Writer's Round: Aaron James Wright, Amy Young, Monica James, Dede Alder, & Kevin Reeves

Sat, 29 Nov, 2025 at 07:00 pm UTC-05:00

4253 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, United States, Michigan 49548 | Grand Rapids

The Stray
Publisher/HostThe Stray
Writer's Round: Aaron James Wright, Amy Young, Monica James, Dede Alder, & Kevin Reeves
Advertisement
Aaron James Wright is an independent singer-songwriter, special education teacher, environmental activist, husband, father and noted smart ass. During a 30 year career in music, Aaron has dabbled in alternative rock, classic rock, punk rock, butt rock, country, jazz, blues, and children’s music. Performing in bands such as “Slow Drag”, David Bowie tribute act “The Long Players”, and most recently “Aaron James Wright & The Ultralights”, as well as a solo act, Aaron has played venues from Detroit to Chicago, and from Alaska to Kentucky. His most recent solo album, “A Little Stronger”, was produced in Kalamazoo at Broadside Productions by studio wizard and guitar slinger Mike Roche. Aaron’s tunes have been heard on WYCE’s “Local Spins”out of Grand Rapids and on WMUK on “Grassroots” and “Let’s Hear It”. “Grassroots” host Darcy Wilkin calls him “the best songwriter you’ve never heard of”. Aaron is not sure if that is a compliment.
--
Amy Young is a lifelong student of music, beginning as a kid in a small country church and moving into a major at Western Michigan University. Unable to reconcile a degree in voice and starting a family in Michigan, Social Work happened. Fortunately, life revealed that music can be a part of everything else, which is where the songs come from. “I write to process. I write to relate. The lyrics and feelings behind the music bring us together. Our stories may be different but how our stories impact us through celebration or suffering is common humanity, is connection. We all need connection”.
--
Monica James is a singer-songwriter based in West Michigan, with an ambition of playing music that connects people. She has been writing songs and playing guitar since she was 13, and she’s now ready to get her foot in the door of the music industry. Her setlists are diverse, with popular songs from almost every decade since the 60’s. From artists like The Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, modern hits from the likes of Taylor Swift and Brandi Carlile, and her own bittersweet acoustic tunes, Monica James has something for every audience member.
--
I am Dede Alder — singer, songwriter, and percussionist. My performances blend sultry vocals, keyboard, marimba, looping percussion, and world rhythms into a sound that is both hypnotic and joyful.
“Dede Alder is a vintage wine, old Hollywood vibe and so classy. Her voice is smooth and dreamy and her presence is powerful. Seeing Dede is an honor to witness and so magical.”
--
Kevin Reeves is a multi-genre musician who has released six albums throughout his career. He has been on a lifetime journey of self discovery; Which has culminated most recently in his starting down the path to mental health and wellness. He strives everyday to be a light in the lives of the people he encounters. He not only loves all things music, but possesses a vast knowledge of all things music tech.
--
The Stray is a music and arts cafe located in Grand Rapids, MI. In addition to our craft beer, coffee and wine selection, our kitchen will be open serving our full dinner menu until 9pm! Get here early to snag your favorite seat and grab a bite to eat before the show begins. This show is free to attend, but you can support artists through tips.
The Stray curates a listening room style venue, where performers are front and center, not background entertainment. We frequently ask attendees to silence their phones and keep conversations low out of respect to performers and other audience members.
Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

4253 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, United States, Michigan 49548

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Grand Rapids

SANTA\u2019S HELPERS  CHRISTMAS TREE SALE!- (PICTURES WITH SANTA AND MORE!)
Sat, 29 Nov at 11:30 am SANTA’S HELPERS CHRISTMAS TREE SALE!- (PICTURES WITH SANTA AND MORE!)

5010 Division Ave. S, Grand Rapids, MI, United States, Michigan 49548

Neighbors Connect - Zootopia
Sat, 29 Nov at 12:00 pm Neighbors Connect - Zootopia

Celebration Cinema Grand Rapids North & IMAX

Galactic Toys Kentwood Gundam Build Day
Sat, 29 Nov at 02:00 pm Galactic Toys Kentwood Gundam Build Day

3120 28th Street SE, Kentwood, MI 49512

Santa's Wishlist Party
Sat, 29 Nov at 04:00 pm Santa's Wishlist Party

2845 Lake Eastbrook Blvd SE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States, Michigan 49512

\ud83c\udf93 Jenison High School Class of 2005 \u2013 20-Year Reunion \ud83c\udf89
Sat, 29 Nov at 06:00 pm 🎓 Jenison High School Class of 2005 – 20-Year Reunion 🎉

Polish Falcons of Grand Rapids

Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues @ Horrocks Market
Sat, 29 Nov at 06:00 pm Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues @ Horrocks Market

Horrocks Market

A Hey Moon Holiday Party!
Sat, 29 Nov at 07:00 pm A Hey Moon Holiday Party!

2RST

Yung Gravy
Sat, 29 Nov Yung Gravy

Intersection

Yung Gravy
Sat, 29 Nov Yung Gravy

The Intersection

Yung Gravy at The Intersection
Sat, 29 Nov at 08:00 pm Yung Gravy at The Intersection

The Intersection

Yung Gravy in Grand Rapids
Sat, 29 Nov at 08:00 pm Yung Gravy in Grand Rapids

The Intersection

Yung Gravy, Pertinence in Grand Rapids
Sat, 29 Nov at 08:00 pm Yung Gravy, Pertinence in Grand Rapids

The Intersection

Grand Rapids is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Grand Rapids Events