Ashley Poirier, community program manager at FIM, is thrilled with the achievements of a summer filled with exciting Music Around Town events in and around Flint, many of which showcased the exceptional talents of young people.

“In particular, the Summer Stars program was successful because we had an opportunity to showcase young, enthusiastic talent and hopefully encourage them to continue to pursue their dreams in the performing arts,” says Poirier.

This new Music Around Town program brought together students from FIM Flint School of Performing Arts and gifted local youth who performed monthly outdoor concerts near FIM Flint Capitol Theatre. Isabella LaFuente, a fourteen-year-old vocalist and FSPA student, summed up the experience.

“I enjoyed performing in the Under the Stars program,” says LaFuente. “It showcases local talent and gives Flint another opportunity to regain the name it deserves. This performance stood out to me because not only was it an opportunity I have not been given before, but it also was such a positive environment and experience. It gave me the opportunity to spread music in the town I grew up in plus it helped me overall improve on something I love doing.”

Singer/songwriter Millie Grasso from Fenton also had a chance to perform and says it was one of the highlights of her summer.

“I had wanted to perform in the Summer Stars program to get more of my music out there and to be able to better myself as a musician on stage. Something that stood out to me when I went up to perform was that there was a lot of focus on me. I’ve had a few gigs prior to this at events where people listened, but they didn’t pay me much mind. But what made this different was that the musicians on stage were the main focus. It made me a bit anxious, to be honest, but the feedback was amazing, and I enjoyed every second of it.”

Poirier reflected on the impact of the Summer Stars Program, stating, “It was incredible to see these kids get up there and play for half an hour. They displayed remarkable maturity, and it’s heartening to know we could provide them with an opportunity to share their passion with friends, family and the entire community.”

As summer drew to a close, Poirier organized an End of Summer Concert Jam session initially planned as an outdoor event but relocated to the Capitol Theatre due to scheduled street maintenance. The event featured three country bands, including two local acts—Shiatown and Billy Gunther & the Midwest Riders. The headline act was the nationally recognized band, The Swon Brothers, known for their third-place finish on NBC’s “The Voice.”

Throughout the summer, the community also enjoyed the free music series, “Flint Under the Stars,” held at the Flint Capitol, highlighting local and regional talent.

Poirier summed up the season of music and community events with enthusiasm.

“Reflecting on the summer, we had an abundance of fantastic music and events, adding to the vibrancy of our community. And the excitement doesn’t end with summer; there’s still more to come.”

Flint Under the Stars
A Music Around Town Production featuring local artists the third Wednesday of the month at
FIM Capitol Theatre.

Free show. Registration is required to attend with suggested donation to KidsTix which helps provide free tickets to live performances for economically challenged kids and their families. Visit
thefim.org/community-programs.