Empire Alive is..

All about community

All about connections

All about people

All about family

All about relationships

All about memories

Come join us for an evening of music and connections, people and entertainment, food, family and fun. Quite simply, this might be the event that you didn’t know you were looking for. It will surprise and delight you in many ways right here in Grand Forks. Come for the evening, leave with memories and new connections all in support of the Empire Arts Center.

MEET THE ACTS

Lacy Schuler

You’ve heard her many times singing the National Anthem at the Ralph Engelstad Arena – Lacey Schuler has an eclectic sound ranging from choral, opera, country, pop, and musical theater. Growing up in Bemidji, MN she was very active in their music programs which sparked her interest in performing. Lacey went to Bemidji State University where she attained a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance. She was likely seen singing with the Bemidji Choir touring the region, overseas to Germany and Czech Republic, or singing for Opera Night held at Ruttger’s on Lake Bemidji. Since moving to Grand Forks in 2011 she has collaborated with the REA and Alerus Center for the National Anthem vocals at many events. Singing for the men’s hockey program brought Lacey to well renowned venues like Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN and T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. She was drawn back to her choral music roots when she joined the Grand Forks Master Chorale performing with them and also holding a spot on their Board of Directors. With no plans of leaving Grand Forks anytime soon she remains passionate about sharing quality music of all kinds with the community.

Cheron

A jazz, soul, and rock band, Cheron is no stranger to the Empire’s main stage. Having performed and recorded their upcoming debut album all at the Empire, and appearing across various venues both locally and regionally, the members of Cheron invite audiences into their world with a mixture of easy-going and fast-paced songs.

Jazz on Tap

Jazz On Tap has been providing this sense of ecstasy for over two decades to the Red River Valley Area, gracing the small community with their unique blend of soulful jazz, tight funk and vintage Rock of the highest caliber.  The manifest of three brilliant musicians, Jazz on Tap has been proving to the world that you don’t have to come from a big city to be amazing performers. Friendship, respect, and pure fun culminate into a solid energy that allows every listener to let their hair down and relax through the release in which music provides.

Kris Eylands Guitar, (and just about every other instrument under the sun!)
A native of Rugby, North Dakota, Kris brings a tasty guitar style and plenty of writing and arranging chops to the group. With a double major in vocal and instrumental music, and a master’s degree in music education he is also the owner and chief recording engineer at Fastrak Studios in Grand Forks. Kris’s portfolio took on an international twist in 1999 with a European tour and performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. He’s performed with a growing list of top artists including Roy Clarke, The Smothers Brothers, Bo Diddley, Paul Wertico of Pat Metheny Group and Gordon Knutson of Steve Miller Band fame. When he’s not playing, writing, arranging or recording, he’s teaching guitar.

Mike Blake, Vibes, Drums, Percussion
Besides providing the percussion angle for the group, Mike has recently retired as an Associate Professor and Director of Jazz Studies and Applied Percussion at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. He too was a participant in the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1999 and his list of professional credits is extensive, touting performances with such greats as Della Reese, Ed Saindon, Jack Jones, Vicki Carr, Buddy DeFranco, The Smothers Brothers, Clark Terry and Howard Roberts. Mike is a native of Marion, North Dakota and resides in Grand Forks.

Bob Cary, Bass
Coming to this group by way of Crosby, North Dakota and the University of North Dakota, Bob is, by day, the Senior Television Producer/Director at the Aerospace Network, located at the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at UND in Grand Forks. Visible on the Valley music scene for more than 40 years he has performed professionally with the Smothers Brothers, Martin Short, Johnny Lang, Ed Saindon, Prudence Johnson, Gordon Knutson, Bo Diddley, Tom Brosseau and John C. Reilly, as well as Dick King and the Classic Swing band. Many may remember Bob as the long-time bassist for Mike and The Monsters, a mid-west, Rockin’ Rhythm and Blues mainstay in the late 80’s through the 90’s.

Local Blend

Local Blend is a brand new project put together just for this event. Born from the idea of creating a Brazilian Jazz orchestra in Grand Forks, this group is sure to get everyone into the groove. The group was formed by Brian and Selmara Rydell with 10+ members and features multiple drummers/percussionists, guitar, bass, keyboards, horns and vocals. You won’t want to miss this exciting new project for a taste of the musical styles of Brazil.

The Dank

Based out of Grand Forks, North Dakota, The Dank is a six-piece, groove driven, funk and rock-n-roll band that formed in 2017. High energy live music is their specialty and with multiple singers/songwriters pulling inspiration from genres from every corner of the musical realm, their music has something for everyone. Playing a combination of original music and cover songs, their live performances have made them a local favorite in North Dakota and surrounding areas.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

• Music by four talented bands, all with local and regional artists.
• A cash bar, serving your favorite drinks.
• Food trucks outside in the Empire’s alleyway.
• A night full of community, celebration, and fundraising to ensure the Empire can continue to provide arts and culture for another 25 years!