Vocal Powerhouse Returns to Perform Music of American Divas: Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and More! Plus, “Try Symphony!” First-Time Attendees Ticket Program
Muskegon, MI — Vocal powerhouse Shayna Steele returns to the West Michigan Symphony (WMS) stage with her eclectic style of soul and blues honoring the musical divas who inspired her—Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and more. With charts by acclaimed arranger Jeff Tyzik—including the vocalist’s original music—the concert makes a solid case for Shayna Steele as a modern American Diva in her own right. Conducted by Scott Speck, the program takes place at 7:30pm Friday, March 28 in the Frauenthal Center, 425 W. Western Avenue in Muskegon. Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge is the concert sponsor; Mike and Kay Olthoff are the 2024-2025 Season Sponsors. For tickets, starting at $19 for adults, $10 for students, click HERE or call 231.727.8001 for more information.
Shayna Steele has performed with over 100 North American symphony orchestras; WMS presented her Nothin’ But the Blues program in 2022 both live and in virtual concert format. The daughter of an Air Force master sergeant, she spent her teen years in Biloxi, Mississippi, where she honed her musical theater and vocal talent. An appearance on Star Search with Ed McMahon brought her to national acclaim. She went on to perform on Broadway in such musicals as RENT, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Hairspray; as a backing vocalist with Bette Midler, Rihanna and Kelly Clarkson; and as a touring soloist with trumpeter Chris Botti. Her natural ability to traverse musical genres has kept her on the “A” list of in-demand singers in the industry.
The concert will include such hits as “Saving All My Love For You,” “I Never Loved a Man,” “River Deep Mountain High,” “Think,” “Gone Under” and more.
An anchor cultural organization headquartered in Muskegon celebrating its 85th Anniversary Season this year, West Michigan Symphony is a resident presenting group at the Frauenthal Theater, where its eight-concert season is the most visible part of a larger artistic enterprise of far-reaching community benefit. WMS concerts and education events bring 16,500 people—more than 30% of whom are children and students—downtown annually, making it the largest performing arts organization on the West Shore.
“People think of a symphony orchestra as only playing classical music,” said CEO Andy Buelow; “But our group can play anything: jazz, rock, Broadway, film—and definitely American divas! An orchestra is really just a huge, versatile single instrument.”
Try Symphony! Introductory Ticket Program:
If you’ve never attended a concert, the WMS invites you to participate in the “Try Symphony! Introductory Ticket Program.” You’ll enjoy a 50% discount offer (up to two tickets) for the March 28 American Divas. To claim this offer, register on the symphony’s website HERE. Once registered, WMS staff member will contact you to arrange for your tickets. Offer expires Wednesday, March 26 and is limited to first 100 registrants, other exclusions may apply.
More about West Michigan Symphony:
This year only, the WMS invites the community to participate in the Audience Choice Concert. Visit the WMS website and vote for your favorite overture, piano concerto and symphony from a selection of choices. The top votes will be unveiled in May and performed on a Masterworks program next season. To learn more, click HERE.
Media:
If media is interested in attending and covering this event, a limited number of media passes are available. Please contact Carla Flanders for more information. For Media Resources click HERE.
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