Today we’d like to introduce you to John Voelz.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My wife and I opened a restaurant, coffee shop, and beer-and-wine bar just six days before COVID hit. We poured every ounce of our personal resources into it. But because the business was so new, we had no track record to prove our losses—and no access to financial aid.
We fought to keep it alive for three years, determined to provide for our employees and community. Along the way, we sold our home and nearly everything we owned, moving into an Airstream trailer in hopes of saving the business. Eventually, we had to let go and sell, doing our best to recover what we could.
That moment of loss became a turning point. Instead of giving up, we chose to chase a dream we’d always carried: life on the road, traveling full-time, and working as we explored the country. As of this summer, we’ve visited 46 National Parks, and our goal is to see them all in our lifetime.
I’ve always been a professional musician, and my wife is a watercolor artist. Today, I support us with live performances, while she runs an online print-on-demand business featuring her artwork on home goods and gifts. Together, we’ve created a lifestyle that blends passion with freedom.
Beyond music, I’m also a published author and—believe it or not—a professional Santa Claus. Each Christmas season as “Santa John,” I log more than 100 hours of home visits, photo shoots, and holiday events. Add in seasonal music shows, and let’s just say life on the road is never boring.
For half the year, our home base is California; the other half, Michigan. With children and grandkids spread between California, Michigan, and Canada, our travels double as treasured family time.
When we’re in Michigan, I play at venues and events across the state, though most of my shows are centered around Grand Haven and Muskegon. It’s a busy, beautiful life—and one we’re grateful to be living.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life on the road sounds romantic, and people often say to me, “You’re living OUR dream. We’ve always wanted to do that.” My go-to response is to laugh and reply, “You can! Just lose everything you own and hit the road!”
Of course, the reality is a little less glamorous. Things break. Repairs and maintenance are constant—on both the trailer and the truck that pulls it. We only have one vehicle, which means it has to serve as my gig car and pull our home on wheels. Since the truck and trailer are our home and livelihood, any repair becomes urgent—and those breakdowns can have a way of hijacking our plans.
There’s also the nonstop hustle of booking shows and appearances. Marketing myself is practically a full-time job, and unlike traditional corporate work, there’s no steady paycheck, no benefits, and no guarantees.
But as one of my mentors always reminded me: “The sweat has to come from somewhere.”
We’re in the process of rebuilding our lives. We recently bought a piece of property and dream of putting a modest home on it. As much as we love the freedom of the road, we still miss the comfort of a traditional home—and we look forward to the day when we can have one again.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve always considered myself an “idea person.” Innovation has never been optional for us—it’s been essential. In fact, my latest book, Becoming an Idea Mentalist: The Unusual Perspectives, Practices, and Rituals of Idea People, explores exactly that.
These days, my creativity shows up not only in the music I write and perform, but also in the relationships I build. I love connecting with venue owners and earning their trust, because those connections often open doors to unexpected opportunities. For example, a recurring music gig recently evolved into a short-term partnership with a California restaurant, where I designed and launched a lifetime membership program—playful, creative, and packed with unique perks.
For me, a gig is never just a gig. It’s the start of something bigger—a chance to create, collaborate, and build lasting relationships.
I also believe one of my superpowers is spreading joy. At a recent gig, a woman came up to me and said, “You did it again—you put a smile on my face.” Praise like that is priceless to me. I want to be a voice that rises above the noise of division, fear, and hatred we see all around us.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Western Michigan is its spirit of tenacity. I’m inspired by the small businesses where I play music—their drive to create something unique and meaningful for their communities.
The restaurants, craft breweries, and distilleries I frequent all have their own personality, each offering an experience you can’t find anywhere else. They become gathering places where people come to celebrate life, share laughter, and make memories with friends.
These spaces don’t just serve food or drinks—they support live music, art, and connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://johnvoelz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnvoelzmedia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnVoelz/ | https://www.facebook.com/JohnVoelzArtsandMedia/ | https://www.facebook.com/airstreamsanta/
