Kaitlin Rose & The Band of Thorns – Midwest Made

Wednesday, Jul. 13 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

The Midwest Made summer concert series puts the spotlight on regional talent in a diverse array of genres. Each Wednesday night, you'll want to find yourself at The Acorn for shows that will not disappoint!

About the Artists:

Kaitlin Rose was chosen as one of the Top 10 Bands to Watch and Listen To in the annual music issue of Revue Magazine, by Eric Mitts…saying, "A storyteller in the purest sense of the term, Rose bares her buoyant soul with songs of personal struggle and strife, set aloft by her powerful voice. A gem and fixture in Kalamazoo's music community..."

Kaitlin has been playing guitar and writing songs since the summer of 2001 after finding her mom's Alvarez in the hallway closet. By the end of the day she taught herself the theme song to The Godfather, which made her Italian grandmother very proud. Since then, Kaitlin has recorded four full length solo-albums and one with her band in 2019.

Your pre-show email may contain important information about Covid protocols for your event. Click here to learn more about Acorn Covid-19 Policy.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Abbie Thomas & The Crazy Hearts – Midwest Made

Sunday, Aug. 11 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

Acorn fan-favorite Abbie Thomas returns to the stage for our Midwest Made summer concert series with her full band The Crazy Hearts!

About the Artists:

Fresh off of her 2023 JMA Artist of the Year award at The Grand Ole Opry, Abbie Thomas is a rising singer songwriter who is gaining international attention and nominations for live performances, lyricism and visual content. Mixing genre-bending arrangements with soulful vocals and hints of Blues, Jazz, and a vibe from the songwriters of the ‘70s, she is currently touring regionally; most recently opening for Clint Black, Laine Hardy, and Girl Named Tom.

Influenced by artists such as Carole King, Lauryn Hill, John Mayer and Ella Fitzgerald, versatility has her playing throughout Midwest USA in acoustic listening rooms to clubs with her full backing band, recently dubbed ‘The Crazy Hearts;’ who were just nominated for a 2023 Hollywood Independent Music Award for Best Live Performance for Thomas’s original, “Try.” You can listen to Thomas's original music on all major streaming platforms.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Water Street Wranglers – Midwest Made

Wednesday, Jun. 22 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

The Midwest Made summer concert series puts the spotlight on regional talent in a diverse array of genres. Each Wednesday night, you'll want to find yourself at The Acorn for shows that will not disappoint!

About the Artists:

The Water Street Wranglers (Formerly known as "The Twin City String Band") is a Bluegrass/Americana group with a great appreciation for old traditional bluegrass, as well as the more progressive parts of the genre. After roughly 2 years of playing in their home state of Michigan, the band moved out to Boston to study music, and expanded their line up to include: Guitar, Mandolin, Fiddle, Lead & Backup Vocals, and Upright Bass.

The Water Street Wranglers debut EP is out on all major streaming platforms, with plans to re-release with new material during the summer of 2022.

Aiden Schnell | vocals and guitar
Caleb Kibby | vocals and guitar
Chandler Harris | vocals and guitar
Alayna Whitkanack | fiddle, vocals and bass
Wes Shuck | bass

Your pre-show email may contain important information about Covid protocols for your event. Click here to learn more about Acorn Covid-19 Policy.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Buddy Pearson 3 – Midwest Made

Wednesday, Jun. 15 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

The Midwest Made summer concert series puts the spotlight on regional talent in a diverse array of genres. Each Wednesday night, you'll want to find yourself at The Acorn for shows that will not disappoint!

About the Artists:

Buddy Pearson has been steadily playing upright and electric bass for 40 of his 50 years. Hailing from a very musically supportive family, he was given his first upright bass at age 9 and in one way or another, has never looked back. Soon after schooling, Buddy immersed in the local and Chicago jazz scene and continues to share the stage with heavy hitter players to this day. Buddy also plays bass for the longtime jazz group, Freek Johnson.

Artis Timberlake Brown has basically played piano his entire life, starting in church at age 10, and then schooling at Valparaiso University with piano legend Billy Foster. Since then, Artis has played with a diverse group of great music artists, such as Kim Burrell, David Williams, Joe Marcinek and Marvin Sapp. Artis dazzles with his keyboard work on piano and organ.

Mike Shell was brought up with music and drums in his blood, starting at age 6 with his father, who was also a well respected drummer. Mike has played with some of the legends in music, including Tye Tribbett, Ricky Dillard, and Gary, Indiana’s own Fabulous Kings.

Your pre-show email may contain important information about Covid protocols for your event. Click here to learn more about Acorn Covid-19 Policy.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Open Mic Night w/ The Edgar Willbury Experience – Midwest Made

Wednesday, Jul. 06 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

The Midwest Made summer concert series puts the spotlight on regional talent in a diverse array of genres. Each Wednesday night, you'll want to find yourself at The Acorn for shows that will not disappoint!

The Edgar Willbury Experience hosts the region’s most exciting array of acts, packed into one night on the fabulous Acorn stage with a state-of-the-art, professional sound system.

No Admission Fee, Donations Encouraged

Performer Inquiries: Email openmic@acornlive.org

About the Artists:

The Edgar Willbury Experience is a band out of Southwest Michigan that delivers classic B sides of ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s rock and roll. With Ken Bybee on guitar, Frank Rotondo on bass, Ben Piazza on drums and Fred Lange on vocals and harmonica, the Edgar Willbury Experience is a must-see for classic rock lovers.

Your pre-show email may contain important information about Covid protocols for your event. Click here to learn more about Acorn Covid-19 Policy.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

"Club Rainbow" at The Acorn with The Kunty Kittens

Saturday, Jun. 04 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

The Kunty Kittens are the first and only drag girl group in Michigan established in 2015 that travels all over the state to multiple venues entertaining the masses with burlesque, comedy, glamour, and shenanigans! This is a 21+ event.

About the Artists:

Monique Madison, creator and owner, has been a female impersonator for 26 years! She is a house diva at Five15 in Royal Oak, a permanent drag host for The Comedy Series, and she just finished filming her first movie role in a Christmas film titled "A Holiday I Do! " scheduled for release Christmas 2022! Whether she is a VIP guest on The Nick Cannon Show, traveling the nation in drag, or putting the finishing touches on her new novel Serial Showgirl (scheduled for release Fall 2022)...Monique Madison defines the word professional!

Yolanda Del Fierce is Kalamazoo's, Dancing Latina! She has been in the business since 2014 and works all over Michigan as a traveling Showgirl. She is a proud member of The Kunty Kittens Drag Girl group and a member of Rumors Nightclub House Cast. Over her career, Yolanda has captured several titles including Miss Red Ribbon, Miss Powerdiva Newcomer, Miss AMCAB, and Miss Professional Rumors Nightclub. When she's not in the gigs you can find her at home with her 4 fur babies and handsome husband. Everyone knows her as Yolanda but her friends call her Yoyo.

Reba Rose Rau has been performing on stage since the age of 3. Following high school, she took a few years' hiatus only to reemerge as a Female Illusionist in 2004. She has acted in numerous independent films and graced countless stages throughout the years, tucked a few titles under her belt such as Miss Gay Greater Grand Rapids, Miss Michigan For Female Impersonation, and is the current reigning Miss Michigan Gay World Comedy Queen.
Reba is a Costume Designer, Pageant Coach, and an accomplished Singer.

Alexa Vogel has been performing in the great state of Michigan for 20 years, starting in Saginaw, Michigan at Bambi’s Bottom-Up as Show Director. She has won a number of titles across the state. Always energetic and the life of the party! Alexa is a guaranteed good time.

Velma Violet is a rock ‘n’ roll party girl from Jackson, MI. Since coming to life in 2013, this artist has had the privilege of bringing her unique performance style to cities all over the south and midwest. Velma is always excited to party with you so be ready to get down with your horns up!

Amira Spade is an entertainer who has been performing for just under 10 years. In that time she has performed in pretty much every corner of Michigan. When she isn't twirling with the renowned Kunty Kittens, you can catch her at Rumors Nightclub in Grand Rapids. Outside of Drag you can probably find her DJing karaoke, bartending, or cuddled up with her fur babies.

Joining The Kunty Kittens will be a local Drag King! FAUX PA - has been called Chicago's hottest stepdad since he started performing in June 2019. He's placed in the top of several competitions: Top 5 in Cycles 31 & 33 of ‘Crash Landing’ at Berlin Nightclub, 3rd in OH SNAP! at Scarlet Bar; and he briefly ran a Jewish drag and variety show called SHABBAT SHALOM prior to the pandemic. He's living out his wilderness dad mid-life crisis in the woods of Three Oaks now, and can't wait to continue performing for live audiences!

Your pre-show email may contain important information about Covid protocols for your event. Click here to learn more about Acorn Covid-19 Policy.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sight lines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

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Scott & Lila w/ opener Emma Hamel

Friday, Jul. 29 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

The Acorn’s Singer-Songwriter Competition is celebrating ten years with the 2022 Competition Finals on July 21. We are featuring last year's winner in a special Alumni Concert on July 29, headlined by our 2021 winner, Scott Hildebrand, with his duo Scott & Lila. The evening will open with 2018 Winner Emma Hamel.

Get Tickets

About the Artists:

Scott Hildebrand, 2021 Winner and Lila Despoix are an acoustic duo based in Berlin. They met when Lila spontaneously joined Scott while he was busking in the streets of Berlin in 2019. Since then, they have recorded an album and performed all over Germany, France, Italy and Sri Lanka.

Their feel-good music warms the hearts of listeners and fuses Indie-Folk, Blues and Jazz with a fresh modern twist. They perform their original songs with synergistic vocal harmonies, accompanied by guitar and ukulele. Their songs give listeners a dreamy, wanderlust feeling while retaining lyrical elements that are timeless, soothing and down to earth.
scotthildebrandmusic.com

Singer-songwriter Emma Hamel spent many of her high school years scrawling lyrics in class and singing in her bedroom before she began performing her original music all around the Midwest.

Emma’s music pairs poetic lyrics with haunting vocals and stripped-down arrangements that let the story take center stage. Her deeply heartfelt songs are filled with the hopes, insecurities, and uncertainties that accompany the transition from youth to adulthood.

Emma has been featured on numerous radio and TV programs and was the 2018 winner of The Acorn Singer-Songwriter Competition.
emmahamel.com

Your pre-show email may contain important information about Covid protocols for your event. Click here to learn more about Acorn Covid-19 Policy.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Harbor Country Pride Launch at The Acorn | Bev Rage & the Drinks with Lady Stardust

Wednesday, Jun. 01 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

Harbor Country Pride kicks off at The Acorn on June 1st with a concert event you won’t want to miss featuring Bev Rage & the Drinks with opener Lady Stardust.

About the Artists

Bev Rage & the Drinks

Bev Rage & the Drinks are a loud, fast, and brash queer garage-pop band from Chicago. Fronted by guitarist Beverly Rage, a 7-foot tall drag queen with hair and heels, the band is known for their riveting live show of all original songs, rarely breaking the 3-minute mark. Formed in 2015, the band has traveled across the midwest and shared the stage with bands such as Pansy Division, A Giant Dog, Hunx & His Punx, Shonen Knife, Marc Rebillet, and many more.

Lady Stardust

With a deep love for deep tracks from the complete Bowie catalog, this all-female ensemble invites audiences to sing along and re-imagine Bowie's iconic music through a unique acoustic lens.

Lady Stardust is:
Natalie Gaza | guitar/lead vocals
Tina Teske | harmony vocals/percussion
Paulette Cialdella | bass guitar
Jennifer Cimbala | violin/vocals
Wendy Gaza | drums/percussion

Your pre-show email may contain important information about Covid protocols for your event. Click here to learn more about Acorn Covid-19 Policy.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sight lines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

PettyBreakers

Thursday, Aug. 11 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

“The World’s Greatest Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers!” So say Katie Daryl, Mark Cuban and Ryan Seacrest of AXS-TV as they selected the PettyBreakers to perform on their hit TV show in 2014.

What started out in 2010 as a regional band is now the Nation’s #1 touring tribute to Tom Petty. The PettyBreakers has played in 22 states and Washington D.C. ­with more being added constantly. Having performed at many cool clubs, theaters and festivals, one of the highlights so far was performing at the Naval Yard in Washington D.C. in 2018 for Major League Baseball’s All Star Pregame Celebration. Another highlight was performing a four and half month residency in the Sammy Davis Showroom at Harrah’s Casino in Reno in 2017. And, yet another, was being selected in 2014 as “The World’s Greatest Tribute to Tom Petty” by AXS-TV. PettyBreakers performed a live show at the Whisky a Go-Go in Hollywood to a capacity crowd, which was cablecast on AXS-TV.

Your pre-show email may contain important information about Covid protocols for your event. Click here to learn more about Acorn Covid-19 Policy.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

The Chicago Experience

Saturday, Aug. 06 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

The Chicago Experience is just as it sounds – a group of musicians who call Chicago home, and who share a love for the music of one of the greatest rock n’ roll bands of all time... Chicago. Together, the band recreates the sound and feel of Chicago’s music, whose hit songs have touched generations of fans spanning several decades.

The Chicago Experience invites you to relive memories of the music that captured everyone’s hearts – from the early hits off Chicago Transit Authority’s 1968 self-titled album, such as “Beginnings” and “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” through the 1980s, with Chicago’s hits “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” and “You’re The Inspiration,” you will share in the joy these songs bring.

Your pre-show email may contain important information about Covid protocols for your event. Click here to learn more about Acorn Covid-19 Policy.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group.