Article Contributed by Dan Ward
Published on February 10, 2026
Redbud Ramblers | Benton Harbor, MI | photos by Dan Ward
What better way to spend a cold, wintry night than with good food, great beer, a bunch of friends, and a hot band? Benton Harbor’s The Livery has that equation in mind every week. The charming venue boasts innovative comfort food (try the inventive pizza specials), fantastic beer, and an owner who goes out of his way to book the best rising stars to fill the bill. Just add your crew for a wonderful night.
Tonight, we’ve come to hear a rising bluegrass band first encountered this past fall at a small festival venue in Niles. Now they’re in the spotlight as the Redbud Ramblers put on a show. The band—Daniel Regal (guitar), Bill Schnell (banjo), Stephen Kowalski (upright bass), Michael Rowland (mandolin), and Beth Helm (fiddle/vocals)—has made good use of the cold winter to fine-tune their impressive skills.
The band plans a full bluegrass retrospective tonight, covering old standards, familiar classics, and original material. The first set starts off with a medley, “OJC / June Apple,” a nice bouncy tune to get the night started. They move into the classic phase right off with “The Breakup Song,” leading back to “Feel the Blues Moving In.” All wonderfully interpreted.
Next, Daniel gives us a tune about addiction and family—but not what you think. His song “Recreational Cruise” came to him while combing the marketplace for an RV so he could travel with family. It’s a situation we can all relate to. The momentum slows down to enjoy “River Jordan” and “Roll On Buddy, Roll On.”
Michael invites TJ Kanczuzewski from the Happy Campers and Nick Kovach to the stage. TJ has his accordion and Nick is armed with his ever-present harmonica. They help the band on “Cold Rain and Snow,” “Atlantic City,” “Deep Elem Blues,” and “Galway Girl.” It’s nice to have talented friends—TJ and Nick add even more dimension to the Ramblers’ sound.
TJ takes a break, but Nick stays on to lend some sweet harmonica to “Dark Hollow.” The crowd loves the trip down the Grateful pathway. The first set is rounded out in the same fashion it started, with great standards: “Tear My Stillhouse Down” and “St. Anne’s Reel.” From there, they move on to the more modern “Footprints in the Snow” and close out with a very cool version of “Stuck in the Middle.”
After a short break, the band is back and ready to lay down the tracks. They kick off the second set with “Nellie Kane,” then give us an original that hits close to home. Michael sets up the story of a love triangle in Buchanan that ends with the death of “Old Red.” The song is gritty and fun, even with the dark subject.
Next, we’re treated to a spirited version of “The Girl I Left Behind,” and a heartfelt version of “Crooked Tree,” sung by Beth. Michael shows off more of his writing skills with a song written about childhood memories of a lake he used to fish—“Bomaji Lake.”
TJ and Nick return to help the band with “Ripple,” “Rollin’ in My Sweet Baby’s Arms,” and “Stealin’.” “Ripple” lands with the fans as they sway and sing along with the transcendental melody. The band returns to the core lineup and brings some righteous bluegrass in the form of “Lonesome Pine,” “Passing Through,” and “Old Man at the Mill.” The crowd enjoys the glorious renditions the Ramblers lay down.
TJ and Nick return for one final tune, “Riding That Midnight Train.” It’s a great way to blow out the night. The band has shown they have the chops to play for two full hours and never lose the spirit or momentum. Look for the young group at events this summer—and don’t miss the opportunity to clap and sing along.
