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.

Official music video for "Love In Your Eyes" off of the debut Lighting Matches album, AGAINST THE FLAME

 

Notable Past Shows

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)

2022 Dunesville Music Festival (Lake Ann, MI)

2021 Dunesville Music Festival (Lake Ann, MI)

2022 Gypsy Goddess Festival (Allegan, 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!

LightingMatchesMusic@gmail.com

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI, USA

Band Member Info

RACHEL WHITE
Vocals - Guitar - Songwriter

MATT PLESSNER
Vocals - Guitar - Songwriter  

MARK JILBERT
Drums

SCOTT GARRISON
Bass Guitar - Backing Vocals

Promo Photos & Logo