Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
As you browse this newsletter, you'll read about fundraisers, youth camps, Pride celebrations, community events, artist spotlights, and partnerships taking place across Harbor Country.
The common thread running through each of these stories is the people who continue to show up for one another and for our community.
At The Acorn, we believe the arts are ultimately about connection. While many of these programs happen on our stage, some of the most meaningful work of the past several months has taken place in schools, partner organizations, and public spaces throughout our community. Each project reflects what can happen when artists, educators, nonprofits, volunteers, and supporters come together around a shared purpose.
That spirit of collaboration continues throughout the months ahead. From youth camps that inspire creativity and confidence, to Pride Month celebrations that foster belonging, to fundraising events that help sustain the arts and community programming we all value, these efforts are made possible by people who choose to engage, participate, and care.
Thank you for being one of them.
Whether you've attended an event, partnered on a project, volunteered your time, served on a committee, made a gift, or simply championed our work, you are helping build a stronger, more connected community through the arts.
We're grateful to be on that journey with you.
With gratitude,
Ashley Magnus
ACPA Executive Director
Interview with an Acorn Artist
Spencer LaJoye
The first time I was introduced to the music (and really fun person) that Spencer LaJoye is was at a little songwriter’s round at Salt of the Earth in Fennville, MI. Honestly, before that, I had never heard of them. If you’ve ever been to one of the concert dinners at Salt of the Earth, you know that it’s a good place to meet a new favorite artist, which is definitely what happened that day.
If you’ve never encountered an artist who is authentically human and generous enough to share that with the audience while at the same time being one of the most musically talented people you’ve ever heard, an artist who moves you to laugh and cry simultaneously and remind you that you are not alone in your own humanity – I invite you to encounter such an artist. If you already know them, then you already know what I’m talking about. And if you don’t, then please allow me to introduce you to Spencer LaJoye.
I’ll see you at the theater!
All my best,
Q: Who is your favorite musician to listen to when you’re not making music of your own?
A: So, I basically only listen to music recreationally when I’m driving, and the music I choose depends on the landscape I’m in. Madi Diaz is a solid everyday highway choice. The local classical radio station is a hilarious choice for busy city driving. Jeffrey Martin or Bon Iver are nice when it’s raining or I’m going through mountains. Courtney Barnett is a good beach day vibe. And when I’m simply overwhelmed and needing someone’s voice to take care of my inner child, I choose my friends’ music. Kylee Phillips and Kyle Joe, in particular. Oh, and when I’m struggling to stay awake, I put on some musicals like Spring Awakening or Dear Evan Hansen, and I try to envision the show as I sing along as loudly as I can..
Q: Who and what are your biggest musical influences?
A: The Suzuki Method’s cassette tapes, baby. Growing up, I’d fall asleep to the concert master of some big symphony playing 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.' I’ve also got my dad’s affinity for jazz in my bones. My mom introduced me to musical theater. As a songwriter, Sara Bareilles was my first love, which seems unsurprising.
Q: Did you always want to be a musician? How did you get your start in music?
A: Yes, I did! I took a brief detour in my early 20s at a theological seminary, but even then, I was gigging and writing and performing every weekend. My first instrument was the violin, which I picked up at age 5, and I spiraled into other musical arenas from there. My parents were both music teachers, and basically all of their 6 children have careers in the arts. It would’ve been more interesting if I hadn’t ended up in this career, but here we are. Genetics are powerful.
Q: What advice would you give to young artists?
A: Tell the truth, which is different from facts. Facts are important, and we need them to be good sound scientists and space shifters and business people. But to be good artists, we need to bottle up something a little less tangible than that. It’s magic shit. You’re a wizard! And a little bit of a freak! Harness your power.
Q: What is your favorite memory from a live performance (of your own or someone else’s)?
A: I headlined Wild Goose Festival with a full band a few years ago. We got to the end of the set, played the first 2 notes of ‘Plowshare Prayer,’ and the crowd went wild. I’d never experienced that before. We spend a lot of years, as artists, hitting the road and earning the trust of brand new audiences. This was the first time I felt that work paying off. Like I didn’t have to win this crowd over; they already expected me/us/this music. That was special.
Q: You are incredibly talented across the musical spectrum – from your insightful and relatable songwriting to your skilled vocals, playing multiple instruments (piano, violin, guitar… what else?), and impressively layering a variety of sounds through your looper. That’s it – there’s not really a question there… kidding! What is the complete list of instruments you play? And how does the looping pedal transform your music? (What’s the difference between a Spencer LaJoye ‘gentle song,’ for example, and a fuller version of the same tune performed live using the looping pedal?)
A: What a fun question! You got the list of instruments mostly right. Violin, guitar, piano, voice… I also spent a number of years playing percussion, everything from marimba to steel drum to jazz set to marching snare. I wish I still had those muscles honed and toned, but I think they come through in the way I arrange songs and perform them live (I strum the guitar like a drummer, for instance). Regarding the loop pedal: I could go on way too long about this! I treat the loop pedal like its own instrument. Every song that I perform with a loop pedal was written using the loop pedal; it’s integral to the song. So it’s less that I’m using the looper to transform an already-existing song, and more that some songs can only exist via looper.
Q: What is up next for you project-wise? What should our audience be watching for from you?
A: IT’S A SECRET. No, I’m just kidding. I’m writing and touring at the moment. That’s all I’ll say!
Q: Some of our audience met you back in February for Weird Valentine’s Day (although the coolest among us obviously already knew who you were!). You’ll be back to play a co-bill with Grace Theisen on June 26th. The show is billed as “Spencer LaJoye and Grace Theisen Trio: Celebrating Queer Indie Folk + Androgynous Americana” – the title being chosen in part as a nod to the title of Grace’s upcoming full length album (“Androgynous Americana”), but also in reference to the opening of your own bio (“Spencer LaJoye makes queer indie folk music for everyone”). It’s kind of a biggie as questions go, but can you talk about what it means to make “queer indie folk music?” What has your journey been to becoming an artist known for sharing their queerness openly?
A: The kind of songs I write have always been heavily autobiographical. As I learn things about myself, those things show up in my songs. So as I have become increasingly comfortable in my skin, and the socio-policital climate has become increasingly hostile toward queer people, those themes just show up in my songs. I can’t separate my songs from my experiences and thoughts and feelings and dreams. I wish I were noble enough to say I write about queer themes because it’s a moral or ethical or social imperative. But I think it’s more selfish than that. I don’t know how to write about anything other than myself. So I’m making “queer indie folk music” simply because I’m a queer person making indie folk music.
Q: So, what should our audience expect from Spencer LaJoye when they come out to the show on June 26?
A: A fun time! Chris DuPont just wrote a great new bio for me. My favorite line is, “A Spencer LaJoye concert isn’t exactly a worship hour, a one-act drama, a melodic composition masterclass, or an unplugged emo show. But it’s never not those things.” !
Q: Anything else you think our Acorn audience would like to know about?
A: You will like this showwww!!!!!!!!!!!!
Board Spotlight
Jon Goldman
Now in his fifth year on The Acorn’s Board of Directors, Jonathan Goldman’s journey with us began as a desire to see behind the curtain. “I’ve always been a fan of live music,” he shares. “I saw joining the board as an opportunity to learn more about running a venue.”
When asked about how he would describe The Acorn to newcomers, Jonathan painted a picture of an intimate sanctuary. He calls it a “cultural gem in a rural beach town,” but more importantly, he notes it is “a place where musicians play to be heard.” That atmosphere has provided Jonathan with plenty of Acorn highlights: the very first Acorn Festival, Jeff Tweedy, Larkin Poe, Anders Osborne, and the Allman Betts Band.
When Jonathan isn’t at The Acorn, he enjoys hiking in the dunes with his dog, playing basketball with his friends, tending to his garden, cooking, yoga, and traveling. Jonathan also hosts a radio show on Radio Harbor Country, which he also archives as a podcast. With over 5,000 downloads, the hour-long show dives deep into musicians’ histories, writing processes, and inspirations.
“A friend asked me to co-host a show about 10 years ago. When that ended, I took the parts I loved - the interviews and the extended jams - and created my own show.”
Jonathan interviews many Acorn artists. He’s been on the airwaves with Kofi Baker, Bruce Katz, Chuck Prophet, Miles Nielsen, and more. His dream guest would be the legendary Jeff Tweedy!
Q: What is your favorite way to spend a day to yourself?
A: An early morning basketball game with friends, a hike in the woods or dunes with my dog, work in my garden, and cook a nice dinner for friends.
Q: What is your favorite memory from your time at The Acorn?
A: The first Acorn festival was fantastic!
Q: What are your hobbies/pleasures in life?
A: Basketball, yoga, hiking, yardwork, cooking, and travel is top of the list.
Q: How do you define success?
A: When accomplishments and gratitude intersect
Acorn News
Pride Month at The Acorn
Celebrating the LGBTQIA+ Community in the Arts
Spencer LaJoye and Grace Theisen Trio will share the stage on June 26 for a celebration of indie queer music, love, and acceptance for all.
Summer in Three Oaks is arriving and so are this year’s pride events. In collaboration with the OutCenter Southwest Michigan, The Acorn kicked off Harbor Country Pride with an Open Mic, showcasing LGBTQIA+ performers and allies earlier this month. Now, more than ever, Pride is for all of us. The Acorn is proud to stand with our LGBTQIA neighbors, family, and friends.
B-I-N-G-O! (But Make It Fabulous) – Honey, on June 18th, we’re dropping balls and snatching wigs! Welcome to the fiercest Bingo night in town. We’ve got three queens ready to serve you looks, laughs, and legendary performances all night long. Join us for an evening of high stakes, high energy, and even higher heels! Hosted by Jadein Black, a drag powerhouse hailing from Michigan (of all places!), who has been commanding stages across the country since 2007. Drag Bingo: Fit for a Queen is for ages 18 and up.
Spencer LaJoye and Grace Theisen co-headline a show on June 26. In a celebration of queer indie folk and androgynous americana, this special co-bill features two fresh voices in music – Spencer LaJoye and Grace Theisen. Both have their roots in Michigan and are pushing beyond traditional genre and gender boundaries.
Spencer LaJoye makes queer indie folk music for everyone. With a crystalline voice, a multi-instrumentalist’s harmonic command, and virtuosic mastery of the loop pedal, LaJoye is a one-human tour-de-force, winning ears and hearts everywhere they go. Grace Theisen’s music spans a wide emotional range — from her journey of coming out to fighting for social justice — balanced with upbeat, danceable tracks that celebrate joy, connection, and resilience.
The Acorn's Midwest Made Series is YOUR Summer Soundtrack
Discover Your Next Favorite Artist – Your Weekly Sunday Musical Escape Awaits
We proudly present the 5th season of our beloved Midwest Made concert series, showcasing the amazing talent right here in our own backyard and across the region! Consider us your weekly Sunday escape, spotlighting incredible local and regional artists across a diverse array of genres. From returning fan-favorites to your next musical obsession, join us as we celebrate the exceptional artistry thriving right here in the Midwest. Make your summer Sundays unforgettable!
July 5: Help Hounds – indie americana
July 12: The Backups – harmony driven pop
July 19: Shiny Shiny Black – indie folk alternative
July 26: Debutants – bluegrass / “indiana newgrass”
August 2: DuPont Phillips w/ Sammie Hershock – singer-songwriter, pop, indie folk
August 9: Lake Effect Jazz Big Band – big band/jazz
The 2026 season of Midwest Made is made possible by our series sponsors, Deb and Tom Abrahamson. We are thankful for the support of the Abrahamsons which allows us to present all of the Midwest Made shows as FREE to attend!
For all the details visit: acornlive.org/midwestmade
The Music Playground – A Camp Where Music Meets Imagination
An Exciting Opportunity for Young Creatives in our Community
This summer, The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts is thrilled to launch an opportunity for young creatives in our community: The Music Playground – A Camp Where Music Meets Imagination. Built in collaboration with the School of American Music, this free one-week camp invites students ages 8–16 to explore music, performance, creativity, and collaboration in a fun and supportive environment. The camp will run July 13–17, 2026, at The Acorn, culminating in a very special showcase performance on Saturday, July 18.
Designed for both beginners and experienced young performers, The Music Playground offers focused instruction in voice, piano, and guitar, with opportunities for ensemble performance and choral collaboration. Campers will receive one-on-one coaching from professional instructors and guest artists, while building confidence through theater and improv games that strengthen stage presence and self expression. The program prioritizes skill-building, teamwork, and artistic exploration in an encouraging atmosphere where students can build or grow skills.
Beyond the music itself, campers will experience the excitement of performing on The Acorn stage while connecting with peers who share a passion for the arts. Participants will also receive complimentary tickets to select Acorn performances during camp week, giving students the opportunity to experience live music from a different vantage point.
As two nonprofit organizations, both dedicated to arts education and community engagement, The Acorn and School of American Music continue to expand opportunities to help build a strong foundation for young artists in our community and in our corner of southwest Michigan. The Music Playground reflects The Acorn’s mission to nurture creativity, participation, and cultural connection for people of all ages. Registration is free but required, and families are encouraged to reserve spots early for what promises to become an unforgettable summer tradition and a fixture in the community.
Raising the Curtain, B-I-N-G-O (Drag Bingo, that is), and Taking a Swing to Support the Arts
Your Support Keeps The Acorn Going Strong
NEW this year, our 3rd annual Acorn Swing for the Arts will take place at Woodlands Course at Whittaker in New Buffalo. We’re teeing off September 1st. Sponsorships Available! For information on sponsorship opportunities for this event, please contact belle@acornlive.org.
RAISE THE CURTAIN!
The Acorn launched a fundraising initiative in April to “Raise the Curtain!” This raffle raises funds through September 5th to replace our stage curtain. With the purchase of raffle tickets, one is entered to win the coveted GOLDEN TICKET. What does this mean, you ask? The Acorn’s GOLDEN TICKET entitles its holder to 2 Reserved seats to any and every Acorn show for one calendar year! Tickets can only be purchased at the Box Office. Enter for your chance to win and help The Acorn “Raise the Curtain!”
DRAG BINGO
This Pride Month, The Acorn and OutCenter Southwest Michigan present DRAG BINGO: Fit for a Queen starring Jadein Black on June 18th.
The Game:
Multiple rounds of high-octane Bingo with prizes that are actually worth winning.
Solo Spotlights:
Between every round, our queens take the stage for individual performances that will leave you gagged.
The Triple-Threat Finale:
A show-stopping production number featuring all three queens together for one final serve you have to see to believe!
This event is for ages 18 and up.
SWING FOR THE ARTS!
The Acorn’s third annual Swing for the Arts will be September 1st! This golf outing raises money to support The Acorn Center for Performing Arts community programs. NEW this year, this event will take place at Woodlands Course at Whittaker in New Buffalo. Registration includes bag drop, cart, swag bag, 2 drink tickets, lunch, post-outing cash bar with appetizers, putting green, driving range, contests and raffle drawing. The price includes a $77 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn. Secure your spot on the green before it’s too late.
Sponsorships Available! For information on sponsorship opportunities for this event, please contact belle@acornlive.org.
Program Recap
Highlights
Check out some of these recent Acorn moments and get a peek at what’s coming up.
During The Acorn’s dark period this winter, we took our shows on the road! We had three shows during the six weeks The Acorn was under construction. We kicked off the series with a packed house at our neighbor across the street, Commune + Market, with The Debutants. Next we traveled over to The Vickers for Songwriters-in-the-Round, a special night that included artists Emily Barnes, Sadie Gustafson-Zook, and 2025 Singer-Songwriter Competition winner Kylee Phillips. We had our grand finale at The GhostLight Theatre in Benton Harbor, showcasing a very special show with Andy Sydow and Citadel Orchestra.
What began as a dinner auctioned at the 2025 Acorn Center for the Performing Arts Boo Ball became An Evening at SunnyMare, the country estate of Sam Zingaro and Andy Mahoney. Allison Strauss of Cocktails by Allison, Gottfried Hart of Driehart Winery, Chef Ken Neumann, Chef Michael Faltum of The Historian, and Anna Rafalski of Granor Farms created an unforgettable evening of exceptional food, wine, cocktails, and conversation for 12 guests celebrating creativity, collaboration, and community. More than a memorable dinner, the evening helped support the future of the arts in our community. Similar one of a kind experiences will be up for auction at this year’s Boo Ball on October 23rd. Mark your calendars!
The GhostLight Theatre in Benton Harbor brought “Our Town” to The Acorn, a 1938 metatheatrical, three-act play written by American playwright Thornton Wilder. Set in the fictional small town of Grover’s Corners, the play follows the everyday lives of its citizens between 1901 and 1913, revealing the beauty and fragility of ordinary moments. Our audience was enthralled and moved by this incredibly intimate show during GhostLight’s two-day run at our theater.
Andy Sydow v. Christopher Gold is a songwriter round like no other. Join us as these two former Acorn Singer-Songwriter Competition Runners-Up face off to determine who is the ‘second placiest’ once and for all. Expect a night of incredible music and light-hearted laughter. If you aren’t a fan of one (or both) of these guys before the show, you’ll most certainly be by the end! The first chord will be struck on Friday, July 17 and one of these guys will finally get his crown! Be sure to come back the next night for our annual Singer-Songwriter Competition Finals on July 18 when we celebrate the Top Six Finalists and name this year’s winner.
What's Next
Friday, June 12
Sydney Adams w/ Aaron Conley
Saturday, June 13
Fearless: A Tribute To Taylor Swift
Friday, June 19
Alejandro Escovedo & The Electric Saints
Saturday, June 20Heartache Tonight - A Tribute to The Eagles
…and MUCH more! Visit our website for a complete list of upcoming events.
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