Coming from Saginaw, Houghton Lake, Grayling and Hale, Limelight band members made their way to Alpena after having been requested to play since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Carrie Westbay is the lead singer. She introduced her bandmates, drummer Jon Dillman, guitarist Tom Rose and bass player Tom Loomis – some of them having joined recently, while most have been around for the 10 years they have been a band.

Limelight was given its name after the Rush song, “Limelight.” Westbay said they are a classic and modern rock band that gained influence from artists like Janis Joplin, The Allman Brothers Band, Tracey Chapman, Larry McCray and a little pop here and there, including artists like Elle King.

The group accepted the request to play at Brown Trout Festival to “get our foot in the door,” Westbay said.

News Photo by Zipporah Abarca Bass player for Limelight Tom Loomis plays at the Brown Trout Festival in Alpena.

As the rain poured on Tuesday evening, Westbay and Dillman agreed it was going to affect the crowd. But when recalling how Limelight played five years ago in Alpena for a Fleetwood Mac Tribute, Westbay said she just hopes the crowd is as wonderful as they were that day.

“I’m hoping that these people are sick of the rain and ready to have some fun,” she said. “Maybe they want to get out of the rain, and we can be their shelter with our music.”

Sure enough, as Limelight began to play and the sun made an appearance, the small crowd began to grow.

“I find that it doesn’t matter the size of the crowd, but how they are enthused,” Westbay said. “How we can stir them and make them dance, or shout or have a good time. That’s the important thing, that the people are happy.”

Alpena residents Sharlet Blanton and Rick Rache attended the Brown Trout festival despite the rain. Neither of them have heard of Limelight, but they came out because they enjoy the music.

News Photo by Zipporah Abarca Carrie Westbay hops onto some of the picnic tables in the music tent at Brown Trout Festival after asking the bartenders if it was okay.

“The music,” Blanton said. “We love music, we’ll be here every day of the week until it’s over.”

Limelight plays covers as well as some originals.

When Westbay was asked about the impact of being in the band, she said everyone is proud to be a part of Limelight. Her bandmates also remind her to perform the originals on top of playing covers.

“… I get excited playing the covers for the people, playing the ones they want,” she said. “I like to do that. But … [with the original songs] sometimes people will just stop and they’re like ‘what’s this? I don’t recognize this.’

And then sometimes when you’re playing stuff they’ve already heard before they’re not paying attention. They’re busy having a good time.”

News Photo by Zipporah Abarca Guitarist for Limelight Tom Rose plays a guitar solo at the Brown Trout Festival.

Dillman said the only thing that is important to him as a musician is if the audience responds or not.

“I’ve had large crowds that didn’t respond at all … if there’s a small crowd and they respond, I’m good with that. I’ve had tent’s this size with 10 people in it and [they] raised the roof.

…We always seem to have a good response with Carrie, she’s got a high energy, she puts it all out there every day and night.”

Westbay certainly brought the energy as she made her way through the audience giving people high fives, fist bumps and hopping on picnic tables. She danced with those that came to watch and those that weren’t even in the music tent.

When asked what is something the general public should take away from Limelight paying a visit, Dillman said to pay attention to bands with original music.

News Photo by Zipporah Abarca Carrie Westbay goes into the audience to give attendees high fives and fistbumps as she performs with Limelight.

“If a band covers stuff, great, but do they just play what’s on the radio? Do they put their own spin on it? … Does it make your ears perk up? …

I’m into lighting people up, even if you just want to cover a song and you put a bit of your own spin, a bit of your own flavor or energy into it, you watch people light up.”

After leaving Alpena, Limelight will make an appearance at the Missaukee Mountain for a KISS Tribute this Saturday.

As for the Brown Trout Festival, the next band to perform from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday is Frank and Jude. There will be bands playing every day until July 22 before the festival ends July 23.

This story was produced as part of the Michigan News Group Internship. Zipporah Abarca is working for WCMU this summer at The Alpena News.

News Photo by Zipporah Abarca Drummer for Limelight Jon Dillman accompanies the band with vocals.