St. Paul Lutheran Church organist Marvis McNeil recounts her life in music from her roots in Alpena to playing the violin in regional orchestras,and piano in supper clubs and private parties. Marvis talks about her musical family as well as her musical achievements in the Alpena Public School system.

    August 2016 James Rasche began playing guitar at the age of 14 and performed in the local Alcona music scene. In this interview, James talks about some of his early years playing at the Mountain Inn, Slanty Shanty, and Rainbow Lounge, as well as many local festivals, dances, and parties ...

    Husband and wife, Doug and Eve Allyn, worked professionally in rock and roll bands for over 35 years. Both natives of Northeast Michigan, the Allyns talk about their formative years in the Alpena area and their experiences working as musicians in Taiwan while Doug was stationed during the Vietnam War. ...

    Jim LaCross started playing sax and clarinet in local Alpena bands in the 1950's- including theThe Jim LaCross Trio, The Monarchs and The Kombo Katz. In 1960 Jim set off on tour with the Hal Wallace Quartet, a traveling show band that had been playing at Twin Acres. Jim was ...

    A native of Alpena, Don Deadman was born into a musical family and began playing music at the age of one. In addition to teaching music and owning a music store in downtown Alpena, Don led a variety of local bands, preferring jazz, but comfortable in many styles. Don's father, ...

    Bobby Rigg started playing drums under the tutelage of his dad Tubby Rigg, then played drums at St. Bernard's and in the City Band. Enamored by the sounds of rock and roll, he formed the band The Chevelles with Ralph Pinkerton, Donny Hartman and Jack Smolinski. Their success in the ...

    Local guitar player and vocalist Dan Ager began playing regular gigs at the age of 15. He attended the music program at Olivet College for two years, recorde in Nashville, and has performed throughout Michigan, in many states and Canada. Dan has performed in concerts with Moe Bandy, Susie Nelson, ...

    Born and raised in Alpena, Norm Seiss has played accordion and been involved in the music business for over 65 years. Inducted into the Michigan Polka Hall of Fame in 2001, Norm's music focuses on German style oompah music, polkas and waltzes. In this interview, Norm discusses the passage of ...