Live Notes with Larissa

M Brooks is a folk singer/songwriter based out of west Michigan. Inspired by literature and time spent outdoors, his songs explore themes of hope and resurrection. His first album, Wild Shores, debuted in 2016, and his upcoming album, Art from Darkness, is set to release on April 2, 2021.  Larissa is an arts manager and musician, and she is also playing on a few songs in M Brooks's new album. Our live interview was held on March 27th 2021. Be sure to stream M Brooks's new album! This is Episode 3 of Season 2 of my podcast: https://anchor.fm/larissa-fall

Brynne Anika is a content creator and artist with a background in dance and theater. Check out her website, shop, and blog here https://www.brynneanika.net/ and her instagram account here @brynneanika

Ivan Labra, a native-born Grand Rapidian, is a current Digital Entrepreneur running a startup media business: Labratory Media. Ivan currently attends college at Grand Rapids Community College and is finishing his degree in business administration. Ivan was a former intern for the Grand Rapids Symphony under the operation/production team and a former Mosaic Scholar within the symphony's Gateway To Music Programs.

Larissa is an arts manager and musician.

Chicago born and raised singer-songwriter, Bre Harris currently serves as Worship Leader and Choir Director at Central Wesleyan Church in Holland, MI. She graduated with a B.A in Worship Arts from Cornerstone University. Passionate about diverse expressions of worship, she has collaborated with many artists such as Porters Gate, Matt Boswell, and Water’s Edge Worship to cultivate worship cultures that magnify unity in the body of Christ.

Carlos has been a stagehand in West Michigan for the past 26 years working with every arts organization in one form or another. He is currently a house person at the Van Andel arena. He is also a card holding member of IATSE local 26 and has been for over 20 years.

Julie has spent her career working in many different facets of arts management, but is currently enjoying her role as part of the Grand Rapids Symphony’s production team, where her focus is on everything that goes into putting a concert together behind the scenes.

Kyle Viana has been the Production Stage Manager for the Grand Rapids Symphony since 2013. His lifelong passion for music lead him to attend Ferris State University, where he graduated in 2011 with a B.S. in Music Industry Management and a minor in Special Event and Meeting Planning.  His love for music started early on. He got his first real guitar as a Christmas gift from his grandparents when he was 6 years old and went from taking lessons, to entering school talent shows, to playing in bands and making albums of his own. Most recently he's developed an interest in recording and mixing.   He also has a life-long love of fishing. When not at work in the concert hall, or playing his guitar, you can usually find Kyle on a river somewhere trying my best to catch a fish.

Natalie Frakes is a Detroit-based violinist, teaching artist, and music educator who believes deeply in using music as a vehicle for social change. When she’s not teaching, she keeps busy performing with some of Detroit’s best musicians and has been part of live productions for current artists such as the Aretha Franklin Orchestra, Wordless Music Orchestra, Kygo, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, and more.   Natalie is a passionate educator and has devoted her time as a teaching artist and educator in the public schools and with El Sistema-inspired programs. She currently works with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Sphinx Organization, Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony, University Musical Society, and Hyde Park Suzuki Institute.

Emily Smith, MEd, MT-BC, is a vocal instructor and music therapist serving the greater Grand Rapids area.  A native of Roanoke Virginia, Emily earned her degree and board certification in music therapy from Appalachian State University.  The bulk of her clinical work is in end-of-life care and she currently co-owns West Michigan Music Therapy, LLC.  Emily maintains a private studio in addition to teaching applied voice and aural comprehension at GRCC. Additionally, Emily enjoys an active performance schedule that includes collaboration in local worship spaces, music for special events, & symphonies.   Emily is also involved with community outreach through facilitating music workshops and guest lectures around west Michigan.

Corey is currently a Marketing Manager for the Grand Rapids Symphony. He specializes in content creation, social media, email and all things digital.   He currently resides in the Grand Rapids community with his wife Julie and son Harrison. Larissa is an arts manager and musician.