Music

FATF 2023: Grace Theisen

Events, Spotlights

Grace Theisen is an Americana/Blues artist originally from Kalamazoo. Grace won Cari Cole’s Best New Artist of 2021, was named “Artist To Watch” by Local Spins in 2022, and was one of the “Top 10 Bands Heating Up The Summer” by Revue. From her 3rd EP, Dance With The Shadows, the Down To The River official music video won Best Americana Video & The Audience Choice Award at the 2022 Michigan Music Video Awards. Her newest single, “Wild Wild Woman”, is out now across all streaming platforms. Be sure to join us July 21st at 7pm EST for the highly anticipated performance of rising Americana/Blues artist, Grace Theisen!

Please give a warm welcome to rising artist (and Michigan native) Grace Theisen, in our pre-FATF interview, and see her live – July 21st at the Brooks Memorial Fountain!

THE YPC: What kind of music/instruments do you enjoy playing the most?
GT: Well obviously acoustic guitar because that is what I play but I am learning bass right now which has been a blast to learn! I LOVE swampy/blues slide guitar and that is my next venture to learn.

THE YPC: What is your funniest memory about playing a show or being on tour?
GT: In March I toured with my girlband, The Rebel Eves, and for the longest time people thought our name was actually “Therapy Elves” because our website (www.therebeleves.com) does look like that when the letters are so close together. We thought it was so hilarious and so accurate as to what our band is all about so we designed a summer festival t-shirt around it that will come out in July when we go on tour!

THE YPC: What are you most excited about for FATF?
GT: To expose Marshall to my incredible trio featuring the percussion queen herself, Carolyn Koebel and my main guitar Maestro, Adam Main!

THE YPC: What is your biggest achievement thus far?
GT: While it hasn’t happened yet. We get to play Frederick Meijer Gardens on June 6th which feels like a super huge honor. But also at the end of the day the fact that I get to call “playing music” my full-time job feels like a really huge deal considering Covid almost knocked out our entire industry. I am very new to pursuing this as I ran a nonprofit for almost all of my twenties so it’s only been the last 3 years that I have seriously pursued music as a career.

THE YPC: If you could make an instrument out of a piece of food, what would it be?
GT: Oh hands down I would make a guitar out of Werthers! They are my favorite candy… I literally eat them every night because, yes, I am 80 years-old in my soul.

MORE INFO

FATF 2023: Zion Lion

Events, Spotlights

Zion Lion is the “baddest band to hit the Kalamazoo music scene”. FATF fans may remember them from last year’s series. Our crowd was up dancing and having a great time! The members are a combination of several bands from the Kalamazoo area that crossed each other’s path along the way and decided to form what we believe to be the right mix of reggae, African zouk, mucosa, zoukous, and some Afro-Latin influences. Mark your calendars for July 7th at 7pm EST as Zion Lion returns to FATF with good vibes and good times!

JULY 7 – ZION LION

Who are the members of the “baddest band to hit the Kalamazoo music scene”? Find out in our interview with Myra Atkinson (lead vocalist & steel pan for Zion Lion), and catch their exciting performance at FATF July 7th!

THE YPC: What kind of music/instruments do you enjoy playing the most?
ZL: We love playing reggae and socca. For me it’s the steel pan.

THE YPC: What is your funniest memory about playing a show or being on tour?
ZL: We were headed to a festival in Kentucky and one of our former members from Africa asked if we could stop and get Kentucky Fried Chicken.

THE YPC: What are you most excited about for FATF?
ZL: Love the ambience of the fountain in the background while performing!

THE YPC: What is your biggest achievement thus far?
ZL: Opening up for international reggae acts that we only dreamt of.

THE YPC: If you could make an instrument out of a piece of food, what would it be?
ZL: A carrot into a flute.

MORE INFO

FATF 2023: Brothers Proper

Events

The Brothers Proper power trio hails from the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek area and bring an eclectic set of original takes on classic blues, jazz, soulful Motown funk, as well as some heartfelt originals. Known and loved for their low volume, easy listening groove, Brothers Proper will bring a musical energy that will transport you to “The Center of the Universe”. Though not proper brothers, the energy and musical connection of these 3 musicians become one united sound and groove, leaving you knowing why they are called the “Brothers Proper”. Get groovy with the Brothers Proper – properly – June 23rd at 7pm EST at The Youngish Professionals Committee’s first #FridaysAtTheFountain show of 2023!

JUNE 23 – Brothers Proper

Get to know the Brothers Proper in this fun interview with lead guitar & vocalist, Tom Hutchinson!

THE YPC: What kind of music/instruments do you enjoy playing the most?
BP: Funk, Blues and jazz are my favorite genres and I only play Fender Telecasters.

THE YPC: What is your funniest memory about playing a show or being on tour?
BP: As most Brothers Proper fans know, always play barefoot. I was once playing a backyard party & I stepped off the stage onto the wet grass (with my electric guitar). I got shocked so bad, it threw me into the drum-set. However, the band never stopped playing and I eventually got up and finished the song.

THE YPC: What are you most excited about for FATF?
BP: This will be our first time playing at FATF and we are excited to play such a beautiful location.

THE YPC: What is your biggest achievement thus far?
BP: Opening for Backyard, Burgers and Brews festival in BC and playing to 5k people, what a rush!

THE YPC: If you could make an instrument out of a piece of food, what would it be?
BP: A guitar every day, and I made a Telecaster-Style guitar once out of a solid chunk of African Mahogany.

MORE INFO

The Skivvies

Events

November 19, 2022 | 8PM

Special Mainstage Guest: Danae Lortz, Charlie King & Beau Hutchings
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW: DANAE LORTZ | 7 PM

Please join us November 19th at 8pm for The Skivvies! Hosted by The Franke Center with Special Mainstage Guests Beau Hutchings, Charlie King, & Danae Lortz, The Skivvies are Nick Cearley and Sydney Shepherd, a musical comedy duo who performs stripped down arrangements of eclectic covers and eccentric originals while literally stripping down to their underwear.

GET TICKETS NOW!

The Skivvies are Nick Cearley and Sydney Shepherd singer/actor/musicians performing stripped-down arrangements of eclectic covers and eccentric originals. Not only is the music stripped down – cello, ukulele, glockenspiel, melodica – but the Skivvies literally strip down to their underwear to perform. The Skivvies were born in 2012 when they became YouTube sensations with their unique covers of artists like Robyn, Carole King, and Rihanna. The videos led to live shows, and now this “musically thrilling”, undie-rock, the comedy-pop duo continues to perform to sold-out audiences in New York and beyond.

The Wall Street Journal calls them “smart, sophisticated…ingenious,” and Out Magazine says, “The Skivvies have managed to carve out a niche that we never knew needed to exist: part Weird Al- parody and part sexy burlesque…and unusual explosion of satire and sultry.”  People Magazine named The Skivvies “The Most Playful Performers” in The Most Talked about Bodies issue and Sports Illustrated named them “Favorite New Band”.  The New York Times calls them “a hot musical comedy duo specializing in unexpected arrangements, incongruous mashups, and of course, highly toned displays of skin.” They were also nominated for a MAC award for show of the year.

The Skivvies

November 19, 2022 | 8PM
Special Mainstage Guest: Danae Lortz, Charlie King & Beau Hutchings
DOWNSTAGE CLUB PRESHOW: DANAE LORTZ | 7 PM

The Skivvies are Nick Cearley and Sydney Shepherd singer/actor/musicians performing stripped-down arrangements of eclectic covers and eccentric originals. Not only is the music stripped down – cello, ukulele, glockenspiel, melodica – but the Skivvies literally strip down to their underwear to perform. The Skivvies were born in 2012 when they became YouTube sensations with their unique covers of artists like Robyn, Carole King, and Rihanna. The videos led to live shows, and now this “musically thrilling”, undie-rock, the comedy-pop duo continues to perform to sold-out audiences in New York and beyond.

The Wall Street Journal calls them “smart, sophisticated…ingenious,” and Out Magazine says, “The Skivvies have managed to carve out a niche that we never knew needed to exist: part Weird Al- parody and part sexy burlesque…and unusual explosion of satire and sultry.”  People Magazine named The Skivvies “The Most Playful Performers” in The Most Talked about Bodies issue and Sports Illustrated named them “Favorite New Band”.  The New York Times calls them “a hot musical comedy duo specializing in unexpected arrangements, incongruous mashups, and of course, highly toned displays of skin.” They were also nominated for a MAC award for show of the year.

Three Theatre Workshops for All Ages!

THREE WORKSHOPS IN NOVEMBER FOR 5TH GRADERS THROUGH TO ADULTS. Broadway actors, musicians, and teachers, Nick Cearley and Sydney Shepherd will offer three workshops on November 15, 16, and 17, each unique to different age groups.

––––––––––––––––––––––

Interpreting the Pop Song – Pop songs have been all over Broadway in the form of the Jukebox Musical. The objective is to teach the basics of how to creatively and theatrically interpret a pop song thru acting. The format will be set up for students to perform a 16-32 bar cut of a pop song (bring the sheet music), while receiving feedback and suggestions from the teaching duo.

Date: November 15, 2022
Time: 4-6 pm
Age Group: 5th – 8th-grade students
Cost: $60 Sign up here

Date: November 16, 2022
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Age Group: 9th – 12th-grade students
Cost: $60 Sign up here

Are you a triple threat: Actor, Singer, or MUSICIAN? The special skill of playing an instrument as an actor will most certainly come in handy. From the Broadway revival of “Sweeney Todd” to “Once” to “Spongebob Squarepants”, actors are playing instruments onstage. In this masterclass, you can bring your guitar, uke, play the piano (we’ll have for you in the room), or any other instrument you can play while singing. Nick Cearley and Sydney Shepherd out of NYC, will coach songs and talk about what is needed to prepare for an actor-musician audition and show.

Date: November 17, 2022
Times: 6:30-8:30pm
Ages: 13 through Adult
Cost: $60 Sign up here

––––––––––––––––––––––

Nick Cearley is an American actor, musician, singer, and dancer. A Fairfield, Ohio native, Cearley received his BFA from the Boston Conservatory for Musical Theatre with an emphasis in acting. He currently resides in New York City. He has performed in several shows such as the 1st National Tour of All Shook Up, Buyer and Cellar at Bucks County, and The Rocky Horror Show. Cearley most recently performed as Seymour in the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park production of Little Shop Of Horrors.

Sydney Shepherd is an actor, singer, and musician who studied at the University of North Carolina’s School of the Arts. She plays cello, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, banjo, and more. Her theatrical credits include First Date on Broadway, August Rush, and Alice By Heart. Talkin’ Broadway called Sydney ‘beguiling and endearing with a knock-out voice”.

––––––––––––––––––––––

More Information: Check out TheFranke.org or email Allison at aebner@thefranke.org.

All workshops take place at The Franke Center for the Arts, 214 E. Mansion Street in Marshall.

Three Theatre Workshops for All Ages!

THREE WORKSHOPS IN NOVEMBER FOR 5TH GRADERS THROUGH TO ADULTS. Broadway actors, musicians, and teachers, Nick Cearley and Sydney Shepherd will offer three workshops on November 15, 16, and 17, each unique to different age groups.

––––––––––––––––––––––

Interpreting the Pop Song – Pop songs have been all over Broadway in the form of the Jukebox Musical. The objective is to teach the basics of how to creatively and theatrically interpret a pop song thru acting. The format will be set up for students to perform a 16-32 bar cut of a pop song (bring the sheet music), while receiving feedback and suggestions from the teaching duo.

Date: November 15, 2022
Time: 4-6 pm
Age Group: 5th – 8th-grade students
Cost: $60 Sign up here

Date: November 16, 2022
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Age Group: 9th – 12th-grade students
Cost: $60 Sign up here

Are you a triple threat: Actor, Singer, or MUSICIAN? The special skill of playing an instrument as an actor will most certainly come in handy. From the Broadway revival of “Sweeney Todd” to “Once” to “Spongebob Squarepants”, actors are playing instruments onstage. In this masterclass, you can bring your guitar, uke, play the piano (we’ll have for you in the room), or any other instrument you can play while singing. Nick Cearley and Sydney Shepherd out of NYC, will coach songs and talk about what is needed to prepare for an actor-musician audition and show.

Date: November 17, 2022
Times: 6:30-8:30pm
Ages: 13 through Adult
Cost: $60 Sign up here

––––––––––––––––––––––

Nick Cearley is an American actor, musician, singer, and dancer. A Fairfield, Ohio native, Cearley received his BFA from the Boston Conservatory for Musical Theatre with an emphasis in acting. He currently resides in New York City. He has performed in several shows such as the 1st National Tour of All Shook Up, Buyer and Cellar at Bucks County, and The Rocky Horror Show. Cearley most recently performed as Seymour in the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park production of Little Shop Of Horrors.

Sydney Shepherd is an actor, singer, and musician who studied at the University of North Carolina’s School of the Arts. She plays cello, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, banjo, and more. Her theatrical credits include First Date on Broadway, August Rush, and Alice By Heart. Talkin’ Broadway called Sydney ‘beguiling and endearing with a knock-out voice”.

––––––––––––––––––––––

More Information: Check out TheFranke.org or email Allison at aebner@thefranke.org.

All workshops take place at The Franke Center for the Arts, 214 E. Mansion Street in Marshall.

Three Theatre Workshops for All Ages!

THREE WORKSHOPS IN NOVEMBER FOR 5TH GRADERS THROUGH TO ADULTS. Broadway actors, musicians, and teachers, Nick Cearley and Sydney Shepherd will offer three workshops on November 15, 16, and 17, each unique to different age groups.

––––––––––––––––––––––

Interpreting the Pop Song – Pop songs have been all over Broadway in the form of the Jukebox Musical. The objective is to teach the basics of how to creatively and theatrically interpret a pop song thru acting. The format will be set up for students to perform a 16-32 bar cut of a pop song (bring the sheet music), while receiving feedback and suggestions from the teaching duo.

Date: November 15, 2022
Time: 4-6 pm
Age Group: 5th – 8th-grade students
Cost: $60 Sign up here

Date: November 16, 2022
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Age Group: 9th – 12th-grade students
Cost: $60 Sign up here

Are you a triple threat: Actor, Singer, or MUSICIAN? The special skill of playing an instrument as an actor will most certainly come in handy. From the Broadway revival of “Sweeney Todd” to “Once” to “Spongebob Squarepants”, actors are playing instruments onstage. In this masterclass, you can bring your guitar, uke, play the piano (we’ll have for you in the room), or any other instrument you can play while singing. Nick Cearley and Sydney Shepherd out of NYC, will coach songs and talk about what is needed to prepare for an actor-musician audition and show.

Date: November 17, 2022
Times: 6:30-8:30pm
Ages: 13 through Adult
Cost: $60 Sign up here

––––––––––––––––––––––

Nick Cearley is an American actor, musician, singer, and dancer. A Fairfield, Ohio native, Cearley received his BFA from the Boston Conservatory for Musical Theatre with an emphasis in acting. He currently resides in New York City. He has performed in several shows such as the 1st National Tour of All Shook Up, Buyer and Cellar at Bucks County, and The Rocky Horror Show. Cearley most recently performed as Seymour in the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park production of Little Shop Of Horrors.

Sydney Shepherd is an actor, singer, and musician who studied at the University of North Carolina’s School of the Arts. She plays cello, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, banjo, and more. Her theatrical credits include First Date on Broadway, August Rush, and Alice By Heart. Talkin’ Broadway called Sydney ‘beguiling and endearing with a knock-out voice”.

––––––––––––––––––––––

More Information: Check out TheFranke.org or email Allison at aebner@thefranke.org.

All workshops take place at The Franke Center for the Arts, 214 E. Mansion Street in Marshall.

THANK YOU for a Fun FATF2022!

Events, Updates

The YPC would like to give a warm round of applause 👏 to our #FridaysAtTheFountain2022 artists, partners, crew, & community. ❤️⛲️

FATF wouldn’t be possible without the support of partners like:

⭐️ Choose Marshall & Oaklawn Hospital ⭐️

Calhoun County Visitors Bureau, Marshall Community Foundation, Marshall Rotary Club, Woods Insurance and Financial Services, Austin Rinard Miller Financial Services, Copper Athletic Club, The Cronin Foundation, Dark Horse Brewing Co., Black Lab Five, & Graphics 3.

And shout out to our performers this year: Bernadette Kathryn Music and the Lonely Days Band, Norman Light & Friends, The Sam Luna Band, & Zion Lion!

#BeYoungish, #ChooseMarshall, and we will see you at the next one.

Last #FATF22 Show of the Season: Zion Lion

Events

Please give a warm welcome to our final Fridays at the Fountain performers: Zion Lion!

Then meet us at the Brooks Memorial Fountain, August 12th – 7pm EST, for the last FATF show of the season. Everyone is welcome. Bring your own chair or blanket to keep it comfy.

Zion Lion is the “baddest band” to hit the Kalamazoo music scene. The members are a combination of several bands from the Kalamazoo area that crossed each other’s path along the way and decided to form what we believe to be the right mix of reggae, African zouk, mucosa, zoukous and some Afro-latin influences. Some of the members have had the honor of opening and sharing the stage with local, national and international reggae artists such as Freddie McGreggor, Pato Batun, Winston Jarrett, Culture, Beenie Man, Lucky Dube, Mikey Dread and the Meditations.

JOIN US FOR THE LAST FATF FT. ZION LION!

THANK YOU #FridaysAtTheFountain2022 partners! 
Oaklawn Hospital & Choose Marshall 

Calhoun County Visitors Bureau, Marshall Community Foundation, Marshall Rotary Club, Woods Insurance and Financial Services, Austin Rinard Miller Financial Services, Copper Athletic Club, The Cronin Foundation, Dark Horse Brewing Co., Black Lab Five, & Graphics 3.