Paws for Humanity Spring "Kick Off" Benefit

Friday, Jun. 03 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

Come Together for Paws for Humanity June 3!

Paws for Humanity is kicking off their season with a benefit concert Friday June 3 at The Acorn! The evening will include 5 of the artists who played in their pastures last summer - The Mike Felton Band; Patti Shaffner; The Peter Joly Trio; James Neary; and Chicken Dolphin Band!

In addition to the amazing music, Paws for Humanity will be holding a silent auction with items from area merchants, organizations and individuals. Doors open at 7pm, and the music will be from 8-11pm.

If you would like to donate directly, or sponsor this event or the season, please click here https://pawsforhumanity.org/how-to-help/

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About Paws for Humanity:

Paws for Humanity is a local non-profit organization providing animal-assisted therapy, support, and education on-site and in community settings. Home to a variety of large farm and domestic animals, their ranch is staffed by professionals and volunteers who can create a customized program to fit your needs. Their programs include Foster/Sanctuary for animals; Animal Training; Animal Therapy; Equine Services including equine-assisted learning and leadership development; and Community Education and Support Workshops.

 

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

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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.

Acorn Anywhere! — The Music of Ella & Billie at Fernwood

Saturday, Jul. 30 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

Acorn Anywhere! returns to the lush, verdant grounds of Fernwood Botanical Garden in Niles, MI.

The Acorn is proud to present a memorable evening featuring the music of these two jazz greats, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, performed by an all-star cast of four terrifically talented women, all with truly impressive singing, songwriting and theatrical backgrounds. Featured are Patti Shaffner, Char Jones, Lauren Dukes and Meredith George. They are accompanied by the phenomenal jazz trio of Donald Neale, Buddy Pearson and Lannie Turner.

Dubbed “The First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald was arguably the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for more than half a century. In her lifetime, she won 13 Grammy awards and sold over 40 million albums. Her voice was flexible, wide-ranging, accurate and ageless. She could sing sultry ballads, sweet jazz and imitate every instrument in an orchestra. She worked with all the jazz greats, from Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Nat King Cole, to Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie and Benny Goodman. (Or rather, some might say all the jazz greats had the pleasure of working with Ella).

Nicknamed "Lady Day'' by her friend and music partner Lester Young, Billie Holiday had an innovative influence on jazz music and pop singing - in fact, she was a superstar of her day. Holiday first rose to prominence in the 1930’s with a unique style that reinvented the conventions of modern singing and performance. The evocative, soulful voice which she boldly put forth as a force for good, turned any song she sang into her own. More than 80 years after making her first recording Billie’s legacy continues to embody what is elegant and cool in contemporary music. Today, Billie Holiday is remembered for her musical masterpieces, her songwriting skills, creativity and courageous views on inequality and justice.

Bring your own chairs to this event, but nothing more!
Food available from Wood, Stock & Grill and beverages from River St. Joe Brewery. No outside food or beverages permitted.

RESERVED SEATING option includes a $25 tax deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat near the stage with optimal sight lines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group. BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR.

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About the Artists:

Patti Shaffner
Patti Shaffner performs a wide variety of musical styles including Folk, Blues, Jazz, Theater and Improvisational Singing with ease. As a seasoned performer, she is dynamic and engaging on stage. Her music is thought provoking and reaches out to the heart of our longing for connection with love and hope. Because Ella and Billie are two of her “Sheroes,” Patti is over the moon excited about being part of this top-shelf talent paying honor and respect to the unparalleled impact these two had and have on American Music. Find more about Patti at jazzdakini.com

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Charlene Jones
Charlene “Char” Jones is a mother, singer, songwriter, recording artist, and motivator. She began her musical journey in the church, where she sang, led the choir, and composed music. Char has served as the Music Director/Pianist for 39 years. Char’s mission is to sing, inspire, and empower. She has traveled and shared her love of music on many different stages. Char’s vocal style can be described as “A soulful mix of Contemporary Gospel infused with Jazz, Soul, and Divine inspiration.” Char’s latest project Stronger 5.0! is currently available on all online music platforms. You can learn more about Char on her website charlenejonesmusic.com.

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Lauren Dukes
Lauren Dukes is a singer/songwriter from Chicago. Being entrenched, from an early age, in many different musical styles (including Gospel, Classical, Soul, Rock, Hip Hop, & World music) has shaped her into a well rounded multi-genre artist. With the release of her self-titled EP in 2021, publications from all over the world have agreed she is an artist to have on your radar and playlists. Lauren’s passion and love for the craft is best displayed on live stages as she sings every note with conviction and emotion.

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Meredith George
Most 12 year olds don’t know all the words to A-Tisket, A-Tasket or have the greatest hits of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne and Rosemary Clooney on rotation in their 5 CD changer boombox. But Meredith George wasn’t your typical 12 year old. Raised by a mother whose secret desire was to become a singer in a smokey jazz lounge, Meredith has put all the years of piano lessons, musicals and choirs to good use, along with her degree in Music Business. As part of local trio The Backups, Meredith plays piano and sings with two of her best friends. She describes Jazz and the “lady-crooners” Ella, Billie, Lena and Rosemary as her all time musical favorites.

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

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RESERVED SEATING option includes a $25 tax deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat near the stage with optimal sight lines. $25 Donation per ticket holder in your group. BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR.

THIS EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE

Ike Reilly Assassination

Saturday, Jun. 11 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

The critically acclaimed Ike Reilly Assassination perform their gritty and hard-driving music at The Acorn!

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About the Artists:

Since his explosive major label debut, Salesmen and Racists, Reilly has been creating rebellious punk/folk/country/blues-influenced rock ’n’ roll records that are poetic and cinematic. Critical praise for his work has been plentiful, and he has garnered a wildly loyal fan base -- from faithful fans in the dirty bars and rock clubs in the middle of nowhere to legendary authors. Reilly’s songs have a unique universality that affects people. Author Stephen King wrote that Reilly’s travel band saga, “Boltcutter,” was “the best new song to come out of the Trump era.” The New York Times called Reilly’s longtime band, The Assassination, one of the best live bands in America, and once again they show their dexterity and growth on Reilly’s new offering, Because the Angels.

This compelling batch of new Reilly songs/tales required both a lighter touch and a ferocity that mirrors the depth of Reilly’s writing and the varied nature of his songs. On “Ashes to Ashes,” the band slams away and yet still holds down the groove to this Ray-Charles-on-speed track. As the band rocks, rolls, and rumbles, Reilly sings of the cursed and the blessed, the loved and the hurt, and he assures us that nobody escapes death. Sure, it’s dark, but ya might die trying not to move to this track.

Of his work, Reilly dismisses it and says, “My songs are either lies or apologies.” Because the Angels may reveal more truth than maybe he would like. “Trick of the Light,” the first single released off of the new album, is a dark-pop-celebration of family dysfunction. Here, we find Reilly ironically sharing lead vocal duties with three of his own children. There is a festive innocence and a wise resignation in the vocal delivery as Reilly and his boys trade lines and ask questions about faith, hope, family, money, and fate.

Ike Reilly Assassination is:
Ike Reilly – Guitar and Vocals
Phil Karnats – Guitar
Dave Cottini – Drums
Pete Cimbalo – Bass
Ed Tinley - Guitar
Adam Krier – Organ
Shane Reilly – Vocals
Kevin Reilly – Vocals
Mickey Reilly – Vocals

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

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

Best of Acorn Open Mic with Joe Bisceglia

Saturday, Aug. 20 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

LOCATION HAS CHANGED: The show will be at The Acorn. It is no longer a BYO event. Our bar will be open.

Featuring Joe Bisceglia, the show will feature music from many of your favorites - Dylan Reed Leavitt, Jack Cunningham, Patti Shaffner, Riely O'Connor & Molly B. Moon, Joe & Paul, Brian Kanyer, Jamie Wagner and Dirty Sally.

No Admission Fee, Donations Encouraged

About our Host

Joe Bisceglia
Joe is an experienced singer/songwriter/entertainer who has performed solo, as well as with many other bands and artists, over his long career in music, primarily in the Chicago area in such venues as Buddy Guy’s Legends, Lincoln Hall, and the Double Door. His powerful high energy vocal and guitar renditions of a wide variety of popular music, both new and old, as well as his original compositions, appeal to all audiences, and have made him a fan favorite at The Acorn.

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

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

 

Pride Open Mic Night with Dylan Reed Leavitt

Tuesday, Jun. 07 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

In collaboration with The OutCenter of Southwest Michigan, The Acorn presents a very special Acorn Open Mic Night, showcasing LGBTQIA+ performers. Hosted by the 2020 winner of The Acorn's Singer-Songwriter Competition, Dylan Reed Leavitt.

No Admission Fee, Donations Encouraged

Performer Inquiries: Email openmic@acornlive.org

About the Artists

Dylan Reed Leavitt was the winner of The Acorn’s 2020 Singer-Songwriter Competition. Her original style and natural audience rapport has built her a significant following. She also has impressive vocal ability - effortlessly moving between high and low pitches, incorporating interesting embellishments and adding dynamic expressiveness. In addition, Dylan is an accomplished musician and singer-songwriter. Once you experience one of her unforgettable performances, you will absolutely want to see her again.

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

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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.

Lake Effect Jazz Big Band – Midwest Made

Wednesday, Aug. 17 | 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 Lake Effect Jazz Big Band continues to be one of the premier big bands in the Midwest. Specializing in new arrangements of classic standards, new compositions for contemporary big bands, and golden oldies, the band performs music from the libraries of Stan Kenton, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Chuck Mangione and others. The Lake Effect Jazz Big Band is committed to preserving the uniquely American art form of big band jazz in concert and jazz festival settings across Southwest Michigan.

The band is led by Steven L. Reed, retired instrumental music teacher for the St. Joseph Public Schools, where he taught jazz ensemble, orchestra, and band for 35 years. Several members of the Lake Effect Jazz Big Band are current or retired music educators and jazz education is a priority for the LEJBB.

The band performs between twelve and fifteen concerts each summer including Jazz Festivals and full length concerts. Featured artists that have performed with the Lake Effect Jazz Big Band include vocalists Rebecca Derbas-Selvidge, Michelle Bythrow, Paul Mow, Katie Rohrer, Lisa Dabrowski, Andrew Fisher and Chicago jazz vocalist Tammy McCann. Instrumental soloists have included local trombonist Ed Bagatini, Chicago vibraphonist Jim Cooper, Ann Arbor alto saxophonist Doug Horn, and Grand Rapids area percussionist Kevin “Bujo” Jones.

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

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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 Backups & The Get Downs – Midwest Made

Wednesday, Aug. 10 | 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 Backups are a soulful, harmony driven lady trio made up of Leslie Sypian, Meredith George and Morgan Ingle. A love for music and sharing it brought this group together. All hailing from Southwest Michigan, these ladies play originals and covers from all genres. Sweet and smooth!

“Three world class regional performers - each unique unto their own as front vocalists for their own respective bands… Yet when these sisters of song team up as The Backups - it is a divine and cosmic harmony that mesmerizes, enchants, engages, and captures the listener in both heart and soul.”
- Monte Michel Bleu

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

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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.

Chicago Farmer & The Fieldnotes – Midwest Made

Wednesday, Aug. 03 | 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 son of a small-town farming community, Cody Diekhoff logged plenty of highway and stagetime under the name Chicago Farmer before settling in the city in 2003. Profoundly inspired by fellow Midwesterner John Prine, he’s a working-class folk musician to his core. His small-town roots, tilled with city streets mentality, are turning heads North and South of I-80.

“I love the energy, music, and creativity of Chicago, but at the same time, the roots and hard work of my small town,” he shares. Growing up in Delavan, Illinois, with a population less than 2,000, Diekhoff’s grandparents were farmers, and their values have always provided the baseline of his songs.

He writes music for “the kind of people that come to my shows. Whether in Chicago or Delavan, everyone has a story, and everyone puts in a long day and works hard the same way,” he says. “My generation may have been labeled as slackers, but I don’t know anyone who doesn’t work hard - many people I know put in 50-60 hours a week and 12-hour days. That’s what keeps me playing. I don’t like anyone to be left out; my music is for everyone in big and very small towns.”

He listened to punk rock and grunge as a kid before discovering a friend’s dad playing Hank Williams, and it was a revelation. Prine and Guthrie quickly followed. The name Chicago Farmer was originally for a band, but the utilitarian life of driving alone from bar to bar, city to city - to make a direct connection to his audience and listener, took a deeper hold.

“You can smell the dirt in the fields, hear the wind as it blows across the plains, and see the people that Chicago Farmer sings about. Each track captures a moment in time, whether for a person or a particular place. Imagine if a John Steinbeck short story had been written as a song, and this will give you a fairly good idea as to what Chicago Farmer accomplishes on his albums.” — HONEST TUNE

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

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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.

Sankofa – Midwest Made

Wednesday, Jul. 27 | 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:

Sankofa is an eclectic soul band that formed in Benton Harbor, Michigan nearly ten years ago whose members are passionate about creating and performing good music. They play a mix of music genres – funk, jazz, hip hop, blues, rock and beyond!

Beth Haire-Lewis – lead vocalist and group manager
Beth is an Early Intervention Specialist for Community AIDS Resources and Education Services (CARES). She also worked as Bartender for many years at Czars 505 in St. Joseph, Michigan, as well as music management for recording artists in Los Angeles, CA.

Steve Parker – keyboards, vocals, songwriter, and the group band director
Steve has played with a multitude of recording artists from around the country. He studied Entertainment Management at the Music Business Institute, in Atlanta Georgia and was a Promotions Specialist with A&M Records.

Audrey Peeples – drummer/percussionist and vocals
Audy has played the drums for decades. She was classically trained on the drums and percussion at an early age. She is owner of Souls Ground Foods and Natural Healing, and Chef/Owner of Souls Ground Café in Benton Harbor, MI.

Falconetti Petty – rapper/lyricist
Falcon has performed on many stages and writes his own original content. He’s also the GM and Marketing Assistant for Malone Records and studied Audio Engineering at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Gilbert, AZ.

Skip Birdsong – guitarist and vocals
Skip is a long-time performer who joined Sankofa a couple of years ago as a guest guitarist and has continued to play with the band since. He has played with a multitude of Blues bands around the country including his own. He is the owner/operator of an auto service shop and auto sale lot.

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

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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.

Mike Struwin Band – Midwest Made

Wednesday, Jul. 20 | 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:

Incorporating a myriad of genres, including Americana/Blues & Bluegrass/Roots/Folk/Soul and even Reggae, Mike Struwin’s latest project- “Mike Struwin Band” has forged a truly unique style all their own.

Mike Struwin, who began playing music at the age of 13, has long been a force in the regional music scene of Southwest Michigan, known for lyrics and music imbued with a sense of honesty, empathy and authenticity. The St. Joseph, Michigan native released his first CD at age 17 and hasn’t looked back since, putting out eight albums to date and performing for audiences (young and old) for over 20 years.

Teaming up with members from the Sypian Family Band; Matt Sypian (drums) and Mike Nelson (bass) and enlisting long-time friend Mike Kinney to play lead guitar, Struwin has finally found a group that truly reflects his vision, versatility and style. Connected by their common goal of delivering handcrafted quality music to anyone with open ears and an open mind, Mike Struwin Band slips and slides through various genres, presenting their own original music to crowds while also paying tribute to musical greats like Paul Simon, Bill Withers, The Grateful Dead, Bob Marley and the Eagles.

On the heels of Struwin’s latest record drop “Ginger Peach,” Mike Struwin Band is building their reputation as one of Midwest’s most fresh and “up-and-coming” live acts. Whether you like to dance or kick back and listen, this band has you covered.

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

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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.