FIM presents

This September, FIM welcomes two local performers who have harnessed the power of social media and their connection to the Flint community to build their names in the local music scene. 

Brandon Z. Smith began teaching himself guitar and writing songs at 15. Inspired by the DIY sensibility of punk rock, he formed his first band, Endorphin, shortly after. In less than a year, the band recorded two EPs, played dozens of shows (notably opening for Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Detroit grunge band, Sponge) and broke up due to creative differences. Smith continued writing music solo, exploring a wide array of genres and adopting several different pseudonyms. He moved to Austin, Texas and performed as an electronic act before scrapping the project to focus on teaching himself the mandolin. He recorded his first folk album, Transient, with his friends backing him on bass and viola. He eventually moved back to Michigan and has since become a promising fixture in both Flint and Detroit’s music scenes.

Based right here in Flint, Fernando Silverio Solis has been making music since his teens, having started out on bass and steadily honing his skills with other instruments – gradually evolving into not only a musician, but as a true performer. Though his musical tastes vary widely, he says he grew up on outlaw country troubadours, like his father before him. And it’s those twangy, western elements of Americana that shine through in his latest music. Solis is a contradiction, a collection of mismatched and disparate items he’s picked up along the way. He’s an indie-rocker with a sensibility for catchy choruses and pop power chords, he’s a cowboy with punk sensibilities, he can belt out a riff, and then croon soft and sweet in the very next song. He maintains a deep appreciation for the cathartic and healing powers of folk, the grit and DIY mindset of post-punk hardcore, and the heavy heart of country.  Recently and with the help of his friends, Solis has put together a new band: Fernando Silverio Solis Y El Sueño with John Guynn (guitar), Jacques Doucet (lap steel), Austin Conquest (bass) and Ryan Gregory (drums) to help expand the new sound. The music of Fernando Silverio. Solis y El Sueño is available on all streaming platforms and YouTube. 

Runtime: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Flint Under the Stars is a concert series that spotlights local talent, held on the third Wednesday of each month under the starry dome of the FIM Capitol Theatre. This series, which supports local artists by providing them with a professional performance experience, features a donate-what-you-wish ticket price. All proceeds benefit KidsTix, a program that expands access to the arts by providing admission to live performances for children and their families.

$10 per ticket is the recommended KidsTix donation for this concert, and we understand that some may be able to give more and some less. Every measure is appreciated, and everyone is welcome.