REVIEW: Hilarious Hit Shucked at Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre Through January 19th Only

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

SHUCKED

NOW PLAYING AT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S CIBC THEATRE

THROUGH JANUARY 19 ONLY

Ah-maize-ing! 

Humor, grit, and kernels of wisdom. 

Hilarious hit, Shucked is a great respite from reality for a couple hours. 

Felt a-maize-ing to laugh so hard! Corny puns were poppin’ and there were quite a few clever lines that just might sneak into my real world vernacular. 

Highly Recommended. ★★★★ Four out of four stars. 

Bonnie Kenaz-Mara, ChiIL Live Shows

SHUCKED is recommended for ages 10+ due to adult themes, moments of adult language and a harvest of corny innuendo. 

All persons entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

It was pure joy to catch opening night of Shucked last night at Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre. This Ah-maize-ing Tony Award winning hit is hands down hilarious. I laughed so hard my ribs hurt today. Shucked is filled with humor, grit, and kernels of wisdom, not to mention catchy tunes, bad puns, and excellent talent across the board. This production is a great reminder that simple is different than stupid, there are many types of wisdom, and never underestimate determined women.

Quinn VanAntwerp as Gordy and Miki Abraham as Lulu 

All Production Photos by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

Jake Odmark as Beau and Danielle Wade as Maizy with Cast Members

In our current political climate, while global warming related environmental disasters rage, Shucked is a great respite from reality for a couple hours. It's well worth the ticket price to escape into simpler times, and hide out in a corn maze of cons, relationship woes, and good old fashioned community for a spell. Corny puns were poppin’ and there were quite a few clever lines that just might sneak into my real world vernacular. The writing and score are witty, wonderful, and too much fun. 

Danielle Wade as Maizy

I especially loved Maizy (Danielle Wade) known for playing “Cady” in the Mean Girls National Tour. We need more of her adventurous spirit and gems like "This isn't an argument. I'm right and you're just saying things." She's the corn fed, small town, girl next door type, who's been underestimated all her life. She's also equal parts smart and smart-ass and we're here for it. We also adored Miki Abraham as LuLu, continuing in the role from Shucked on Broadway.  She's fierce and fabulous.

Miki Abraham as Lulu and Ryan Fitzgerald

Danielle Wade as Maizy and Miki Abraham as Lulu 

This modern day Music Man brings a fake physician "corn specialist" to an isolated rural town, to fix their agricultural woes. Instead, the town ends up fixing him. 

Quinn VanAntwerp as Gordy

The Cast of The North American Tour of SHUCKED 

Much like The Music Man's iconic, traveling con artist Harold Hill, Gordy in foiled in his con by smart women, but succeeds in finding love and community, despite his questionable past. Quinn VanAntwerp (Shucked on Broadway) is a treat to see as Gordy. 

The Cast of The North American Tour of SHUCKED 

The creatives and the entire cast are talent filled and top notch. We particularly adored the fabulous lighting, sound, and set design. Don't miss this! Highly Recommended. ★★★★ Four out of four stars. ChiIL Live Shows.

I was unfamiliar with the storyline and score going in, but they won me over by the opening number. I'll certainly be playing this one at home. Want to hear more?

Get an ear full of clever lyrics with this playfully incredible score: 

**The Grammy Award nominated SHUCKED – Original Broadway Cast Recording is available on all streaming platforms and on CD.  The album is produced by Jason Howland, Billy Jay Stein, and the show’s composers Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark.**

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly).

The Cast of The North American Tour of SHUCKED 

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce the Tony Award® winning musical comedy, SHUCKED is now playing at Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.) for a limited engagement through January 19 only.

“More hilarious than any show since The Book of Mormon” – New York Stage Review

SHUCKED features a “superb book” (New York Post) by Tony Award winner Robert Horn, a score filled with “earworm songs” (The Daily Beast) by Grammy Award winners, Tony Award nominees and Nashville music superstars Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, and direction with “an infectious spirit of glee and warmth” (Variety) by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien.

Maya Lagerstam as Storyteller 1 and Tyler Joseph Ellis as Storyteller 2

The Cast of The North American Tour of SHUCKED 

What do you get when you pair a semi-neurotic, New York comedy writer with two music superstars from Nashville? A hilarious and audacious farm-to-fable musical about the one thing Americans everywhere can’t get enough of: corn. SHUCKED is the new musical comedy that proves sometimes tearing down a few walls, rather than growing them, is the only way to preserve our way of life. SHUCKED is turning musical theater on its ear and is offering a kernel of hope for our divided nation.

“More laughs than every other Broadway show put together” – Chicago Tribune

The cast includes Miki Abraham (Shucked on Broadway) as Lulu, Tyler Joseph Ellis (“The Sex Lives of College Girls”) as Storyteller 2, Maya Lagerstam (The Gospel According to Heather) as Storyteller 1, Mike Nappi (Darling Grenadine) as Peanut, Jake Odmark (Kinky Boots) as Beau, Quinn VanAntwerp (Shucked on Broadway) as Gordy and Danielle Wade (“Cady” in the Mean Girls National Tour) as Maizy.

Jake Odmark as Beau and Danielle Wade as Maizy

Jake Odmark as Beau and Mike Nappi as Peanut

The cast also includes Zakiya Baptiste, Mackenzie Bell, Carly Caviglia, Cecily Dionne Davis, Ryan Fitzgerald, Sean Casey Flanagan, Jackson Goad, Erick Pinnick, Nick Raynor, Celeste Rose, Kyle Sherman and Chani Wereley.

Danielle Wade as Maizy and Erick Pinnick as Grandpa  

With choreography by Sarah O’Gleby, and music supervision, music direction, orchestrations, and arrangements by 2023 Tony Award, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award nominee Jason Howland, the design team for SHUCKED includes 2023 Tony Award nominee and Tony Award winner Scott Pask (scenic design), 2023 Drama Desk Award nominee Tilly Grimes (costume design), Tony Award nominee Japhy Weideman (lighting design), Tony Award winner and 2023 Drama Desk Award nominee John Shivers (sound design), Academy Award® winner and Emmy Award® winner Mia Neal (wig design), and Stephen Kopel, C12 Casting (casting director). SHUCKED is produced by Mike Bosner and Jason Owen.

“Shucked is totally original, unexpected, and brilliant!”  – Forbes

www.shuckedmusical.com

www.facebook.com/shuckedmusical

www.instagram.com/shuckedmusical

www.tiktok.com/@shuckedmusical

Mike Nappi as Peanut

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 8 at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 9 at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, January 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 11 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 12 at 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 14 at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 15 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 18 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 19 at 1:00 p.m.

Jake Odmark as Beau 

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for SHUCKED are on sale now and range from $35.00 - $130.00 with a select number of premium tickets available. Patrons can also participate in a digital lottery for a chance to purchase $25.00 tickets for each performance. In addition to the lottery, a limited number of day-of-show, in person Rush tickets will be available for all performances. Click here for more info on Digital Lottery and In Person Rush. Tickets are available for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 25 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the  Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, The Auditorium, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway  Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

For more information and tickets, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● TikTok @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

The Cast of The North American Tour of SHUCKED 

All Production Photos by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

REVIEW: Circus HAMLET Via The New York Circus Project at Chicago's Studebaker Theater Through August 18th, 2024

This Tragedy's a Triumph!

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

 

Circus meets Shakespeare in cutting-edge production 

Geared toward adults but recommended for all ages 4+

90 minutes/no intermission

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

A 90 minute circus arts filled Hamlet?! Yes please! Last night I had the pleasure of ChiILin’ at New York Circus Project’s Hamlet, at Studebaker Theater, and I was absolutely gobsmacked by this powerful production. This is the first Chicago visit for The New York Circus Project, and we fervently hope it won't be the last! I belatedly found out about the production, and I'm so happy they were able to squeeze me in to review on this short run. Get thee to the Studebaker. Fans of Circus Arts, Shakespeare, and actors performing super human feats, don't miss this! Highly recommended. ★★★★ Four out of four stars.

Here at ChiIL Mama, we're no strangers to circus arts or Shakespeare. Since 2008, we've been covering Cirque du Soleil, Ringling, and other modern and traditional circuses from around the world, and right here at home. In fact, my son and daughter were cast in numerous youth circus arts show at Chicago's Actors Gymnasium, and were on the circus performance team at Circesteem. They also took classes at MSA and Aloft. So, I can attest to the talent and skills of this company. I've also been a theatre critic for 16 years, reviewing a plethora of professional productions of The Bard's works, including multiple Hamlets. This one is completely unique, highly entertaining, and a must see!

 

We were wowed by the aerial arts, partner acro, and sheer variety of circus skills rolled into this fast paced production. The hour and a half flew by. Everything was stellar from the actors, to the set, choreography, lighting, and song choices. The music spanned decades, from classics to contemporary, and added much. I want the playlist! 

My only criticism is that I wish the dialogue was as loud as the music. We were about halfway back on the main floor, and when the actors were upstage or turned away, it was a struggle to hear all the lines. This may be a venue issue. As much as we adore the art deco charm of The Studebaker Theatre, it was built in 1898... Still, it seemed as if the actors were not wearing mics, or if they were, they need to be turned up. It's a cavernous space to project in with only stage amplification! 

Overall, this is an excellent pick for multigenerational fun. All the circus skills are hella impressive. And we were completely entranced by Ophelia’s gorgeous, water contortion death scene! This abridged version retains all the key plot points, famous lines, and favorite characters, while keeping the action flowing fast. Yes, everyone dies, so don't expect a lighthearted fluff piece of a circus show. Still, it's a great, fast paced, playful way to introduce the littles (and Bard-wary adults, too) to a love of Shakespeare. Flippin' fantastic! ★★★★ Four out of Four Stars 

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly).

“ …dramatizing the inner conflict of the characters through dance and circus created a fundamentally different viewing experience than most productions of the play…utterly creative and original” (Columbia Bwog)

“Breaking the boundaries of art forms and time, ‘Hamlet’ ultimately traversed the lines of what a Shakespeare play should look like—revealing an undiscovered terrain within the arts world waiting for interdisciplinary talents to fill it with color.” (Columbia Spectator)

“...immensely effective in forwarding the tense, psychological themes at the heart of Hamlet”(The Blue and White)

The New York Circus Project brings HAMLET, an innovative, circus-infused retelling of the Shakespearean classic to Chicago, IL as the final stop in its premier touring season.

HAMLET upends what audiences expect of Shakespeare by blending theater with circus arts to arrive at a unique iteration of a well-known tragedy. The production’s fast-paced, abbreviated script is balanced with circus acts that change the story’s tempo and allow for deeper exploration of the internal, emotional conflict at hand. 

Hamlet’s delirium materializes in an explosive group acrobatic tableau, Ophelia’s life flashes before her eyes during a last-breath contortion performance in a water filled basin, and the ghost of Hamlet’s father’s famous monologue is reimagined as a solo aerial dance act.

By oscillating between scenes with dialogue and circus performance, the lines between realism and internal monologue blur. Comparable to the use of song to emphasize emotional or narrative beats in musical theater, this interdisciplinary approach fills Shakespeare’s Hamlet with new color and life.

HAMLET opens at Studebaker Theater from August 15th to August 18th. 

Tickets are on sale now! Website: newyorkcircusproject.org

Evening performances are at 8pm, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. 

Tickets are priced between $49 and $79.

New York Circus Project is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to producing contemporary circus shows in New York City and the United States, using acrobatics as a medium for presenting classic texts in a visually striking and unique way. Additionally, New York Circus Project produces free-to-the-public, family friendly circus cabaret performances on the streets of New York City. 

Photo Feature and Review: Crane Wives at Chicago's Thalia Hall 6-29-24

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

INDIE/ALT ROCK BAND

THE CRANE WIVES

LIVE AT THALIA HALL IN CHICAGO, IL ON JUNE 29, 2024

All Photos by Dugan Kenaz-Mara ©2024 

Guest Review

by Dugan Kenaz-Mara

It was almost exactly two years ago that one of my best friends introduced me to the Crane Wives’ music. He played me “Curses” and I put it into my playlist immediately. From that point I slowly gathered more of their music for myself, discovering all throughout that many of my friends loved their songs. I started noticing it in the background music of our lives - during car rides and hangouts - and began feeling how much emotion their songs brought into every space they touch. I’m happy to report that the emotions The Crane Wives pump into their music are felt tenfold live. 

The best part of the show was undoubtedly the community the performers have cultivated. There was a strong queer presence in the crowd, with multiple members showing pride flags and folding fans. I particularly loved that everyone was able to bond even when the band wasn’t on stage. During the changeover between the opener and headliner, an audience member pulled up pictures of a pride flag and a UK flag, which the rest of the audience cheered or booed respectively. They also sang along to ‘Red Wine Supernova’ by Chappell Roan and traded friendship bracelets. 

One of the lead vocalists recounted a story about how the band had, years ago, performed at a nearby restaurant for an audience of 3. The same restaurant where they dined before this concert. She emphasized how much the band appreciates their audience and the immense support they receive, and it was evident the audience's impact on the band is as immense as the Crane Wives' on their fans. Eagle-eyed fans might even be able to spot friendship bracelets around the bands’ wrists, highlighting further the bond between audience and performer.

In comparison to other live concerts I’ve had the pleasure to shoot, the audience was near the top of my list for energy and enthusiasm. The entire audience belted along to favorite songs like “Take Me To War” and “Steady Steady” during the set, sharing wholeheartedly in the Feminine Rage release session that the band created space for. 

Chicago Set list:

Nobody

Allies or Enemies

Take me to War

Empty Page

The Well

Queen of Nothing

Never Love an Anchor

Daydreamer

Scars

Steady Steady

The Moon Will Sing

Arcturus Beaming

Bitter Medicine

The Hand That Feeds

Tongues and Teeth

Curses

How to Rest

The Crane Wives performed not one, but two currently unreleased songs from their upcoming album Beyond Beyond Beyond, coming September of this year. “Scars” and “Bitter Medicine” were like treats for the audience, prompting them to explore grief and vulnerability in a safe space. These songs were complimented by their newest release “Arcturus Beaming”, which explores hope and healing—imagining a better future while holding space for distress. Something I’m sure all of us can use a little of right now. 

Dugan Kenaz-Mara is a designer, photographer, educator, and recent graduate of 

Northwestern University.

Crane Wives 

NORTH AMERICAN SUMMER TOUR STARTS JUNE 5: GET TICKETS HERE

ANNOUNCE LUSH FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM

BEYOND BEYOND BEYOND

DUE OUT SEPTEMBER 6

PRE-ORDER THE LP HERE

"The Crane Wives charmed us again this year with its harmony-laced folk-rock..polished sound and dynamic energy..proves just how much fun the band is having with its music.”

"The Crane Wives are a four-piece band that have an uncanny ability at crafting goose-bump inducing three-part harmonies.”

"They’re an impeccable band with incredibly tight instrumentation and harmonies that, paired with an inclination for catchy hooks and scintillating lyricism, make a strong case for their burgeoning popularity.”

Grand Rapids, Michigan based indie rock band The Crane Wives announce their self-produced, rousing fifth studio album Beyond Beyond Beyond due out September 6 and available for pre-order now. Alongside the announcement, the band shares the first taste with anthemic, empowering track and lyric video “Arcturus Beaming” out now. Plus, The Crane Wives will embark on a summer tour across North America kicking off tomorrow in Milwaukee, WI. See a full list of dates below and get tickets now here. Their first project since 2016, Beyond Beyond Beyond sees the band evolve into a guitar-driven, self-assured group who is unafraid to experiment and explore new territory.

Beyond Beyond Beyond, the fifth studio record by The Crane Wives, explores the mixture of fear, joy, and deep vulnerability that occurs when a person is on the cusp of changing the course of their life. The eleven track album is a circular journey that asks heavy questions of the listener: Am I strong enough to change? Am I brave enough to take the risk? Do I deserve the chance to be happy? It offers the listener momentum to move forward, a guide through dark spaces with shimmery other-worldly melodies and an encouraging push to venture forth into the unknown. 

Beyond Beyond Beyond is an electric departure from the Crane Wives’ previous releases, prominently highlighting the lead guitar work of songwriters and singers Kate Pillsbury and Emilee Petersmark. Drummer Dan Rickabus contributes darker, stormy and dynamic rhythms to this record, while bassist Ben Zito creates narrative movement in the songs with his rooting, counter-melodic approach. The album is self-produced by the four-piece collaboration, and engineered & mixed by Zito at his studio, Centennial Sound. The band invited guest violinist Samantha Cooper and guest cellist Jordan Hamilton to help portray a distinct emotional voice. The album was mastered by Heba Kadry. The band’s longtime collaborator, visual artist Rebecca Green returned to create her fifth piece of album artwork for the project.

Rickabus shares that the band collaborated like never before throughout the album creation process. “We tried to challenge ourselves to shake loose from our old patterns and explore what is possible between the four of us. Those brave experiments mean even more to me when I think about the lyrical content of the album. The album begins with inner-conflict, and moves through a very human process of growth toward a bold belief in possibility, and an attempt to create change. So, that sense of creative experimentation really resonates.”   

“Arcturus Beaming” is a triumph of curiosity and bravery, expressing a journey to uncharted spaces through swooping vocals and anthem-esque rhythms. With an exhilarating determination, Kate Pillsbury’s evocative lyrics invite the listener to wonder what is possible beyond their preconceived notions and norms. The song’s building energy culminates in a realization of personal empowerment. “Nothing will change until I change.”

Watch: "Arcturus Beaming" (Official Lyric Video)

Vocalist and guitarist Kate Pillsbury shares the track was born while she found herself moving through a crucial healing process as she learned to listen to herself, be gentle with herself and take actions to mitigate her problems. “‘Arcturus Beaming’ is about holding grief and gratitude simultaneously as I have stumbled forward through the pain. In an era when it’s justifiably easy for many of us to gravitate toward doom and gloom, 'Arcturus Beaming' is about holding strong to a radical imagining of a better future, and doing the work to cultivate that future, which I believe requires healing ourselves on an individual level so that we can be fortified in the work required to heal our communities.” 

This summer, The Crane Wives will captivate audiences throughout North America. First through the Midwest, including an already sold out show in Madison, WI, then to Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, down the East Coast, including another sold out show in Hamden, CT, and concluding in their home state in Ann Arbor, Michigan. See a full list of dates below and get tickets now.

The Crane Wives formed in 2010 and have captivated audiences across hundreds of stages around the U.S. since. The band has built a global community and has amassed over 1M Spotify monthly listeners and 100M total streams with their unparalleled, spirited live show, evocative lyricism and glimmering harmonies. The group has shared stages with The Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, Rusted Root, The Dead South, Joseph, and more. In 2017, they won JBL’s “Best American Band Contest” and were named one of Paste Magazine's “12 Michigan Acts You Should Be Listening To Now,” Featured by Michigan Radio and NPR’s “All Songs Considered”, the band has been the recipient of several local accolades such as the WYCE Best Rock/Pop album for their 2016 full-length studio record, Foxlore. Now, in 2024, The Crane Wives prepare to enter an all-new, dynamic phase of their artistic identity where they learn to trust themselves, dive deeper lyrically and take sonic risks like never before.

"Arcturus Beaming," is a sweeping, healing journey of self-improvement where the group balances grief and gratitude at once. Beyond Beyond Beyond, the lush fifth LP by The Crane Wives is due out September 6 and available for pre-order now. Don't miss The Crane Wives live this summer across North America with tickets on sale now here. Connect with the rising rockers now on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X and YouTube.

The Crane Wives

Live Across North America

Summer 2024

06/05 - Turner Hall - Milwaukee, WI

06/06 - Majestic Theatre - Madison, WI (SOLD OUT)

06/07 - Amsterdam Bar & Hall - St Paul, MN

06/08 - Englert Theatre - Iowa City, IA

06/09 - Slowdown - Omaha, NE

06/11 - Recordbar - Kansas City, MO

06/13 - Rose Music Hall - Columbia, MO

06/14 - Delmar Hall - St Louis, MO

06/15 - Hi-Fi Annex - Indianapolis, IN

06/29 - Thalia Hall - Chicago, IL

07/15 - Axis Club - Toronto, ON

07/16 - Club Saw - Ottawa, ON

07/17 - La Sala Rosa - Montreal, QC

07/19 - Higher Ground Ballroom - Burlington, VT

07/20 - State Theatre - Portland, ME

07/21 - Royale - Boston, MA

07/23 - Lark Hall - Albany, NY

07/24 - Space Ballroom - Hamden, CT (SOLD OUT)

07/26 - Levon Helm Studio - Woodstock, NY

07/27 - Iron Works - Buffalo, NY

07/28 - Mr Small’s - Pittsburgh, PA

08/15 - The Black Sheep - Colorado Springs, CO  (SOLD OUT)

08/16 - Washington’s - Fort Collins, CO

08/17 - Gothic Theatre - Denver, CO

08/18 - Strings Pavilion - Steamboat Springs, CO

08/20 - Soundwell SLC - Salt Lake City, UT  (SOLD OUT)

08/21 - Treefort Music Hall - Boise, ID

08/23 - Wonder Ball Room - Portland, OR  (SOLD OUT)

08/24 - South Sound Block Party - Olympia, WA

08/29 - Sonic Lunch - Ann Arbor, MI

Beyond Beyond Beyond (LP) Tracklist

01. Scars

02. Bitter Medicine

03. Higher Ground

04. Predator

05. Say It

06. Mad Dog

07. Arcturus Beaming

08. Time Will Change You

09. Black Hole Fantasy

10. Red Clay

11. River Rushing

The Crane Wives Bio

Born of the 2010’s folk boom and now comfortably stationed in their rock and roll era, The Crane Wives epitomize the evolving sound of the indie genre. Having performed hundreds of shows on stages across the country, they gravitate toward high-energy melodies while their lyrics extol the shadow side of the human condition, delving into mythology and themes of darkness and inner conflict. The band has amassed over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify, racking up over 100 million streams on their most popular songs and accumulating listenership from far-flung corners of the US to the UK, Australia, Germany, Brazil, Poland, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Winners of the JBL’s “Best American Band Contest” in 2017 and named one of Paste Magazine's “12 Michigan Acts You Should Be Listening To Now,” The Crane Wives have 5 full-length albums under their belts and have performed over 600 shows across the US, sharing stages with acts such as The Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, Rusted Root, The Dead South, Joseph, and many more. Featured by Michigan Radio and NPR’s “All Songs Considered”, the band has been the recipient of several local accolades such as the WYCE Best Rock/Pop album for their last full-length studio record, “Foxlore.”

The pulse of the Crane Wives, Ben Zito (bass) and Dan Rickabus (drums) create a groovy backdrop integral to the band’s sound, while co-leads Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury duel on electric guitar and strongly-belted vocals. The band softens the blows of their emotional candor with soulful three-part vocal harmonies, like a 21st century Cerberus, the hound of Hades reimagined as an emotional support animal. To date, they have released five full length albums, including their 2020 live album, “Here I Am.” 

Their new album, Beyond Beyond Beyond arrives September 6th.

For more information on The Crane Wives, please visit: Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter/X | Soundcloud | Bandcamp

All Photos by Dugan Kenaz-Mara ©2024