What happens when a white girl from Northern Michigan is raised listening to some of the greatest soul singers of all time? Well, most importantly, a deep love and respect for the passion in the music, but also the need to have an outlet to sing and play the songs. In the Winter of 2016, May Erlewine set out to create wholesome dance parties and music for the weary and grieving. These dance parties brought people out and were community inspired and oriented. This was how the Motivations came to be.

This 7-piece retro-groove band, May Erlewine - on vocals, Max Lockwood - on bass, Michael Shimmin - on drums, Phil Barry - on Guitar, Eric Kuhn - on guitar, Mike Lynch - on keys, Terrence Massey - on Trumpet, plays original and soul classics with May carrying the show invoking a positive and intentional message. It’s warm and fuzzy, it’s fun, AND it’s also not ignoring the real struggles and grief present in our lives. “Everyone’s welcome to be real and that’s the whole point.”, Erlewine says of the dance parties.

The result? An evening of small revolutions meant to shake things up, just enough. A room full of voices and motions and visions. People gathered at our beautiful outdoor venue in Kindleberger Park, feeling and dancing and being together!

Get ready to dance the night away at The Stage! Kick off your shoes and enjoy an uplifting, captivating performance by May Erlewine and The Motivations! Bring family and friends, your appetite, and lawn chairs or blanket. Our local nonprofit food vendors and food trucks will be on site to serve up some yummy snacks and dinner fare.