Executive Director | Interview with an Acorn Artist | Volunteer Spotlight | Acorn News | Acorn Updates
Letter from the Executive Director
River Valley Elementary School students arrive at the theater for JazzReach music enrichment programming this November.
Dear Friends,
As the year draws to a close, this season invites us to pause—to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together, to express gratitude for all we’ve shared, and to look ahead to what’s next.
Here at The Acorn, 2025 has been nothing short of extraordinary. Together, we’ve filled our venue with the joy of live music and the energy of community—welcoming more than 18,000 guests of all ages through our doors. We’ve showcased the remarkable talents of local visual and performing artists, brought world-class musicians to our stage, and inspired more than 500 area students through our arts education programs. Even more, we’re proud that 1 in every 7 performances we presented this year was free to attend, ensuring the arts remain accessible to all.
These achievements are possible only because of you—our patrons, partners, and friends—who share our belief that great live music and the arts connect us in powerful ways. While ticket sales cover only about half of our operating costs, your generosity and investment in The Acorn make everything we do possible. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and partnership.
As we celebrate all that 2025 has brought and look forward to an inspiring 2026, we invite you to continue this journey with us. If you believe, as we do, that the arts are essential to a thriving, empathetic, and connected community, please consider making a year-end, tax-deductible donation to The Acorn at acornlive.org/donate.
Thank you for making The Acorn such a vibrant place to gather, listen, and connect. Here’s to more music, more memories, and more magic in the year ahead!
See you soon at The Acorn!
Ashley Magnus
ACPA Executive Director
Interview with an Acorn Artist
Kylee Phillips
Our audience fell in love with Kylee Phillips this past July when she was crowned the winner of the 2025 Acorn Singer-Songwriter Competition.
Kylee is a Michigan-native vocalist, pianist, and songwriter of deeply self-exposing pop music. Armed with an arresting, emotive, laser-focused voice, and an unrivaled ear for hooks and melodic contour, Phillips has garnered cult-like acclaim in the midwest and beyond since her explosive debut EP Long Time Coming.
The title is strangely apt, as Phillips was a beloved hidden gem in the Detroit scene for over a decade before materializing as a fresh face and urgent new presence in the indie/pop world. The EP satisfies broadly while leaving us wanting more, especially after we ride through the guitar-saturated erotic agitation of "Home To You," the pyrotechnic regret of "Where You Found Me," and the unwelcome epiphany of the haunting title track. The songs are brought into technicolor clarity by rising star producer Evan Eliason. After the overwhelming response to this 2023 debut, Eliason came on board again for Phillips’ 2024 release The Good Parts, which sees Phillips continue to sharpen her lyrical adeptness and autobiographical insight.
Q: Who is your favorite musician to listen to when you’re not making music of your own? I’m not sure it counts as fair if you say Chris DuPont. So maybe name two favorites and say a little about what you love about their music (and, yes, Chris can be one of the two).
A: Oh man, my answer to this changes from season to season. Lately I’ve been returning to a lot of Ben Folds’ music, particularly the album “Songs for Silverman” that I was obsessed with in high school - it’s still perfect and the way he creates characters and narratives in his songs is unlike anyone else. I’ve also been obsessively listening to Abby Holliday’s most recent album, “CRACK A SMILE COME ON STAY A WHILE.” But you’re right, Chris is my number one, favorite musician forever. His songwriting is unlike what anyone else is doing in my opinion; He really sits with ideas and feelings and metabolizes them before writing about them so everything comes out feeling so fully baked and deeply felt. He’s the best there is.
Q: Since we brought him up, you surprised some in our audience when you shared that Chris DuPont is your real-life fiancé. Can you tell us a little bit about how you met?
A: We met back in 2013 when we were both doing a radio appearance at 107.1 in Ann Arbor. He was just about to put out his album, “Outlier” and I was just a baby trying to get my foot in the door of the music scene. I was instantly impressed and very intimidated by him, and still am. We spent a decade as just colleagues and fans of one another, but we eventually found our way to each other - I still can’t believe I get to marry my favorite musician.
Q: Who and what are your biggest musical influences?
A: There are so many weird influences in there, we could be here all day. I guess my BIGGEST influences are singer-songwriters like Sara Bareilles and Madi Diaz, but with the sonic influence of folks like MUNA and Maggie Rogers.
Q: Did you always want to be a musician? How did you get your start in music?
A: For as long as I can remember I knew I wanted to sing, and pretty quickly I realized I wanted to write as well. Fortunately, my dad is a musician so he gave me enough guidance to get the ball rolling. He started recording me when I was 6-years-old or so, and I think I was twelve when I joined my first band. Ever since then I’ve just been fumbling my way forward and figuring it out as I go, with a lot of help.
Q: What advice would you give to young artists?
A: The piece of advice I give to everyone, including myself, is control your controllables. Make great stuff, do it because you love it, do your due diligence in promoting your work and whatnot, but then just keep making stuff. We don’t have control over much else. The other, equally important thing I would say is surround yourself with other artists who get you and get what you do - it took me a long time to learn how important that is.
Q: What is your favorite memory from a live performance (of your own or someone else’s)?
A: When I was fourteen I fell madly in love with Rufus Wainwright and he was going to be performing at St. Andrew’s in Detroit. My dad is not a fan of Rufus and the night before he had worked an event where he was on his feet all night, but nevertheless he agreed to take me to this standing-room-only show by an artist he didn’t like. Musically, it was a religious experience for me, but when I think back on it now I’m just as moved by the fact that my dad supported me enough to suffer through a show he REALLY didn’t want to be at because he knew I cared about it so much.
Q: What is up next for you project-wise? What should our audience be watching for from you – both solo and as DuPont Phillips?
A: SO MUCH. This fall, Chris and I are both releasing some recuts of songs from our catalogues and mapping out our next DuPont Phillips EP. In December I head back into the studio to record my first full length record which will come out next fall (2026), and Chris is getting ready to start work on his next record which will come out in 2027. And of course we’re also playing anywhere and everywhere we can, there’s never a dull moment over here.
Q: You’ll be back to play in our Songwriters Round on January 31st, so folks should definitely come see that (with fellow Acorn Singer-Songwriter Competition Alums Sadie Gustafson-Zook and Emily Barnes). It’s not announced yet, but let’s let readers in on a little secret. Can you tell them about what to expect when you’re back at The Acorn on February 13th as part of the “Weird Valentine’s Day" show?
A: A total love-fest. Chris and I are teaming up with our friends Spencer LaJoye, Kyle Joe and Sammie Hershock who we consider family as well as collaborators. We all joke that sad songs are our bread and butter, and over the years we’ve all separately done Valentine’s Day shows that poke fun at that fact so now we’re just joining forces like Captain Planet. The tagline for the show should be, “Come celebrate love while listening to our breakup songs!”
Q: Anything else you think our Acorn audience would like to know about?
A: I just want the Acorn audience to know what a special bunch they are and how much Chris and I have loved becoming a part of the community you all have built - we really hope it will be a relationship that continues for a very long time.
The Acorn thanks Kylee for taking the time to be interviewed! Be sure to come out to hear Kylee in our Songwriters Round at Vickers Theatre on January 31st, and then back at The Acorn on February 13th for Weird Valentine’s Day with Kylee Phillips, Chris DuPont, Spencer LaJoye, Kyle Joe and Sammie Hershock!
Volunteer Spotlight
Larry Wroblewski
Q: How long have you been volunteering for The Acorn?
A: 3 years
Q:What is your occupation?
A: Property Insurance Claims Investigator
Q: What made you want to become an Acorn volunteer?
A: I’ve been a patron of the Acorn since the David and Kim days. When the opportunity arose to be a volunteer, it was just the right time!
Q: What is your favorite memory from volunteering?
A: Collectively it’s got to be the end of sound check and we’re gathering for our pre-show briefing. The excitement is palpable. I’ve also loved being Santa at events the past few years.
Q: Who is your favorite musician you've seen perform at The Acorn? What did you love about them?
A: It has to be a tie between Cowboy Junkies and Las Guitarras de España. Cowboy Junkies because I fell in love with a beautiful woman to their music a long long time ago.
Q: What are your hobbies/pleasures in life?
A: Photography (wildlife/nature), hosting game nights with my friends, hiking with my dog, and MUSIC!
Q: How do you define success?
A: Building a life surrounding myself with good people. My family and friends are everything.
Q: Where is your favorite place to travel?
A: Tough question. Out of approximately 30 countries in 40 years, it’s hard to choose. Spain and Italy for romance; Egypt, Peru, Colombia for adventure, Kenya and Tanzania for spiritual peace. The Caribbean, South Africa, Mali for music. I could go on and on.
Q: What would a typical Saturday morning look like for you?
A: Sleep in until about 10. Tea and coffee cake and quiet music (of course!), go for a nature hike with my dog, Ringo, then chores and errands.
Q: Who inspires you?
A: People who are genuinely kind and compassionate.
Q: If a biography were to be written about your life, what is one story that would be a MUST to be included?
A: I carried AC/DC guitarist Angie Young on my shoulders into the crowd while he played a guitar solo. I worked security at one of their concerts and I was the biggest guy. The whole band was very friendly and down to earth. So many rock and roll stories from the ‘80s. It was a great time to be young.
Also – doing a jigsaw puzzle with a guy who confessed to a brutal murder.
Acorn News
Debbie Novak: And / Or
Art at The Acorn Continues to Inspire
A crowd of supporters joined artist Debbie Novak for an Open House to celebrate our newest exhibition, And/Or, on Saturday, October 11. Janet Davies led an intriguing Q & A with the artist and a number of Debbie’s pieces were sold.
The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts transforms into a visual art space with our initiative, Art at The Acorn. We are proud to welcome our newest artist Debbie Novak and her exhibit And / Or. In her new series, Debbie uses her work to communicate that most things in life hold multiple truths simultaneously.
“My work speaks of people, words and experiences, evoking feelings that are sometimes difficult to pin down, yet feel somehow familiar. The pieces have never been made to tell stories. In reality, they are often no more than small collections of the evidence of being human, bound together intuitively by materials and inspired by everyday language.” – excerpt from Debbie Novak’s Artist statement
A Graphic Design degree from University of Illinois Chicago expanded Debbie Novak's creative skills and interests and launched her into a world of visual communication. Photography, typography and composition dug deep under her skin and became a way of seeing the world and telling its stories. As editor of a music 'zine in the ‘80s and during a long career as a high school photography and design teacher, she has always made work that tells us something about ourselves or each other. It is the powerful ability of Art to communicate that sparks all of Debbie’s art, regardless of materials.
And / Or will be on view through December. We remain open for Artist Submissions for consideration for a future exhibition. For more information, and to apply, please visit our website.
It’s a Wrap on TADA’s 2025 Summer Season
Third Year of The Acorn Dramatic Arts – The Jungle Book
The third year of The Acorn Dramatic Arts camp has affirmed its place as a cornerstone of The Acorn’s community programming. With accessibility, creativity, and mentorship at heart, the four-week camp not only cultivates future performers; it creates lifelong lovers of the arts.
This year, 14 campers tackled the story of The Jungle Book. From the onset, we found this group had more theatre experience than in previous years. By the second week, we saw this group working much more collectively than in previous years. These elements contributed to creating a rich camp environment, which we saw reflected in the final performance on stage.
This was the second consecutive year we have been able to offer this program completely free to the community, with special thanks to the VanDerhoff Family Fund in honor of Sedona Tubbs.
JazzReach at The Acorn
A Third Year of Music Education Enrichment and Free Programs for the Community
We were proud to continue this partnership with JazzReach and our local schools for the third year. We’d like to thank Shannon & Don Ensing, Michigan Arts & Culture Council, The Pokagon Fund, Monday Musical Club and Berrien Community Foundation for supporting us in bringing this programming to our community. Pictured are the members of the River Valley Jazz Orchestra, JazzReach’s Metta Quintet, and Kirsten Pagel, Director of Bands & Choir for River Valley Schools.
Close to 400 students from kindergarten through high school participated in JazzReach’s educational programming earlier this month. We were proud to continue this partnership with JazzReach and our local schools for the third year. The 3-day residency included two free community concerts as well, including a side-by-side concert featuring River Valley High School students and their director, Kirsten Pagel.
Elementary school students from River Valley and Bridgman experienced the interactive program Jean-Michel and the Be-Bop Kings, celebrating Jean-Michel Basquiat (b.1960-d.1988). Ranked among the most compelling painters of the 20th Century, Basquiat possessed a deep love and passion for jazz, particularly the be-bop style, and found great inspiration in the creative achievements of the genre’s great masters, often paying homage by depicting them in his paintings as noblemen, kings and heroes.
New to our JazzReach programming this year, some students were also able to participate in a visual art activity, creating work in the style of Basquiat. They started their projects at school ahead of time and completed their pieces at The Acorn after being inspired by the music of JazzReach.
For the second year, River Valley High School band students had the opportunity to study alongside JazzReach’s professional musicians in the 3-day intensive program Sittin’ In and Groovin’ Out which promotes creativity and teamwork, builds confidence, cultivates a deeper appreciation of jazz music, improves students' overall musicianship and improvisational skills and inspires students to want to continue to improve and excel in both music and life.
We’d like to thank Shannon & Don Ensing, Michigan Arts & Culture Council, The Pokagon Fund, Monday Musical Club and Berrien Community Foundation for supporting us in bringing this programming to our community.
Acorn Anywhere: A Winter Series
Original Artistry Comes to Three Unique Stages This January and February
Acorn Anywhere: A Winter Series brings original artistry to three unique stages in a celebration of connection through live music and community.
January 24
Debutants @ Commune + Market
Debutants is a high-energy string band with eclectic influences, and a penchant to play anything they feel. Dancing between songs and styles of old and new, this fun-loving collective dazzles with impressive musicianship, earnest songwriting, and dynamic live performances.
January 31
Songwriters-in-the-Round featuring Sadie-Gustafson-Zook, Kylee Phillips and Emily Barnes @ Vickers Theatre
Three Acorn Singer-Songwriter Competition alumni – Sadie Gustafson-Zook (2024 Winner), Kylee Phillips (2025 Winner), and Emily Barnes (2024 Finalist) – come together for an intimate songwriter showcase. Each artist will take turns performing their original songs and sharing the stories behind them.
February 7
Andy Sydow and Citadel Music Center present orchestral arrangements: Measure 1 and other songs @ The GhostLight Theatre
In 2023, Acorn Singer-Songwriter Competition 2024 Runner-Up Andy Sydow released Measure 1: Orchestral Arrangements by Andy Sydow, a six-song EP of reimagined original works plus a Pearl Jam cover. Written, arranged, and orchestrated entirely by Sydow, and recorded with classical musicians in Denver, the project introduced his concept of “cinematic folk.” Citadel Music Center will provide the faculty string ensemble to perform these songs and others with Andy, along with a highly accomplished student quartet.
Program Recap
Highlights
Check out some of these recent moments at The Acorn.
The second annual Acorn Swing for the Arts was held on a beautiful day in August at Briar Leaf Golf Club in LaPorte, Indiana. A great turnout of golfers happy to support The Acorn met for a day on the green to raise some green for our beloved community Performing Arts Center. A mix of Acorn volunteers, staff, board members, and supporters all came together for a hole-in-one success of an event! We can't wait 'fore' next year's Acorn Swing for the Arts. Taking the prize for Best Foursome (pictured left to right) were: Bob O'Malley, Pat Burke, Rich Klawiter, and Andy Finn.
We celebrated our amazing volunteers at our annual Volunteer Appreciation gathering in September. Our volunteers come before the show to help be ready for our guests, work cheerfully and assist patrons, then stay after the show to help clean up… they deliver posters throughout the region, they plan special events (and then show up to work those events)... they serve on committees (and on our Board of Directors) and serve as ambassadors for our non-profit in their circles throughout our community. They are at the heart of all that The Acorn is and does. Special nod to this year’s Volunteer of the Year award winners – Newcomer Award: Karl Fricke; Dynamic Duo Award: Bruce Jones and Amy Williams; 3rd place: Kristen Robinson; 2nd place: Tom Majerek; 1st place: Larry Wroblewski; and The RASA Award: Rasa Lakas.
The Acorn was proud to be the official kick-off venue for Jeff Tweedy’s Twilight Override Tour, celebrating the legendary artist’s triple album by the same name. After an incredible opening set by his bandmate Sima Cunningham, Jeff and his band took the stage and delivered a truly captivating performance to our sold out audience. As the founding member and leader of the Grammy Award winning American rock band Wilco, and before that the cofounder of the alt‐country band Uncle Tupelo, Jeff Tweedy is one of contemporary music’s most accomplished songwriters, musicians, and performers. He has released four solo albums, written original songs for thirteen Wilco albums, and is the author of three New York Times bestsellers.
Expo ‘76 once again entertained the crowd at our annual Boo Ball Halloween fundraiser. A huge thank you to all of those who helped make the event a success – including our sponsors, patrons, volunteers and planning committee members. Special gratitude for our decorating team (affectionately named the “Boo Crew”) who delivered in such a big way and Classic Catering who provided all the yummy eats! One of the live auction highlights was a bidding war over the coveted “Acorn Golden Ticket” which resulted in three winners! Save the date for next year’s Boo Ball – Friday, October 23, 2026.
Upcoming Events
Friday, Nov. 21 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)
The Illegal Smiles: A Tribute to John Prine
Saturday, Nov. 22 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)
Brooklyn Charmers - Steely Dan Tribute
Wednesday, Nov. 26 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)
BoDeans
Friday, Nov. 28 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)
Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute
Saturday, Nov. 29 | 2:00pm ET (1:00pm CT)
Sean Masterson’s Timeless Magic
Saturday, Nov. 29 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)
Joel Paterson’s Hi-Fi Christmas Guitar
Friday, Dec. 05 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)
The Chris White Trio presents "A Charlie Brown Christmas"
Saturday, Dec. 06 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)
Ides Of March Christmas Show featuring Jim Peterik
Sunday, Dec. 07 | 4:00pm ET (3:00pm CT)
Harbor Country Singers Holiday Concert
Thursday, Dec. 11 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)
Holiday Open Mic Night featuring Skirt
Friday, Dec. 12 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)
Fearless: A Tribute To Taylor Swift
Saturday, Dec. 13 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)
Heartache Tonight - A Tribute to The Eagles
Friday, Dec. 19 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)
The Acorn presents The Muppet Christmas Carol
Saturday, Dec. 20 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)
A Celtic Christmas Featuring On The Lash
Saturday, Dec. 27 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)
Brass from the Past - A Tribute to the Legends of Rock & Soul
Sunday, Dec. 28 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)
The Waco Brothers
Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 10:00pm ET (9:00pm CT)
NYE with Second Hand News: A Tribute To Fleetwood Mac – A CLUB ACORN Show!
Saturday, Jan. 24 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)
Debutants @ Commune + Market – Acorn Anywhere: A Winter Series
Saturday, Jan. 31 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)
Songwriters-in-the-Round featuring Sadie-Gustafson-Zook, Kylee Phillips and Emily Barnes @ Vickers Theatre – Acorn Anywhere: A Winter Series
Saturday, Feb. 07 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)
Andy Sydow and Citadel Music Center present orchestral arrangements: Measure 1 and other songs @ The GhostLight Theatre – Acorn Anywhere: A Winter Series
Friday, Feb. 20 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)
May Erlewine with Packy Lundholm
Saturday, Feb. 21 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)
Robbie Fulks
Sunday, Feb. 22 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)
Glen Phillips (of Toad the Wet Sprocket)
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