Marshall County Arts Cooperative
Dueling Divas, Divos and Duets will bring some of the region’s best vocal talent to the Lee Dam Center for Fine Art, Marysville, on Saturday, November 16, as singers compete for the title of Marshall County’s Ultimate Diva, Divo, or Duet. The event starts at 7 p.m. and is a fundraiser for the Marshall County Arts Cooperative.
“This event has become a highlight for both performers and the audience,” said Hannah Schroller Simpson, the organization’s treasurer. “It’s a chance to celebrate local talent while supporting the arts in Marshall County.”
Those competing are Ashlinne Brinegar, Chris Felder, Joy Kramer, Kayn Milholland, Sterling Oliver, Joe Pilsl, Michael Sanchez, Lynette Steele-Coon and Kennedy Wichman.
Each performer will sing a song either accompanied by a pianist, small combo or by a back-up track. Once they have performed, audience members will determine the winner with their money — the contestant with the most donations will walk away with this year’s title.
This year’s event introduces a new twist: the duets category. For the first time, performers will have the opportunity to team up and blend their voices, bringing an extra layer of harmony and collaboration to the competition. The addition of duets allows participants to explore a wider range of song styles and create performances that highlight their vocal chemistry.
“What makes this event exciting is the personal touch each performer brings,” Schroller Simpson noted. “The song choices often reveal a lot about their personalities and make for a memorable evening.”
The event has two acts. The first act features the performances by the divas, divos and duets. During intermission, audience members vote for their favorite performer with their money. The event is a fundraiser for the arts cooperative; the act receiving the most monetary donations will be crowned the winner.
The second act opens with a performance by last year’s reigning Divo, Tanner Gustin. He won the 2023 competition.
Following his performance, there will be a live auction. The items to be auctioned are VIP tables for the arts cooperative’s annual musical revue fundraiser. The VIP tables include front-row seating, beverages and snacks. Three VIP tables will be auctioned for the January 31, 2025 performance and three for the February 1, 2025 performance.
After the auction, Marshall County’s Ultimate Diva or Divo will be crowned. The winner receives a special crown and the honor of performing at the 2024 competition.
After the crowning of Marshall County’s Ultimate Diva, Divo or Duet, the evening will conclude with a special performance by Goldpine, a musical duo featuring Ben and Kassie Wilson from Nashville, Tenn.
Having performed in Marshall County multiple times, their concerts drew a variety of individuals ranging in ages from 8 to 80. Using their singer-songwriter format, the musicians connected with the audience through their storytelling and by performing songs from a number of musical styles: country, blues, bluegrass, gospel and classic rock-and-roll.
“We have always really loved coming to Marshall County,” Ben said. “We had such an incredible welcome, it felt like coming home, in a way.”
The duo’s musical style is defined as Americana, a contemporary form of music incorporating various elements of American music.
“Americana music is great for many reasons,” Ben said. “It is like a place for all kinds of artists to gather. There are less restrictions and lines to stay inside. You can be Americana and you can edge on country, or you can edge on rock or you can edge on acoustic singer-songwriter.”
The evening not only showcases local talent, but also provides an opportunity for the community to financially support the arts. Each vote cast and auction bid helps fund the arts cooperative’s programming, ensuring continued arts opportunities in Marshall County.
The return of Ben and Kassie Wilson of Goldpine is an added bonus, giving audiences another chance to experience the connection and energy that have made their past performances so memorable.
Tickets go on sale November 1. They may be purchased at marshallcountyarts.org or by calling or sending a text to 785-859-4260. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Marysville Chamber and Main Street office, 617 Broadway, weekdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Limited tickets are available. People may bring their own drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) to the event. Light snacks will be served. Last year’s performance sold out quickly.
