While musicians Chase Nelson and Mitch Lin have been performing together since 2017 when they met in New York City. As residents of Taipei, Taiwan, they perform regularly as part of the Taipei Buskers program near Taipei 101. However, this is their first year performing in the Gentex Street Performers Series in Holland, Nelson’s hometown. Tomorrow night from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, they will join an exciting line-up of 25 musicians, jugglers, balloon twisters, caricature artists, break dancers, and more at the Gentex Street Performer Series in Downtown Holland. The 2026 Street Performer Series is proudly sponsored by Gentex Corporation with additional support provided by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.
Nelson is Holland native and the vocalist of the duo. Since he was a kid, his dream was to be a singer, though he worried that he lacked natural talent. While in college he was encouraged to try voice lessons, and after his first lesson he switched to studying voice with a passion. During the day he is a full-time science researcher focusing on HPV and cervical cancer. Lin has played the piano since very early his childhood and has been passionate about the instrument since the very beginning, stating that he “knows the piano better than his own voice.” He went on to study music composition before earning a master’s degree in Screen Scoring at New York University. He is now a professor at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and a composer for films such Netflix’s “Black Box” (2025), HBO Asia’s “The Accidental Influencer” (2024), and the Taiwanese Indian feature film “Demon Hunters” (2026).
At the Street Performer Series, these accomplished musicians play a range of jazz standards, musical theatre numbers, and pop tunes that allow them to use their classical training while remaining upbeat—including songs from Lady Gaga, Billy Joel, Patsy Cline, and Elvis. Listeners can also expect to hear a range of jazz standards, pop/folk, musicals, and country music with voice and piano. They also occasionally perform Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese songs.
“We like to focus on classical technique and clarity of sound and feel it’s important for music not to be overly processed,” said the duo. “To us, music is about communicating truth, and for that, simplicity is key. It’s incredible what a straightforward execution of a composer’s notes and lyrics can achieve!”
Being part of the Series has been deeply meaningful for this duo. For Nelson, it’s been a dream come true to be performing back in his hometown. “Sometimes we have to leave a place before we can really see it, and I’m grateful for the chance to return home with a fresh musical perspective to offer,” said Neson.
For Mitch, this experience at the series has sparked a rather romantic dream “What if we could travel the
world and perform wherever we go?” said Lin. An idea now seems possible after this summer. Lin has loved every second of being in Holland and is looking forward to their next performance in front of Chico’s this Thursday, August 6.
Street Performer Series attendees should note that 8th Street will be closed to thru traffic and parking from Columbia Avenue to River Avenue from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Thursday nights to accommodate the crowd. Free public parking for the event is available in the surface lots on 7th and 9th Streets, in the 7th and 9th Street Parking Decks, and at the Holland Civic Center Place. And don’t forget that while the Series is free to attend, tipping the performers is customary, as the Series is a traditional busking event.
The Downtown Holland Social District is also open during the Street Performer Series, meaning that patrons ages 21+ can purchase alcoholic beverages at one of nearly 20 different participating establishments to enjoy while strolling throughout Downtown Holland during the event. For a list of participating establishments, the social district regulations, and the district boundaries, please visit www.downtownsocialdistrict.com.
Street Performer Series Performer Line-Up for August 6
Balloon Twisters
Dan Mutschler
Dan Mutschler is a self-taught and talented balloon artist who performs regularly at birthday parties, scouting events, art fairs and more. He has over 21 years of experience and is constantly learning new designs to share with young and old alike. You’ll often find him strolling downtown with one his many creations in hand!
Steve’s Twisted Balloons
Steve is a dad to two beautiful daughters and the owner of “Steve’s Twisted Balloons.” He started twisting balloons for family and friends at birthday parties just four years ago. Aft4er launching his public balloon-twisting career at the Street Performer Series, he has quickly become one of the area’s most sought-after balloon artists for special events, birthday party appearances, and more. He is excited to make his return to the Street Performer Series this year!
Dancers
Flow Like Water
Flow Like Water is a break-dancing crew that performs regularly at festivals and events throughout West Michigan, bringing the crowd to their feet wherever they go. Their high energy and hip-hop beats are only matched by their amazing dance skills. This highly captivating performance crew seeks to connect within the community through the world of dance and entertainment.
Lisa Bullis-Dennen
Lisa has been a student and performer of Arab dance for over 20 years. She now focuses solely on Egyptian dance styles, continuing to learn from the teachers that first taught her the art. Her goal is to present an authentic and emotionally rich experience. Lisa lives part-time in Egypt, immersed in the rich history and culture. During her street performances you can also join in on some of her mini-lessons and wear one of the hip scarves she brings along!
Michigan Moonwalker
Jake Thompson has been dancing like Michael Jackson since 2016, when he first witnessed a video of Jackson performing “Smooth Criminal” live. Jacob has performed as a Michael Jackson impersonator 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 sixth summer in a row. Jake is excited to go all out at the Series this year, as he celebrates 10 years of honing his craft.
Graphic Artists
Alma’s Splash of Color
Alma Sanchez is a talented local face painter from Fennville who performers regularly at birthday parties, festivals, and community events. She uses colorful face paints and glitter in her full-face designs that are popular among all ages!
Caricatures by Britta
Britta Lindemulder has loved to draw since she was a young child. She earned how to draw caricatures while working at Michigan’s Adventure back in 2008 and graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2011. A tattoo artist by day, Britta has been drawing caricatures at the Street Performer Series since 2012. Passionate about all forms of art, Britta enjoys connecting with people and bringing their creative visions to life through her work.
Doodle Face
Brooke Wolf has talents in all creative outlets, but for the Street Performer Series she brings a unique style of art in the form of glitter tattoos! She uses safe and kid-friendly paints to make designs that are popular among all ages. When she’s not painting faces, you can also find Brooke assisting Steve’s Twisted Ballons!
Henna by Anna
Anna Hoskins is a full-time artist who holds both a BFA and MFA in drawing from Kendall College of Art and Design. While she enjoys working in her studio, she loves to combine her passion for art and meeting people by drawing henna tattoos at reunions, birthday parties, weddings and more! Anna has been a Street Performer Series regular for over 15 years
Henna by Jahara
Jahanara Begum has been a Street Performer in Downtown Holland since the beginning of the Street Performer Series. 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!
Musicians
2 Sides of December
2 Sides of December is a band made of friends and siblings Luke and Lane Buwalda and Carrie and Grant Mosher, who love playing live music! Together, they perform a mix of classic sing-along cover songs and great original songs! These four talented artists love to perform a variety of genres and draw a crowd at every show. They’ve generated a large following, been featured in articles, and accumulated large amounts of views and streams across all platforms!
Brethren
Brethren has a combined 75 years of stage experience entertaining crowds with music. Musicians Ben Barnes, Adam Davidson, Aaron Cole, and Zac Davidson have been performing in church basements, outdoor events, corporate parties, and more together or over 20 years. With a blend of classic rock, American standards, folk, and modern music, they bring the party to you with songs you know and love!
Chase & Mitch
Chase Nelson and Mitch Lin are a talented voice and piano duo based in Taipei, Taiwan. Together, they perform a mix of English, Chinese, and Japanese pop and folk, ranging from Billy Joel to Alison Krauss.
Douglas Marlink
Douglas Marlink 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 showcasing his banjo talents both in Downtown Holland and at the Holland Farmers Market.
Eric Gilliland
Eric Gilliland is a solo acoustic performer based on the Lakeshore. He is a street performer around Holland and a frequent fixture at the historic Park Theatre's Tuesday open mic downtown. Eric is a 38-year-old father of four with a passion for music and the arts. He has been writing music and performing both personally and professionally for many years and loves to share his passion by performing for a crowd
JLo the Artist
Local musician Jeanette Locher plays the native flute and enjoys making music from the heart. Jeanette performs regularly at the Holland Farmers Market and is excited to perform for the Gentex Street Performer Series for the third summer in a row! She is also an artist and crafter in her spare time.
Shayna + Maren
Shayna Gibson and Maren Case are here to bring you the smoothest harmonies and the feel-good classics on guitar and keyboard! They have been performing together for over ten years, and Shayna has been participating in the Street Performer Series every year since 2016. This is their last year in Michigan together and they’re excited to share it with you on Thursday evenings!
Silverado Band
West Michigan natives Harold Woodrum, Tom Bourne, Mackenzie Woodring, and their newest member, Scott Rogers, 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…and at the Gentex Street Performer Series!
Still Broke
Still Broke is a band made-up of college students Caleb Montgomery, Danielle Lebster, and Kyler Young, on guitar, box drum and vocals, who love music and spending time in Downtown Holland. Having all grown up in Holland, they’ve always enjoyed watching the Street Performer Series and are excited to now be the ones performing
Sunset Rumble
Sunset Rumble is a band full of born and raised Michiganders. They have performed live and recorded in studios for over 40 years now. They grew up on Memphis soul and Motown as well as Detroit Rock & Roll. They were part of the Street Performer Series in 2017 and then moved away to California for seven years, but now they’re back to what they call “home” right here in Holland. They love to get audiences clapping their hands and tapping their toes.
The Holland Doctors of Jazz
The Holland Doctors of Jazz got their start as a band at Holland Hospital, where Micah Vanderhill and Jeff Carroll began playing together in the main hospital area for workers and visitors about 15 years ago. They added another doctor on bass, then a drummer, then a sax player, and finally a trumpet player. They have received offers to play all throughout West Michigan and have been at the Street Performer Series regulars for many years.
The Trill Seekers-Melodic Flutes
Flautists Colleen Wedekind and Allie Haltenhoff both share a deep love of music. Colleen started on the flute at the age of ten and has been playing for over 60 years. Allie, who also began learning the flute when she was ten, is currently studying flute performance at Hope College. Together, they share a love for the freedom of thought and expression the flute brings. They hope people will be moved by their compositions they choose
Whiskey & Wine
Mike and Becky Villar are an acoustic husband and wife duo, featuring sweet harmonies and an eclectic array of songs from the 60’s through today. Their song selection is appreciated and loved by all ages. If you’re looking for easy listening rock, folk, and a touch of country, Whiskey & Wine is the perfect listening experience for you.
Other Performers
Mat Emerick
Mat Emerick delights audiences of all ages with his whimsical and zany mime, clown and juggler act. He loves to involve the audience in his routine, and this interactive experience is what makes the show so fun. No one knows exactly what’s going to happen next… including him!
That Juggling Girl
Kaylin Meyers, known as That Juggling Girl, hails from Muskegon. She first began juggling at the age of 17. Since then, she’s gained over half a million followers online with hundreds of millions of views, has been featured on the world top 40 jugglers list, received an honorary international award from the International Jugglers’ Association, and has performed and taught internationally from California to New York and beyond.
