Montcalm Musicians Spotlight

Montcalm Musician Spotlight: Jim Wonsey & the Heartbeat of Local Music

Montcalm Musicians Spotlight: Music runs deep in Montcalm County—and this episode of the Discover Montcalm Podcast proves it.

In this Montcalm Musician Spotlight, I sit down with Jim Wonsey, longtime local musician and the driving force behind Tequila Roze Chilled, to talk about a lifetime of music, memories, and what it really means to play local.

Jim’s journey started young—around five years old—when a certain guitar riff from Smoke on the Water lit a spark that never went out. From plastic toy guitars to real lessons in the Six Lakes area, from teenage garage bands to wedding receptions, festivals, and packed local bars, Jim’s story mirrors the path of so many musicians who grew up surrounded by sound and inspired by family.

We talk about:

• Growing up in a musical family

• Forming bands as a teenager

• Balancing full-time work with weekend gigs

• Playing house bands and festival beer tents

• The evolution of Montcalm County’s live music scene

• Why live music still matters—even in a Netflix world

Jim Wonsey also shares honest thoughts about how the music scene has changed since the 70s and 80s, what’s better today (no smoke-filled bars!), and why supporting local venues and musicians is more important than ever.

From Frosty’s to festivals like the Edmore Potato Festival, Jim and Tequila Roze Chilled continue to keep live music alive across Montcalm County and beyond.

If you love local music, local stories, and the people behind the sound—this episode is for you.

🎶 Support local music. Support local venues. Buy local.

The Discover Montcalm Podcast thanks West Michigan Technology & Design Solutions, WGLM106.3 FM, DW Video, and Business Growth Engine for their support.

Tune In Discover Montcalm Podcast

🎧 Listen now on the Discover Montcalm Podcast and on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, iHeart, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

👉 Want to share your story on the Discover Montcalm Podcast?

Contact
Call 231-250-9624

Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or duane@dwvideo.com. Together, let’s showcase the heart of Montcalm County, one story at a time.

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