2022 Meet the Musicians
We are thrilled to bring you two evenings full of local musicians, brought to you by The Blue Light Studio, here in Midland. Saturday June 4th, and Sunday June 5th, from 5-9:30pm, musical performances will be next to the Little Forks Mural site, in the rear parking lot behind Little Forks Outfitters. You can access this lot off of McDonald St, between E Larkin St and Main St. We also have to send out a big thank you to Walker Custom Carpentry for building our stage for these performances too.
Bring your own chair or blanket, food or drinks, to enjoy the unfolding mural art and these incredible musicians.
SATURDAY, JUNE 4
5:00p-5:15p Kevin B Klien
5:20p-5:50p Copper Cat
5:55p-6:15p The Wise-Hill Duo (Jacob Wisenbach and Hillary Huebler)
6:25p-6:40p Meg & Jolie
6:45p-7:15p Jolie Wing
7:20p-8:40p Peter Barbeau
8:45p-9:30p Noah Schieber & the ll act
SUNDAY, JUNE 5
5:00p-5:15p Michael Webber
5:20p-5:40p John Louis Good
5:45p-6:15p Truth Jones
6:20p-6:35p Kristen Goodall
6:45p-7:15p Joe Morgan
7:20p-8:40p Seth Allen
8:45p-9:30p Jaron & Kalysta
Learn more about some of this year’s musical artists below.
A Word About the Blue Light Studio
Founded by artist Jazzmyn Benitez, The Blue Light Studio’s mission is to serve musicians and storytellers as they cultivate their talents to connect with their audience in meaningful and transformative ways.
See regular live ‘Livingroom Session’ performances in the Live Oak Coffeehouse Midtown location, in the Makers Room. Follow The Blue Light Studio on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest.
Meet the Musicians
Peter Barbeau, Tristan Brewer, Bruce Matthews, Carlee Olenczuk
IG: @peter_barbeau @tristan26140 @brucematthewsofficial @carlee_olenczuk
What is your earliest memory of when music impacted your life?
While not the earliest, going to my first concert had a huge impact on me. Just seeing the showmanship and the artistry of performing on stage, I knew it was something I wanted to chase.
Who is your go to musician or band for when you need a pick me up?
The Front Bottoms.
How do you think public art impacts our community?
Public art allows for a lot of self expression as an individual. It’s cool seeing something that you made or did have an impact on your community. Public art also is transformative, different people can have different interpretations of the same art.
Support: Venmo @peter_barbeau
“Copper Cat” / Sarah Evans and Tyler Benoit
IG/FB: @coppercatcollective
What is your earliest memory of when music impacted your life?
One of my (Sarah Evans) earliest memories of music was being about 5 years old and watching parts of the Phantom of the Opera. I wanted to learn all of the songs and I remember how captivating it felt to me. I loved to sing the songs around my house and tried to learn how to play the melodies by ear on my keyboard. I often think that’s where my love for music began.
Who is your go to musician or band for when you need a pick me up?
Regina Spektor.
How do you think public art impacts our community?
It gives people the opportunity to express themselves and value others’ life experiences and expressions. I believe public art allows for deeper connection within the community.
Support: Venmo saevans_01
Michael Webber
IG: @michaelwebbermusic
FB: Michael Webber Music
YouTube
What is your earliest memory of when music impacted your life?
My earliest memory is dancing around to the radio with my brother. I was probably three or four but have been stuck on music ever since.
Who is your go to musician or band for when you need a pick me up?
Pat Metheny and Duke Ellington. Bill Frisell. He is a sonic explorer and such a creative force in jazz guitar. His music is so emotionally powerful that it carries me away every time I hear it.
How do you think public art impacts our community?
Art is culture, no matter the medium. We need public art to help express that culture for all to see. Just like a concert or a play, public artwork is a crucial part of expressing ourselves in our community.
Support: PayPal @michaeljwebber
John Louis Good/John Louis Good & The Rose City Troubadours
FB + IG: @johnlouisgood
Amazon Music
What is your earliest memory of when music impacted your life?
Being taught how to play the spoons by my elderly neighbor.
Who is your go to musician or band for when you need a pick me up?
Fred Eaglesmith.
How do you think public art impacts our community?
Greatly, art reflects the mindset of the community in which its created in.
Support: PayPal @johnlouisgood
Cashapp $JLGRCT
Venmo @JohnLouisGood
Kevin B. Klien
FB, Twitter, TikTok: @kevinbklein
IG: @kevin.b.klein
Soundcloud
What is your earliest memory of when music impacted your life?
When I was very little listening to the radio in the car heading up to the UP of Michigan where my family owned a restaurant. I would think of how great it sounded and that is what I wanted to do. It touched me and I would sing my heart out from the backseat.
Who is your go to musician or band for when you need a pick me up?
The band Europe.
How do you think public art impacts our community?
It gives the artist a chance to showcase their art/creativity and to share their soul with others. Art is the most beautiful expression a person can share of oneself and it brings the community together to absorb it! Art makes the world go round and we would all be lost without it !
Kalysta and Jaron - Kalysta Sylvester Jaron Jock
@kalystaofficial on all social media // "Kalysta" on ALL music platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, etc)
What is your earliest memory of when music impacted your life?
Since I can remember, music has impacted my heart and soul! I grew up in a household that was constantly playing music. Some of my family hails from Detroit, so Motown, soulful music, and the oldies were almost always played. My mother would sing to me and my sister in the car and I picked up on it very young. I was a very shy little girl who couldn’t even speak to order my food at a restaurant (I was too afraid). But when I SANG, I was not shy. It was my time to fully be myself -to be confident and let the most joyful parts of the soul out for everyone to hear. Now, singing/performing is my therapy. I am the happiest, and most comfortable when I’m lost in my music, and able to exchange energy between the audience. Music has always been a constant for me in this ever-changing and sometimes scary world. It gives me peace. It is a piece of history that will be here for generations to come, and I am lucky enough to have written some songs of my own that are out now for all to hear and hopefully the listeners feel some solace or happiness from them as well.
Who is your go to musician or band for when you need a pick me up?
I have a wide range of music taste! I would say right now, Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give It Up" and Lizzo's "About Damn Time" picks me up when I need it. As for a go-to band, KC and the Sunshine Band ALWAYS brings me nostalgic vibes, and gets me feeling ready to take on the day. "Silk Sonic" band does as well, as of late.
How do you think public art impacts our community?
I think public art is an absolute necessity for every community. The arts are crucial to all, and especially the youth. The most creative parts of people, the non-debatable, purest form of the soul - is art. As Stevie Wonder says, "music is a language we all understand." It is where, despite our differences and beliefs, we can come together as one and rejoice in the arts and music. Especially as a young person, who is trying to find themselves, art is an EXCELLENT way to express feelings or what might not be so easy to say. I may be bias, but I think that is one of the most beautiful things that we as a people can be a part of and participate in. When there is a tight-knit community, the arts are like a glue - keeping it together in the best of ways. It gives people of ALL ages the chance to express themselves fully and unapologetically. For a community to provide opportunities for the arts to be at the forefront, I think that is such a positive privilege! Especially with everything going on in the world, we need to be closer and connect on something ... the arts in our community is the perfect way to start.
Support: Venmo Kalysta-Sylvester
PayPal Kalysta Sylvester
Kristine D. Goodwin
FB @KristineSings
Kristine Goodwin on Reverbnation, Spotify & Apple Music & Amazon as Kristine D. Goodwin, SongstressKris on Instagram, KristineGoodwinMusic.com
What is your earliest memory of when music impacted your life?
Listening to a dubbed cassette copy of Les Miserables in my bedroom as a teen. I hadn’t seen the show yet but the music told an incredibly powerful story.
Who is your go to musician or band for when you need a pick me up?
Joss Stone.
How do you think public art impacts our community?
Public art expands our notions of our community by displaying diverse perspectives and yet showing us all the ways we are connected to one another.
Support: PayPal.me/KristineSings
Truth Jones
IG: @truthjones
What is your earliest memory of when music impacted your life?
In 5th grade I got in trouble for dancing on the risers during our performance! It was down hill from there.
Who is your go to musician or band for when you need a pick me up?
Anything Drake, Jcole , or Tom Misch. Jcole forever.
How do you think public art impacts our community?
Personally I think public art is something Midland could use more of! We are an evolving town and bringing more arts to the community would only make us more diverse! I'd love love to see them impact Midland more! Being in Atlanta you see that art is a true form of expression.
Support: Cashapp $truthjonesmusic
Jolie Wing
IG: @jolie_wing
YouYube: jolie wing
Soundcloud: jolie wing
What is your earliest memory of when music impacted your life?
Watching and listening to my dad play piano my whole life. It sounds as easy as breathing for him when he improvs.
Who is your go to musician or band for when you need a pick me up?
Lake Street Dive or Cage the Elephant.
How do you think public art impacts our community?
Art takes the indescribable emotions all of us experience and makes it tangible and that creates the deepest connections you can have. Events like this that draw in the community and give us a platform to create those connections. That, for me, is what keeps life beautiful.
Support: Venmo joliewing
The Wise-Hill Duo Jacob Wisenbach and Hillary Huebler
What is your earliest memory of when music impacted your life?
Singing along with the radio in the car with my mom. My first band director praising me for discovering lip slurs. My grandfather talking about Louis Armstrong.
Who is your go to musician or band for when you need a pick me up?
John Coltrane. Tom Harrell. Bill Evans. Many others across many styles due to the nostalgia of my musical journey (rock/grunge, classical, etc).
How do you think public art impacts our community?
A beautiful mural in an otherwise industrial area can remind us that life isn’t just about work, eat, and sleep, but to also stop and enjoy ourselves.
Support: Venmo @JacobWisenbach
