Friday Evening:

The Rebel Eves

The Rebel Eves are a powerhouse trio of award-winning Michigan songwriters known for stunning three-part harmonies, magnetic stage presence, and emotionally charged performances. Blending folk, Americana, and soul, they create inclusive, uplifting shows that engage connection, authenticity, and joy.

The Rebel Eves started with a “stars-aligning” type of friendship and musical collaboration. With beginnings in early 2022, the group formed from the love of creativity and the belief that the joy of connection can break down barriers that women have historically been put into in the music industry, society, and religious spaces. Composed of three Michigan bred award winning songwriters, Katie Pederson, Grace Theisen and Jilian Linklater have spent the better part of the last decade writing, touring, and harmonizing across the country with successful solo careers. With Grace and Jilian both coming out as queer in the last couple of years and Katie being a strong ally to the LGBTQIA community, it is incredibly important to the band that the Rebel Eve shows create safe spaces for this community in particular, especially in a world where their rights are being challenged and taken away at lightning speed. They wrote Heaven Without You as a way to reframe and push back on the messaging that heaven is only accessible to certain groups of people; they believe heaven can be created right here, right now, no matter who or how you love. In June of 2023 for the single’s release, they partnered with the Tennessee Equality Project, a nonprofit that is working for the equality of the LGBTQIA community in Tennessee through legislation. This year, they will be donating a portion of the proceeds from their merchandise towards the ACLU for the continued fight for the many injustices happening in the United States.

Learn more at www.therebeleves.com

Saturday Evening:

Straight Ahead

Straight Ahead is Detroit’s legendary all-women jazz ensemble, known for their powerhouse musicianship, tight arrangements, and electrifying performances. Blending swing, bebop, blues, and soul, they’ve carved out a bold legacy in jazz. These trailblazing women bring both mastery and message, honoring tradition while pushing the music—and the moment—forward.

Out of Detroit’s vibrant jazz tradition comes Straight Ahead, the Grammy-nominated, all-woman ensemble that redefined boundaries in music and representation. As the first all-female jazz group signed to Atlantic Records, they made history not just for who they are—but for the extraordinary music they create.

Melding jazz with Latin grooves, soulful hip-hop rhythms, and a deep sense of musical storytelling, Straight Ahead is known for its bold compositions, eclectic arrangements, and dynamic live performances. Their sound is a rich tapestry of power, joy, and musical excellence.

Originally introduced to the world as finalists in the prestigious Sony Innovators competition, they gained international recognition by opening for Nina Simone at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Since then, they’ve shared the stage with music legends like Nancy Wilson, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Tony Bennett, Roy Ayers, Max Roach, Dianne Reeves, and more—solidifying their place among jazz’s elite.

With five acclaimed recordings, including the Billboard-charting Look Straight Ahead and Body and Soul, and the genre-blending City Cuts and Still Swinging, the band continues to evolve while staying rooted in their Detroit soul. Guest appearances by icons like Kenny Garrett and Fareed Haque add further depth to their expansive sound.

Having toured across the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean, Straight Ahead has captivated audiences worldwide.

Their message is clear:

Joy. Power. Love. Wisdom. Magic.
This is not just jazz.
This is Straight Ahead.