2021 Acorn Singer Songwriter Competition Finals

Friday, Jul. 16 | 7:30pm ET (6:30pm CT)

IMPORTANT: Due to weather concerns and for the safety of our patrons and artists, we’ve decided to move the show inside, from the Buchanan Commons to the Acorn in Three Oaks.

Perennial Acorn fan-favorite Singer Songwriter Competition Finals returns for its ninth consecutive year. Tickets are only $10. Limited capacity. Get yours now!

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Voting is open after the last performance.
Limit of one vote per device.

The Top Six!

Almond&Olive
Chicago duo Almond&Olive have been writing music together for 6 years, creating inspiring songs that span the folk and Americana genres while also incorporating the duo's timeless vocals and distinct songwriting. A&O's voices sound made for each other and guide their vulnerable storytelling through odysseys of hope, love, and loss. In 2021, Almond&Olive appeared on NBC's The Voice.

Michael Ching
Michael Ching is a well-known composer and conductor who also enjoys songwriting and occasionally performing as a singer songwriter. His opera, SPEED DATING TONIGHT!, has had over a hundred productions since its 2013 premiere, including a dozen, mostly virtual, during the COVID-19 shutdown.  He has been writing music since he was a teen and writing his own lyrics for thirty years. Michael's favorite non-classical songwriters are Darrell Scott, Jimmy Webb, and George Gershwin. He lives in Ames, Iowa and his daughter, Lucy, just graduated from Michigan State.

Scott & Lila
Scott & Lila (Scott Hildebrand and Lila Despoix) are an acoustic duo. Scott is from Chicago and Lila is from Paris. They met busking in the streets of Berlin, Germany in 2019. Since then, they have written and recorded an album and performed all over Germany, France, Italy, Sri Lanka and the USA. Their feel-good music warms the hearts of listeners, and fuses Indie-Folk, Blues and Jazz with a fresh modern twist.

Doug Harsch
Doug Harsch is a singer/songwriter in the time-honored tradition--writing and singing songs with a heart covered in the dust of life with a sound that invokes the grand American story. His smart, fun, hand-clapping, foot-stomping songs are full of both the joy and grit that life brings with it. This South Bend, Indiana-based troubadour has been playing a brand of music--a stew of folk, blues, bluegrass and rock--that he affectionately calls “Rockin’ Americana Folk” around the Michiana area for the last seven years.

Isabella Pouya
Isabella Pouya is from Granger, Indiana and has been writing songs since she was 6 years old. She writes songs about real-world issues. Her dream is to raise awareness and empower people around the world through her music. She has been interviewed twice by local networks (WSBY and WNIT) and performed numerous times at the LOGAN Center and Hannah and Friends.

Will Fancher
Will Fancher is a musician and songwriter from Chicago by way of Boston and Nashville. His songs have appeared on stage at The Second City, The Annoyance, and Laugh Out Loud Theater

The final vote and ultimate champion is audience choice, so be prepared to be dazzled, choose a favorite and cast your vote.

2021 Judges

Renowned XRT radio personality Terri Hemmert joins this year's Singer Songwriter Competition judges!

Terri Hemmert
Terri has been at WXRT for over 45 years. Starting as overnight announcer and Public Affairs Director in 1973, Terri became the first female morning drive radio personality in Chicago in 1981. In 2002 she became host of Breakfast with The Beatles, 8 to 10AM on Sundays. Prior to joining WXRT, Hemmert was an air personality at WCMF in Rochester, NY and also served as program coordinator for WGLD (currently WVAZ) in Chicago.

Mark Moore
Mark Moore is a signed Songwriter/Producer for NOMA Music in Los Angeles and studio owner. He is also a sideman/session bass player and currently a member of the touring band for the iconic 60's group Jay and The Americans. Mark has shared the stage with a who’s who of popular music ranging from Bob Weir (The Grateful Dead), Narada Michael Walden (Jeff Beck, Weather Report), Chuck Leavell (The Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones), Bonnie Hayes (Bonnie Raitt), Kevin Hayes (The Robert Cray Band), Jimmy Dillon (Bob Dylan, Clarence Clemons, Sting) and Ozzie Ahlers (Van Morrison, Jerry Garcia, Craig Chaquico), Bruce Hastell (Badfinger) and smooth jazz artists Bryan Lubeck and Johannes Linstead among others.

Frank Sintich
Frank has been an Acorn Board member since 2016. He was attracted to The Acorn’s connection to the community and live music and began producing shows before being elected to the board. He has spent over 30 years playing and writing music in bands throughout the Chicago area and Midwest. He studied guitar jazz improvisation at Sherwood Music Conservatory. Frank is currently writing, recording and producing original music for an upcoming Broadway musical.

All COVID-19 safety requirements will be followed in accordance with Michigan state regulations. Every ticket purchased helps us bridge the gap till we can be fully operational again. Thank you!

$50 VIP Reserved Seating Ticket Donation guarantees optimal reserved seating near the stage and helps support The Acorn. Very limited availability. 100% tax deductible.

Event Sponsor:
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Acorn@Journeyman with a double bill featuring Emma Hamel & Andy Baker

Thursday, May. 20 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

Please note: Do not bring drinks or coolers to this event.

All COVID-19 safety requirements will be followed in accordance with Michigan state regulations.

About the Artists:

Emma Hamel
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 Southwest Michigan.

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 winner of the 2018 Acorn Singer Songwriter Competition. Her original song “Standing by My Side” about how it feels to graduate during a pandemic was a surprise YouTube breakout, gaining over 100,000 views in less than two weeks.

Learn more about Emma Hamel's music.

Andy Baker
Michigan songsmith Andy Baker has spent 3 decades captivating audiences with his unique style of thoughtful midwestern folk. His recent accolades include winning the coveted 2020 Kerrville Newfolk Songwriting Competition, as well as being featured as an Emerging Artist at the 2020 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in New York. His 2020 album “North Country Sky” spent a number of months on the National Folk DJ charts, and Jon Stein, host of WTBQ’s Hootenany Cafe declares “Andy weaves breathtaking lyrics and melodies…He left me wanting more…much more!”
Learn more about Andy Baker's music.

THIS EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE.

RESERVED TABLE option includes a $100 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn for up to (4) people.  VIP ticket holders will be sent a form to register the names of the (4) guests who will be seated at a VIP table on the deck overlooking Journeyman’s backyard.  No need to bring your own chair.  You will be provided wait service at your table to purchase drinks and food from Journeyman's menu.

The Acorn is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donations help us to continue to operate and offer wonderful programming to the community.

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Guitars & Saxes featuring The Bryan Lubeck Band

Saturday, Jul. 24 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

Lubeck’s returned to the studio in 2020 and will release "Midnight Sun" on July 19th to radio and streaming outlets. This performance will note the debut of the new music from the album with his full touring band LIVE at The Acorn. His sax player, Nick Bisesi, who has toured with Ray Charles and was one of Ramsey Lewis' "Urban Knights" will bring the heat with his high-energy sax playing as well.

Look for an amazing night with a perfect balance of Guitars and Saxes and a perfect balance of chill and groove.

About the Artists:

Bryan Lubeck
Billboard Music Magazine's "Critics Choice" Bryan Lubeck is known for his fusion of romantic Spanish guitar and fiery urban grooves. He has been a staple of the contemporary pop instrumental genre (sometimes called smooth jazz) on big stage and radio for more than a decade.

Lubeck’s Top 20 album Tuscan Sky has gained over one million Spotify streams and notable terrestrial and online radio play.

Nick Bisesi
Nick Bisesi is a fiery Sax player - bringing dancing in the isles grooves to the stage. He is one of the most sought-after Sax players in the US with his on the road credits including work with Ray Charles, The Temptations, Nancy Wilson, Liquid Soul, Lou Rawls and Johnny Mathis.

Ramsey Lewis and he recorded the Billboard Top 5 album “Urban Knights VI”. In addition to his extensive experience, he also received a Grammy nomination as featured soloist on Angel Melendez 911 Mambo Orchestra's CD.

All COVID-19 safety requirements will be followed in accordance with Michigan state regulations.

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.

The Acorn is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donations help us to continue to operate and offer wonderful programming to the community.

The Music of Carole King at Fernwood

Saturday, Jul. 10 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

Acorn Anywhere! returns to the lush, verdant grounds of Fernwood Botanical Gardens in Niles, MI, for a magical and memorable evening featuring the music of one of the most influential songwriters of our time, Carole King.  Classic favorite hits including You’ve Got a Friend, It’s Too Late, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Where You Lead and One Fine Day  will be performed by an all-star cast of five terrifically talented women, all with truly impressive singing, songwriting and theatrical backgrounds. Featured are Patti Shaffner, Natalie Gaza, Priscilla Sabourin, Nikki Gauthier and Abbie Thomas.

This is a BYO event! Bring your own beverages, snacks and chairs.

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.

The Acorn is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donations help us to continue to operate and offer wonderful programming to the community.

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Bluegrass In The Country feat. The Eric Lambert Eclectic Bluegrass Band w/ opener Strings Beyond Description

Saturday, Jul. 31 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

Come out for an energizing and inspiring Acorn Anywhere! double bill under the stars on a gorgeous country estate near Hesston (1000 N), IN, to experience two incredible bluegrass bands. Eric Lambert’s Eclectic Bluegrass Band, earthy and improvisational, teams with refreshingly original Strings Beyond Description - -a perfect pairing.

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Joyful and quick-tempoed, Eric Lambert, a three-time Chicago Music Award winner and Strings and Sol Festival guitar champ, with master mandolinist Josh McPartland and vocalist Char head up an all-star night of entertainment. Strings Beyond Description, six performers blending guitars, mandolin, bass and melodica, balances originals and Bluegrass standards to guarantee a great time for everyone.

All COVID-19 safety requirements will be followed in accordance with Indiana state regulations.

Every ticket purchased to an Acorn Anywhere! event helps us bridge the gap till we can be fully operational again. Thank you!

About the Artists:

Eric Lambert's Eclectic Bluegrass Band
Eric Lambert's Eclectic Bluegrass Band is a Chicagoland group that plays a wide variety of popular music in a bluegrass style. The group consists of three-time Chicago Music Award winner and Strings and Sol festival guitar champ Eric Lambert, master mandolin picker Josh McPartland and vocalist extraordinaire Char. These ingredients produce a performance that is fun and musically exciting. Eric’s new CD, “Beating The Odds,” will be available on Woodpicker Music in the spring of 2021.

Strings Beyond Description
A Strings Beyond Description performance draws a balance of original songs and Bluegrass standards. Their originality of sound and subject matter is the refreshing difference that sets them apart from others in the Bluegrass realm.

Comprised of Troy Creech (banjo), Mike Regnier (Mandolin), Wes Carlson (Guitar), Buster Francis (Bass), Mark Baldwin ( Guitar), and Joe Pawlus (melodica), the energy manifested at their live shows guarantees a good time for all.

This is a BYO event! Bring your own beverages, snacks and chairs. THIS EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE.

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.

The Acorn is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donations help us to continue to operate and offer wonderful programming to the community.

At Home with Corky Siegel & Randy Sabien

Saturday, Apr. 17 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

A YouTube watch party hosted by The Acorn in Three Oaks Michigan: Corky Siegel and Randy Sabien. 75 minutes of Blues Harmonica, Jazz Violin, wild songs, a little laugh out loud silliness, and a unique "big hug" approach to a virtual “closer than in person" concert.

This event is FREE but we ask that you register by clicking the ‘Get Tickets’ button. Donations encouraged!

"My 77 year career sees its culmination in my most creative period as Mother Nature has sent me and my collaborator, Randy Sabien, to our respective rooms (along with the rest of us). You are invited into those rooms vibrating with creativity, fun, and love. Randy and I have taken our life-long skill sets as world performers and poured our individual and collective hearts out to create an experience for you that could not have happened on a stage. Don't miss this one for your life!" - Corky Siegel

A similar show was premiered in Three Lakes Wisconsin in November and at Cafe Carpe in Ft. Atkinson, Atkinson, Wisconsin in December both great successes, with many comments stating that this show was; “Better than live."

The show will stream LIVE on YouTube. Click on the YouTube link at showtime to gain access 

A Zoom meet and greet will follow the show.

About the Artists:

Corky Siegel
Corky is known internationally as one of the worlds great blues harmonica players, blues pianist, singer and writer of unusual songs, a Chamber Blues progenitor and sole pioneer/composer of award-winning revolutionary works that weave blues and classical forms together. He celebrates 55 years of performance, a co-founder of the popular Siegel-Schwall Band, a Chicago Blues Hall of Fame inductee and Lifetime Achievement awardee. Corky Siegel has a catalogue of recordings on RCA, Vanguard, Alligator, and million selling blues/classical recordings on the iconic classical label Deutsche Grammophon. At a young age, he learned his craft - personally - at the feet of such legendary first generation bluesmen as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon, Little Walter, and Otis Spann. In the earlier days of Chicago blues, he was an essential part in the blues rock revolution, and his surprising and continuing success in bringing together blues and classical audiences (with his symphonic and Chamber Blues recordings and performances) make him a pivotally unique figure in popular music history.
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Randy Sabien
For Randy Sabien, the term Jazz Violin is little more than the name of the musical genre where his recordings are found. He regularly steps beyond the boundaries of what many think of as jazz, forging headlong into the worlds of rock, blues and funk. His career began with classical violin lessons, he soon picked up fiddling and from there it was only natural he would find himself playing along with his favorite rock tunes. Then at age 19 he was reborn with the discovery that you could play jazz on the violin. The resulting sound is swinging, rocking, rhythmic and bluesy with a fiddle that often plays more like a saxophone than a violin. There are shades of Duke and Miles and you can certainly hear the echoes of the great jazz violinists from the swing era but above all, Randy is a product of his time - someone who grew up playing the violin while immersed in the music of the 60s and 70s.