LANDON CONRATH

Isabel Whelan, also known by her stage name as BEL, opened for Landon Conrath at the intimate venue called The Shelter in Detroit’s Greektown. Her charisma and comfortability on stage gave fans an enjoyable earful of her Indie/Alternative sound. If the word “ethereal” made a sound, it would sound like BEL. BEL’s cool personality put a spell on the audience, making them forget all about the sweltering heat outdoors. It was clear that she was determined to take the crowd on a far away journey that somehow still made us feel right at home, and her resonant tone did just that. With a clear voice that rang sweetly in each person’s ear, BEL made Detroit want more. Landon Conrath, though having just had $5,000 worth of equipment stolen in Chicago, still gave Detroit a night to remember, regardless of having used borrowed equipment. He hails from the Twin Cities, and his down-to-earth energy makes everyone want to root for him and his success. Conrath swept those at The Shelter off their feet with his funky vibes and riveting guitar solos, and his Indie/Alternative style gave him the same sort of feel as everyone’s favorite hometown hero. He made sure the audience felt welcomed and seen, making conversation with fans throughout the evening in between songs; and he even recognized a few people from previous shows. Even being robbed wasn’t going to put a damper on his spirits. He and his bandmates put on an electrifying performance, catching everyone in a trans, mesmerizing them with his guitar skills. Landon Conrath is an up-and-coming artist you don’t want to miss out on. It’s his ability to connect with a crowd that makes him so enjoyable, and his music makes you feel like you’re chasing a sunset in your car with the windows down, blasting your favorite music before the end of summer finally settles in. Story by David Bredeweg | Photos and Edited by Jordyn Ward