, Dana Laswell, and Frank Warrick) have over 50 years of experience performing all over the world. The band plays original Dixieland music in the way it was intended, to make sure they always get the
audience to smile!
Whiskey & Wine
Mike and Becky Villar perform an eclectic mix of popular music from the 1970s to today, featuring acoustic guitar and rich vocals with smooth harmonies. They have been a part of the Gentex Street Performer Series for the past seven years and are looking forward to returning to 8th Street again this summer.
Other Performers
Celtic Kilroy: The Irish Street Musician
Matt Kilroy, known as Celtic Kilroy, performs as a human statue called The Irish Street Musician. Since his debut in Grand Haven in 2012, he has become a popular act at events across Michigan and beyond, including the Michigan Irish Music Festival, Sparta Celtic Festival, and Milwaukee Irish Fest. Matt is a long-time favorite in the Gentex Street Performer Series.
Connor Scholten
Connor Scholten first began yo-yoing as a young child in 1997, and he first performed for the public as part of the first ever Street Performer Series in 2005. He has since worked full time as a yo-yo designer, coached the top players in the world, and taught yo-yo to thousands of people online. He is also the 2017 and 2018 National Yo-Yo Contest Winner.
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