Billy Strings Serenades Kids At Michigan Hospital Close To His Heart

Billy Strings returned to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan where his son was born to play some tunes for the patients there. The guitarist was a guest at the music therapy program’s Blue Glass Studios and also delivered mini-performances on each floor.

Billy and his wife Ally welcomed their son River Apostol in September 2024. Strings famously had to leave his Colorado festival, Renewal, and fly on Ringo Starr’s jet to make it to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital to be there for his son’s birth.

The hospital detailed Billy’s recent return to DeVos Children’s Hospital in a social media post:

Blue Glass Studios became Blue Grass Studios yesterday as we welcomed Billy Strings, a Grammy-winning singer, guitarist, and songwriter.

Billy and his wife, Ally, welcomed their son last year who ended up in our NICU. Thankful for the care they received, they knew they wanted to come back for a special visit.

“I really wanted to come play music to distract kids from going through a rough time,” Billy said.

He was a guest during one of the studios’ live shows hosted by our Music Therapists, Lydia and Abby, to perform and share his music expertise.

The visit was finished with mini-performances on each floor, including the NICU.

Thank you, Billy, for taking the time to play some tunes and bring smiles to our patients, family members and team members. This was a day we will never forget!

Check out photos from Billy’s return to Helen DeVos below:

Billy Strings is set to help Willie Nelson kick off his traveling Outlaw Music Festival in Phoenix on May 13. Scroll down for Billy’s full tour routing and ticket info.