Marshall County Arts Cooperative
Photo Courtesy of MCAC
The band is the engine behind “Through the Rearview at the Replay Lounge,” the Marshall County Arts Cooperative’s musical revue set for Friday and Saturday, January 30 and 31 at 7 p.m. at Venue 36 in Marysville. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Cindy Voet serves as musical director and plays keyboard, leading a band that includes Tommy Brinegar on drums, Chris Felder on lead guitar, Beau Burkitt on rhythm guitar, Todd Krause on bass, John Banister on trombone, and Stefen Shearer on trumpet.
“There is no comparison between a live band and recorded tracks,” Voet said. “There is no rewind or redo in this show. Live music is honest and real.”
For Burkitt, that honesty starts with doing the homework long before the curtain goes up. He said preparation begins with the source material. “Most of the time my first step is to find the song and listen to it a lot,” he said. “From there I’m just trying to mimic as closely as possible what the artist or group did originally.”
While Burkitt is building the groove, Krause is locking it in from the bottom. He describes the rhythm section as the foundation that holds everything together. “My job is to be the foundation and I bring the low end,” he said. “I lock in with the percussion to control tempo and fit in as the bridge to the melody, providing rhythm and harmony to create the groove.”
That foundation gives space for color, including brass, when it fits. Shearer said his trumpet parts come from listening closely and knowing when to stay out of the way.
“On those songs I just listen to the original track and attempt to deduce what the part is and write it out,” he said. “Usually less is more.”
Voet said the group’s strength is musical skill plus chemistry. “These guys are really very talented musicians,” she said. “They don’t really use written music, they just use chord charts and ad lib a lot. The thing that I love about this band is that they all get along well and have fun playing.”
For Burkitt, that fun starts with the music itself. “It’d be hard for me to overstate how much I enjoy hearing, playing and especially learning music,” he said.
Krause said the best part is simple. “Playing music with my friends is one of the defining moments of my life,” he said. “I can’t describe how much fun I have and I am very blessed to be able to participate in this group.”
The musical ensemble includes Brian Cook, Mandy Cook, Micah Kee, Bryan Kracht, Joy Kramer, Kayn Milholland, Julie Popejoy and Abi Sawin.
Special guests include Rachel Bena, Nathan Cook, Brian Fragel, Keith Holle, Patty Holle, Wayne Kruse, Sally Oliver, Colette Ottens, Jonas Plante, Sami Price, Lynette Steele Coon, Shane Thoreson and Candace Wright.
The show also features a high school choir.
Songs in the two-act lineup include “Wake Me Up,” “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” “Daddy’s Hands,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Carry On Wayward Son,” “We Are Young,” “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “Heavy Eyes,” “Both Sides Now,” “Being Alive,” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” “I’ll Stand By You” and “I’m Still Standing.”
“Reserved seats are almost sold out, and we don’t want anyone to miss out,” said Wayne Kruse, president of the Marshall County Arts Cooperative board. “This show is a chance to be blown away by musicians and performers from three counties, and every ticket supports the arts right here in Marshall County.”
Tickets are $40 for reserved seating, $25 for general admission and $10 for ages 4-18. Tickets are available by calling or texting 785-859-4260 or in person at 617 Broadway from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or online at marshallcountyarts.org.
Need a ride. Call or text 785-859-4260.
