Crystal Theatre opening season

CRYSTAL FALLS – The curtain opens on Crystal Theatre’s 2023 season of entertainment Friday, March 3 at 7 p.m. The Founding is a Progressive Folk Band from Kalamazoo, where the young musicians found each other. All six members graduated from Western Michigan University with degrees in music and reside in the Lower Peninsula.
With their powerful approach to songwriting and unique instrumentation, The Founding strive to balance tradition and innovation as they bring new music to life. The group has performed at theaters and festivals throughout the U.S. One critic says, “The Founding has the makings of a genre-defining band.”
Elizabeth Lapeer, lead singer and flautist, grew up with 10 siblings in a musical family that played mostly bluegrass. She danced her way into ballet, has choreographed several productions, and also plays in a classical trio with two of her sisters. 
Joel Myers grew up playing Celtic music in Kalamazoo. He earned a degree in music composition and plays mandolin and fiddle with The Founding. John Robey is a classically trained violinist with experience in contemporary rock, folk and Celtic genres. He also performs with other professional orchestras in lower Michigan.
Lucas Stanley graduated with a degree in music composition and music education from Western and added a degree in computer science from Davenport University. When not playing keyboard, percussion and viola with the band, he works as a software developer, composer, audio producer and game designer.
Patrick Hartson earned a degree in cello performance and is a grad student at DePaul University. He started his musical journey at the School for Strings of St. Clair County at the age of seven and taught himself guitar in sixth grade. Hartson joined The Founding in 2015 where he combines his love of the cello and guitar.
Kyle Pitcher, on bass and vocals, is an orchestra director in Rockford. Classically trained as an upright bassist, he also plays with the Ekhart County and Gaylord Community Symphonies. 
The musicians will present a free workshop for all Forest Park students in grades 6 - 12 Friday afternoon. These students will also be admitted free to the evening concert, compliments of the Crystal Falls Musicale. 
Due to a new ticketing system, tickets may be purchased Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - noon and Sat. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Stage Left next to the theatre, online at thecrystaltheatre.org, or by phoning 906-875-3208.