LIGHTING MATCHES
alternative rock with folk roots
Lighting Matches is an alternative-rock band based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Known for driving guitar riffs and harmonies reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac, Lighting Matches stays true to their roots while also setting fire to the lines and limitations of genre labels.
MUSIC & VIDEOS
Biography
Emerging from the vibrant heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Lighting Matches is an alternative-rock ensemble that seamlessly merges a plethora of musical backgrounds. While they honor their deep-rooted origins, they're unafraid to ignite new paths, challenging and transcending traditional genre boundaries. Lighting Matches is celebrated for their introspective narratives and tight harmonies which offer listeners a poignant and memorable musical experience. The dynamic pairing of Matt Plessner and Rachel White provides the soulful front for the band, delivering performances that captivate and resonate. Their complementing tones and styles are underlined by the impeccable musicianship of Mark Jilbert and Scott Garrison, who form the band's robust backbone.
Highlights
Nominated for Artist of the Year, Best Rock-Pop Album at WYCE Jammie Awards in 2022-23
Ability to provide production for outdoor stages or smaller venues.
Original music that doesn't just resonate—it ignites.
Live clip from an August 1, 2023 performance at Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater for their Tuesday Evening Music Club summer series.
July 1, 2022 performance at the 2022 Smiling Acres Music Festival in Trufant, MI.
May 24, 2025 performance at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe (Kalamazoo, MI) for a special 90’s Night event
Official music video for "Love In Your Eyes" off of the debut Lighting Matches album, AGAINST THE FLAME
Notable Past Shows
90’s Night Memorial Day Weekend events: Bell’s Eccentric Cafe (Kalamazoo, MI) and The Pyramid Scheme (Grand Rapids, MI) May 24 & 25, 2024
Frederik Meijer Gardens’ Tuesday Evening Music Club (Grand Rapids, MI) August 1, 2023
Shorts Brewing Company’s outdoor stage (Bellaire, MI) August, 2023
2023 Smiling Acres Music Festival (Trufant, MI)
2022 Smiling Acres Music Festival (Trufant, MI)
2021 and 2022 Dunesville Music Festivals (Lake Ann, MI)
Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium (Grand Haven, MI) opening for Sara Peacock, 2022 [*Courtyard Concerts’ series finale show]
Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium (Grand Haven, MI) opening for Pat McGee Band, 2021
The Stache @ The Intersection (Grand Rapids, MI) opening for BAILEN, January 2020
Booking
Interested in chatting with us about a show? Use the contact info below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
Band Member Info
RACHEL WHITE
Vocals - Guitar - Songwriter
MATT PLESSNER
Vocals - Guitar - Songwriter - Piano - Mandolin
MARK JILBERT
Drums
SCOTT GARRISON
Bass Guitar - Backing Vocals
Promo Photos & Logo
