Tracy Shick
Contributing Writer
(Photo by Tracy Shick/TCJ – Caitlynne Curtis (left) with her son Jonah (right).)
As Bellevue prepares to celebrate Independence Day, residents are looking forward to fireworks, music, family gatherings, and a chance to come together as a community. This year, country artist Caitlynne Curtis will take the stage as part of the Fourth of July festivities, bringing a message that extends far beyond music.
While Curtis has performed on major stages across the country and recently made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry, she remains grounded in the values that have shaped her journey: faith, family, gratitude, and perseverance.
Unlike many touring artists, Curtis’ current tour is truly a family affair.
“We have a van right now, and it’s a family tour,” Curtis said. “My mom’s the tour manager, my dad’s the driver, so we’re just traveling the country right now.”
Traveling alongside her this summer is her son Jonah, making this a unique opportunity for their family to experience life on the road together.
“I like that we’re getting to go and see all the cities,” Jonah said. “And then right after we get to perform, we all get to be together in the same car. It’s really fun.”
For Curtis, the opportunity to travel, perform, and create memories with loved ones is something she doesn’t take for granted.
“It’s amazing,” she said. “I’m so grateful.”
That gratitude is reflected throughout her music. Curtis explained that many of her songs come from personal experiences and real-life struggles, allowing listeners to connect with the stories she shares.
“I try to write stories from my own experience,” she said. “I think that’s what makes songs so cool and how they resonate with people. It makes people feel less alone.”
Her newest album, which took years to develop, combines honest emotions, personal challenges, hope, and faith. The result is music that resonates with audiences of all ages.
The Fourth of July itself holds special meaning for Curtis and her family.
When asked what she enjoys most about Independence Day, her answer was simple.
“Just being together and getting to celebrate with everybody,” she said. “We love this country, so it’s a beautiful place to be, and we’re very honored to be living here.”
Jonah shared a similar perspective.
“It’s just a really cool day where you can all be together and celebrate the USA,” he said. “And obviously at nighttime, you get to see all the fireworks. It’s a really cool day.”
Those themes of family, freedom, and togetherness are part of what makes Curtis’ upcoming visit especially meaningful for Bellevue.
The concert is being brought to the community through the efforts of Trevor Watson, owner of Countryside Armory, whose passion for live music began while attending Michigan State University. Watson believes music has a unique ability to bring people together, and he has worked to create opportunities for residents to enjoy quality entertainment close to home.
For Curtis, creating those moments of connection is one of the most rewarding parts of performing.
“I would love people to feel empowered,” she said. “To feel like they got to hear a story and to know that that story can have a happy ending.”
As families gather in Bellevue on July 4 to enjoy music, fireworks, food, and fellowship, Curtis hopes people leave with more than just memories of a concert.
They leave with a renewed appreciation for family, faith, community, and the freedoms that make celebrations like this possible.
And for one summer evening in Bellevue, those values will be celebrated together through the power of music. Concert begins at 7 p.m. in Bellevue on the 4th of July followed by a fireworks show by the Bellevue Fireman’s Association.
