Biography
Carter Lezman is a singer-songwriter from Holland, Michigan, with a selection of music that stylistically draws from the soft rock, folk, country, and pop genres.
Carter began playing trumpet in the 5th grade band at his school. Very shortly after joining the school band, Carter found his passion for music and decided to learn to play guitar as a hobby. After a few years of practice, he decided to try out for the church worship team, as well as play in a few garage bands. His high school years were filled with musical opportunities, including being drum major of his school band, worship leader for his youth group, and a weekly member of the church worship team.
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After graduating from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor's degree in History and Political Science, Carter landed a job at MC Sports as a merchandise assistant. Around this time, he also co-founded the band Soul Escort, a popular-hits cover band that performed in local breweries and venues in the West Michigan area.
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Carter was hired as Worship Leader at CrossWind Community Church (Dorr) in January, 2016. Shortly after accepting the position at CrossWind, Carter resigned from his position at MC Sports. Carter also parted ways with Soul Escort, deciding to promote his solo act and original songs.
In May of 2016, Carter performed his first solo performance at Macatawa Ale Company in Holland, MI. After a memorable debut, Carter quickly began booking shows at other local venues, including Tripelroot (Zeeland), Village Inn (Holland), Our Brewing Company (Holland), and Arcadia Ales (Kalamazoo).
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The year 2017 brought landmark success to Carter's music. Carter averaged just under one show per week, playing 45 total shows in 2017. Tripelroot offered Carter a position as a house artist, playing the second Saturday every month. Carter also partnered with Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant (Holland), playing several shows throughout the summer season. Other 2017 venues include Macatawa Ale Company, River Rock Dining (Grand Rapids), Arcadia, Potter's Lounge (Kalamazoo), The Union (Kalamazoo), Brew Merchant (Holland), Fireside (Holland), Coppercraft (Holland), Flanagan's Irish Pub (Grand Rapids), Saugatuck Brewing Company (Douglas), and Metro Health Hospital (Wyoming--Alzheimer's Benefit).
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Carter didn't slow down in 2018, continuing to play at many of the same live venues, as well as partnering with Lucky Girl Brewing Company (Paw Paw/ Gobles) and Blue Stem Restaurant (Augusta).
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Carter released his first professional album, Stand Out, on August 24th 2018. Stand Out features inspiring lyrics and astounding instrumentals. From start to finish, these four tracks follow the path of inner-discovery and the search for self-purpose. Stand Out was created with the help of Rude Mans Art, a publishing company based out of Holland, MI.
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In 2019, Carter married the love of his life, Betsy Blanchette, and celebrated a wonderful reception at Boatwerks. Carter continued performing around West Michigan throughout spring, summer, and into the fall. As time went on in the fall, Carter sensed that his life was going to shift from weekend gigs to pursuing full time ministry. In November, Carter announced his retirement from the weekend gig scene, thanking his family, friends, and fans fr their support over the four years of his live music career.
In January of 2020, Carter began a new role as Worship Pastor at All Shores Wesleyan Church in Spring Lake, MI. This role allows Carter the incredible opportunity to use his passions for God and music in order to inspire and encourage others to develop and use their own creative gifts. In addition to the normal functions of his role at All Shores, Carter is working on developing a collective of creatives and songwriters called "All Shores Music."
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Carter attributes his success to his hard work, his determination, and his faith. Carter recognizes that people don't always get to do what they love to make a living, so it is with great gratitude to God, family, and friends that Carter continues to create music.
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