Andy Sydow and Citadel Music Center present orchestral arrangements: Measure 1 and other songs @ The GhostLight Theatre – Acorn Anywhere: A Winter Series

Saturday, Feb. 07 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

The Acorn proudly presents Acorn Anywhere: A Winter Series – bringing original artistry to three unique stages in a celebration of connection through live music and community.

January 24 | Debutants @ Commune + Market

January 31 | Songwriters in the Round featuring Sadie Gustafson-Zook, Kylee Phillips and Emily Barnes @ Vickers Theatre

February 7 | Andy Sydow and Citadel Music Center present orchestral arrangements: Measure 1 and other songs @ The GhostLight Theatre

Andy Sydow is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and storyteller whose music blends Americana, folk, and roots rock. A versatile performer, his live shows move effortlessly between tender acoustic ballads, gritty piano-driven grooves, and the occasional lap steel feature.

In 2023, 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.”

About the Artists

ANDY SYDOW

Andy Sydow is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and storyteller whose music blends Americana, folk, and roots rock. A versatile performer, his live shows move effortlessly between tender acoustic ballads, gritty piano-driven grooves, and the occasional lap steel feature. His playing has drawn comparisons to Bruce Hornsby, while his vocals echo the spirit of Elvis Costello and Jackson Browne. Whether solo or with his band, Andy Sydow & The Minor League, he delivers songs that are both poetic and grounded.

Over more than a decade of touring and recording, Sydow has released multiple albums and singles, earned Triple-A and AMA radio airplay, and twice been a finalist in the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Songwriter Competition. He has shared stages with Shane Smith & The Saints, John Hiatt, Brett Dennen, Lucero, Chuck Prophet, Anders Osborne, and surf guitar legend Dick Dale. His 2024 release, Night Skin - produced by Anders Osborne and recorded at Dockside Studio in Louisiana - marked a career milestone, celebrated with his biggest headlining show to date at Denver’s Bluebird Theater.

In 2023, 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.”

Beyond his own artistry, Sydow produces and arranges for others, with credits including Lauren Frihauf, Payge Turner, AJ Fullerton, Veronica May, and Racyne Parker. He is also the creator and host of the Middle Class Rock Star podcast, where he interviews musicians and industry professionals about the craft and business of music.

SUSAN DIETRICH-REED

Susan Dietrich-Reed is Executive Director/Director of Music at the Citadel Dance & Music Center in Benton Harbor which provides comprehensive dance & music instruction to over 300 students. Prior to this Susan served as Arts & Education Director at The Salvation Army in Benton Harbor for 10 years where the Citadel music program began. Susan is a retired Benton Harbor Area Schools music educator of 26 years where she built a successful string program in an urban environment.

Susan was a cellist with the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra for over 40 years and now subs with SMSO as well as the Laporte County Indiana Symphony. She is also cellist/leader of the Renaissance Strings, Artist in Residence with the St Joseph Schools, Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra sectional coach and maintains a cello studio at the Citadel. Susan serves as an adjudicator for Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association and has served as a clinician for MASTA (Michigan American String Teachers Assoc). She is a strong advocate of Arts Education programs in schools. Susan earned her BA degree in Fine Arts & MA degree in Urban Education from Michigan State University. Susan is also a pianist, plays handbells and sings in 2 choirs.

Susan was the recipient of Benton Harbor’s Outstanding Educator Award, received the Golden Acorn Excellence in Teaching Award presented by the Berrien Community Foundation and was recognized as WCA’s Woman of the Year in Arts & Communication.

The Citadel Faculty Ensemble as featured for this performance includes Susan Dietrich-Reed, Executive Director and Director of Music for The Citadel, along with other Citadel faculty members.

A student quartet will also be featured.

CITADEL DANCE & MUSIC CENTER

The Citadel Dance & Music Center strives to inspire a sense of excitement and curiosity and to instill the disciplines of Dance & Music as art forms and a way of life. Located in the Benton Harbor Arts District, Citadel Dance & Music Center provides dance & music instruction to over 300 students of all ages year-round. Citadel's vision is to develop the skills and character of individuals of every age & ethnicity through dance and music education and performance. Our mission is to inspire a sense of excitement and curiosity and to instill the disciplines of dance & music as an art form and way of life. Programming includes private music instruction on all instruments, Kindermusik, chamber music coaching, an adult community orchestra, musical theater, fourteen dance disciplines with as many as seven levels and our Citadel Dance Companies made up of auditioned, intensive students.

Outreach programming includes Instrument Petting Zoos, Kindermusik demonstrations and partnerships with local schools. The Citadel believes strongly in using live music. “A Steamed Nutcracker” is performed biannually with a professional orchestra and Fly Me to the Moon features a 23-piece big band, string section & vocalists. Citadel Spectacular, Spring Gala, Spring Dance Concert, Art Hops and other performances throughout the year feature live music by students, staff & friends. 15 Music Spring Recitals which feature students from all music studios.

Financial aid is provided to any student wanting to study dance or music that otherwise would not be able to. Our instructional staff is made up of 25 experienced, qualified, professional staff.
Citadel Dance & Music Center was recently recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in 2025 by Moody on the Market.

For more information visit https://www.citadeldmc.org/.

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Please note Week of Show price increases by $5 per ticket.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $30 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $30 Donation per ticket holder in your group. Reserved VIP table for 2 includes a $70 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn.

All ticket purchases are non-refundable, non-exchangeable. 

The Acorn is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.