After the severe weather experienced last Thursday, the 2026 Gentex Street Performer Series will kick off in Downtown Holland this week Thursday, June 18 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm featuring a performance by local singer-songwriter Maddy Grace. During the Gentex Street Performer Series, the entire community is invited to experience the sights and sounds as over 25 different performing artists and groups from every background perform free for the public every Thursday evening through August 13! Throughout the summer, the Gentex Street Performer Series features an exciting line-up of over 75 rotating performer all along 8th Street, including musicians, jugglers, balloon twisters, caricature artists, break dancers, henna tattoo artists, and more. The 2026 Street Performer Series is proudly sponsored by Gentex Corporation with additional support provided by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.
Local singer-songwriter and talented artist Maddy Grace is set to return to the Gentex Street Performers Series this summer, bringing live guitar and vocals to Downtown Holland on Thursday June 18. Originally from Kalamazoo, and a Holland resident since 2019, Maddy Grace has been performing since childhood. She started singing in her church at just 4 years old, growing up singing alongside her two sisters. Her journey performing for large crowds started in middle school, igniting a passion that has continued since.
“I’ve been performing in some way since I was little” Maddy Grace said. “I enjoy performing in the Gentex Street Performers Series because the community it provides is amazing!”
Now 22 years old, Maddy Grace performs vocals accompanied by guitar, blending country music with folk and pop, taking inspiration from Ella Langley and Tiffany Hudson, as well as her own lived experiences. This year marks Maddy’s 7th time appearing in the Gentex Street Performer Series. You can find her this Thursday performing near Cotton Bay Boutique on 8th street, offering a family-friendly set designed to create an inviting and uplifting atmosphere.
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 June 18
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.
Mystic
Maribel “Mystic” Garza is dancer with a passion for the beautiful art of Middle Eastern belly dancing. Since taking her first class close to 20 years ago, she has worked on perfecting the art as both a solo and group dancer. 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
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
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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!
Liv for Henna
Alivia Apol is a 17-year-old with three years of experience as a henna tattoo artist. She’s loved creating art in multiple mediums since a young age, including acrylic painting, sketching, resin, and more. In addition to performing at the Street Performer Series, she’s also made appearances birthday parties, farmers markets, block parties, and more. Alivia works to provide a positive and fun experience for all age groups and loves being able to interact with others!
Musicians
Brucie Cookie
Brucie began piano and horn lessons when he was a child, playing in church, school, and theaters. After retiring from a career teaching high school, he continues to pursue his passion for music by performing with solo and with various groups at the Park Theatre, in Downtown Holland, and in churches throughout West Michigan, often with the Tarnished Brass Band.
Charlie TenHaken
Charlie is an acoustic guitar player and singer who performs music across a variety of decades and genres. This is his first year performing solo at the Street Performer Series after performing last year with a group of friends and musicians from the Holland Christian High School Jazz Band.
Dying Will Be Easy
Brothers James and Ben Woiwode, along with their friend Cameron Hurd, have been making music together for more than a decade in the West Michigan area as Dying Will Be Easy. This guitar, upright bass, and mandolin trio have a broad repertoire covering blues, Irish folk and modern rock. Their performances are a captivating mix of original compositions and reimagined covers, designed to resonate with a diverse audience!
Eli LaCroix
A talented piano player and musician, Eli is excited to be back for his third year in a row at the Gentex Street Performer Series! A Holland native, he spent eight years living and performing in New York City before returning home to West Michigan. He’s grateful for the chance to perform and bring a sense of joy and camaraderie to the community.
Grand Haven Harmonics
Grand Haven Harmonics is an all-female acapella group sharing the power of vocal harmony. Rooted in collective singing, they bring warmth and musicality to all performances, especially when performing Christmas carols for nursing homes. Their diverse repertoire features love songs and patriotic pieces, aiming to uplift hearts and foster unity through acapella.
Hannah & Ali Music
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Hannah Kok and Ali Podjan are close friends who have been singing together since high school. They connected through their involvement in the chapel as they shared a passion for music and using their God-given gifts. Their sound blends country and pop, and they love to share the joy that music brings them!
Jared Teune
Hailing from the neighboring town of Zeeland, Jared Teune is a foot tambourine, suitcase drum, acoustic guitar player making his Street Performer Series debut this summer. Jared also composes his own music and enjoys performing his original songs for others!
Maddy Grace
Maddy Kok is a 22-year-old with a huge passion for music, who works as a registered nurse. Maddy started singing when she was little, taught herself guitar at 11, and has been performing publicly since middle school. She loves sharing her music to create a fun, family-friendly atmosphere and bring joy to others at her performances!
Matthew Nolen
Matthew is a 25-year-old drummer who is passionate about the drum set and music. Matthew started playing when he was just five years old and has a strong passion for music, the drum kit, and live performance!
Third Class Flynn
Third Class Flynn is an Irish music busking duo, comprised of husband and wife Ray and Cindy Veen. Dressed as the characters Michael and Mary Flynn, Irish immigrants from the late 1800's, the Flynn's tell their story through the music of Ireland: folk tunes, dance tunes, pub tunes, laments, and more.
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
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.
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.
