Shake Rattle & Rock

The Accidentals, Singers, Songwriters, Percussion, Virtuoso Multi-instrumentalists: While only in their early 20s, this mega-talented trio has released four studio albums and two live albums — and were selected by Billboard Magazine as one of the “7 Top Breakout Acts of SXSW.” Signed by record label Sony Music Masterworks, the Accidentals, feature an eclectic blend of pop, bluegrass, rock, Indie, folk and classical. As world-wide touring artists, The Accidentals have now performed over 1,000 live shows, and they played over 500 of those shows before leaving high school! For Shake, Rattle & Rock, The Accidentals perform their original songs and play multiple instruments — guitars, cello, violins, and percussion instruments, as well as “instruments” that include ordinary household items and surfaces!

Muruga aka Cosmic Clown, Drums, Percussion, Painter, Composer: The winner of multiple Detroit Music Awards, Muruga exploded to fame at the infamous original Woodstock Festival, where he was the percussionist for Tim Hardin. A life-long friend and collaborator of Dick Wagner, Muruga has recorded and toured with Weather Report, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins and the P-Funk All Stars. He joined the Rainforest Band with Jerry Garcia, performing on the Grammy nominated album, Blues from the Rain Forest. Muruga engages children in exuberant rhythms. An extraordinary painter and visual artist, Muruga shares his exuberantly colorful hand-painted drums (congas, bongos, and nada drums. Photo shows Muruga with his hand-painted drums!

Ali McManus, Singer, Songwriter, Guitar, Piano, Youth Ambassador for the Dick Wagner Remember the Child Fund & Shriners Hospitals: Ali McManus inspires us all to live life without limits! When you hear Ali McManus’s dynamic vocals, you’d be surprised to know her lung capacity is only 30%. Born 3 months premature, she was given a 50/50 chance to live. But this young Detroit born singer/songwriter has beaten the odds. A rare bone disorder has left Ali in a wheelchair since the age of 7. But Ali’s story is one of compelling talent and an indomitable spirit. Legendary producer Jack Douglas (John Lennon, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper) produced Ali’s debut album, Unbreakable. Jack says. “She’s a natural — a true artist with old soul sensibility and a powerful message to share with the world.” Ali’s potent musical talent and personal story inspired rock star Steven Tyler to appear in her exuberant music video, Roll This Way – a joyful anthem that celebrates inclusion and diversity. In 2019, Ali was nominated for five Detroit Music Awards. In 2020, Ali was most honored to guest star twice on CBS Television’s, The Doctors TV Show, where she performed the title song from her album, Unbreakable.

Mark & Maggie O’Connor, with Special Guest, Hillary Klug: Violin, Country Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals, and Buck Dancing! In his extraordinary career, Mark O’Connor has won three Grammys, seven CMA awards, and nine Grammy Award nominations. At age 13, Mark was the youngest person ever to win the Grand Master Fiddler Championships competing against all ages – amateur and professional. He remains the only person to have won national champion titles on fiddle, bluegrass guitar, mandolin, and guitar.

Mark has performed on over 500 albums and collaborated with legendary artists Dolly Parton, YoYo Ma, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Randy Travis, Johnny Cash, Wynton Marsalis, The Judds, Allison Krause, Bela Fleck, the Dregs, Stéphane Grappelli, and more. He’s performed on Grammy broadcasts, at the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Grand Ole Opry, across the world, and for several U.S. presidents. If that’s not enough… Dance troops including New York City Ballet, Twyla Tharp, and Alvin Ailey have staged Mark’s lyrical American music. Devoted to music education, Mark is the author of educational music books, the O’Connor Method. He regularly workshops at music programs around the country – for The Juilliard School, Harvard University, Berklee College of Music, among others.

Maggie O’Connor is a Grammy Award winning musician who has played worldwide stages from the Grand Ole Opry to Europe and Asia, playing a mixture of classical, bluegrass, country fiddle, and jazz. With the Mark O’Connor Band, Maggie has performed in ensembles ranging from “Hot Swing” and “American Classics” to “An Appalachian Christmas.” As a music educator, Maggie is a co-director and a teacher with her husband at O’Connor Method String Camps.

New York Times: “The only musician today who can reach so deeply first into the refined, then the vernacular, giving his listeners a complex, sophisticated piece of early-21st-century classical music and then knocking them dead with the brown-dirt whine of a Texas fiddle.”

Los Angeles Times: “One of the most talented and imaginative artists working in music — any music – today.”

Miss Wensday, Singer, Songwriter, Piano, Guitar, Children’s Theater Director, Voice Teacher: Wensday is a phenomenal singer who can leap genres and octaves in a single bound. Whether rock ‘n roll, jazz, Broadway, blues, or even opera, Wensday stuns with her vocal talent, style, and flexibility. A powerful recording artist and Dick Wagner protégé, Wensday was featured on the Grammy ballot in nine categories. Wensday spent over ten years as Director of All Children’s Theater in Providence RI, working with children from K to 12. An actress with comedic wit, Wensday also generously donates her music and theater skills to benefit children in homeless shelters.

Detroit Youth Choir, Stars of Disney+ Series CHOIR! Golden Buzzer winners America’s Got Talent and AGT Allstars! Singing, Dancing, Drums, Bass, Guitar, Keyboards: DYC brings the youthful spirit of Metro Detroit to a joyful fusion of classic rock and R & B hits: Dancing in the street, Higher & Higher, One Love, and All You Need is Love.

With music produced by the legendary Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, John Lennon, Cheap Trick), the choir knocks out fresh and exhilarating harmonies that bring a modern edge to classics from Motown to Woodstock. DYC features young talent from age 8 to 17.

The Rockspell band features top session players renowned for their recording and touring with  Alice Cooper, Bob Seger, Edgar Winter, Mitch Rider, Kid Rock, and more!

Drums: Johnny Bee Badanjek
Guitars: Garret Bielaniec
Keyboards, Hammond B3:  Jimmie Bones
Bass: Paul Randolph
Percussion: Colin Douglas, Paul Randolph, Jack Douglas
Producer: Jack Douglas  Co-Producer: Susan Michelson

Jimmie Bones, Keyboards, Harmonica, Singer, Songwriter: Jimmie has been Kid Rock’s full-time keyboard player and band member, touring, recording, and writing songs with Kid Rock since 1995. In addition to his stellar career with Kid Rock, Jimmie has always been a Dick Wagner personal favorite and “go-to” session player. In his extraordinary career, Jimmie has toured and recorded with Bob Seger, Uncle Kracker, Dick Wagner, Sheryl Crow, Hank Williams, Billy Gibbons, Mark Farner, Derek St. Holmes, Brad Whitford, and many more. A devoted father of five children, Jimmie has performed at all our Dick Wagner Fund concert fundraisers and donated his time and talent on multiple occasions to raise money for music therapy and other programs for children and those in need.

Suzi Quatro, Singer, Songwriter, Bass Guitar, Guitar, Piano: Suzi was the first female rock ‘n’ roll singer/musician to have worldwide success. She went on to sell 55 million records worldwide! At 14, she joined her sisters as bass player and lead singer of their all-girl band, The Pleasure Seekers. Signed at 16 by producer Mickie Most, Suzi flew to England to work with legendary songwriters, Mike Chapman, and Nicky Chinn. Her first Chapman produced megahit, “Can the Can,” went to #1, followed by multiple world-wide chart hits. In 1977, Suzi landed her iconic TV role as Leather Tuscadero in “Happy Days.” She made her London theater debut as Annie Oakley in “Annie Get Your Gun,” followed by several London West End musicals and her own one woman show. She’s been an author, poet, composer, and host of her own BBC Radio 2 Series. In 2016, Suzi was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Music in Cambridge, England. The highly acclaimed documentary of Suzi’s life, “Suzi Q!” was released in July 2020, and has been named in the Top Ten Documentaries of 2020 by Apple TV and Forbes magazines. A Hollywood feature film biopic of Suzi’s life and career is in the works!

Dan Hall, Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Virtuoso Multi-instrumentalist, Children’s Book Author: Dan Hall’s “Story Song Creations” have engaged and delighted elementary school children for decades of musical joy, creativity, and education. Performing at hundreds of schools across the Midwest and beyond, Dan has specialized in writing collaborative songs on the spot with children. Dan has generously joined us to perform for (and with) children in our DWRTC music  programs and events for children. For Shake, Rattle & Rock, Dan performs,  educates, and enjoins the children with a heartwarming combination of original and popular songs and charming stories.

Tosha Owens & Friends, Singer, Songwriter, Multiple-Award-winning national artist: With an extensive repertoire that traverses jazz, funk, rock, and blues and folk, Tosha is the soulful (and unique!) winner of more than FOURTEEN DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS in multiple categories: blues, acoustic folk, funk, classical, and Entertainer of the Year! Often called “the hardest working singer in Detroit,” Tosha is most proud of being able to be “successful at doing what I love best…spreading joy through song. Tosha shares her glorious voice and a variety of music genres, joined by her guitar partner, Jimmy Alter, as well as her young and talented backup singers.

Hannah Jewel Kohn, Broadway star, Singer, Dancer, Actress: Hannah is currently on the first National Tour of Broadway Disney’s FROZEN! Among her innumerable Broadway and theater credits, Hannah’s favorite performances include her roles in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (National Tour), Candide, La Campana Sommersa (New York City Opera), Grease (Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera) Mary Poppins (at Paper Mill Playhouse), Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, Mamma Mia (at Merry Go Round Playhouse), The Little Mermaid (Northern Stage), and Fosse/Verdon FX Promos. For Shake, Rattle & Rock, Hannah shares her effervescent charm and prodigious talent, performing the treasured songs of our childhood dreams. Inspired by our mission to bring music to children, Hannah is now the proud Founder and Co-Artist Director of Bringing You Broadway, a New York based non-profit, formed to bring virtual music, dance, and theatrical shows to exceptional kids with autism. The Dick Wagner Fund is excited to add Bringing You Broadway to our Shake, Rattle & Rock Series!

Sandy Gennaro, Drums, Percussion, Music Educator, Author, Motivational Speaker: Sandy’s extraordinary career as a drummer includes recording and touring with Cyndi Lauper, The Monkees, Joan Jett, Pat Travers, Michael Bolton, Bo Diddley, Robin Gibb (Bee Gees), Mamas and the Papas, and more. Sandy has recorded multiple Top 10 singles and performed for millions of fans in his 50-year career. As a frequent counselor at the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camps, Sandy mentors campers on drums and performance. He’s written for Modern Drummer Magazine and is the author of several books, including “BEAT THE ODDS in Business & Life” and “Drum Basics.” Sandy created the music business program at The Collective in NYC, where he taught master classes and private students. In his powerful career as a Motivational Speaker, Sandy delivers his inspiring Keynote Series Beat the Odds: Lessons on Becoming a Rockstar in Business and in Life to corporate trade groups, business executives, universities, and youth groups.

Ava Paige, Guitar, Ukulele, Singer, Songwriter: 16-year-old country music artist, Ava Paige, is a 2021 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion. Named Best Singer/Songwriter by the 2019 Nashville Scene Reader’s Poll, Ava has established herself in Nashville as a go-to-songwriter and collaborator. Co-writing with established singer/songwriters Steve Dean (Oak Ridge Boys, Alabama), Drake White (Livin’ the Dream), and Terri Jo Box (Ashley McBryde), Ava has been embraced for her youthful perspective and intuitive emotional intelligence. Playing live shows at iconic venues such as The Listening Room and The Bluebird Café since she was 13, Ava has grown into the patina of an established performer. But with her music career in the fast lane, Paige was delivered a blow just before her 15th birthday. She was diagnosed with leukemia. Gigs and songwriting were replaced by hospital stays and chemo. During her many days in hospital, Ava took respite in guitar and songwriting. Once she reached remission, Ava was determined to pay it forward by forming her own charity, Pick’n and Kick’n Cancer with Ava, helping other kids with cancer. Though she continues to undergo treatment for leukemia, she remains active in her music career.

Bringing You Broadway, a troupe of professional Broadway Singers, Dancers, and Actors, with a mission to bring Broadway level talent to children who would otherwise have little or no opportunity to attend live shows. In a limited series of live broadcasts (schedule dates TBA), Bringing You Broadway delivers interactive ZOOM performances to enrich the lives of children with developmental disabilities and special needs. Performances are designed to be inclusive of all disabilities, and to entertain, educate, and boost self-esteem in a safe, non-judgmental environment. This extraordinary cast of entertainers includes performers who have appeared on Broadway, films, and on the touring productions of Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Grease, Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia, Nickelodeon, The Little Mermaid, Legally Blonde, Smoky Joe’s Café, In the Heights, Singin’ in the Rain, Young Frankenstein, The Sound of Music, Shakespeare festivals, Chicago Lyric Opera, Aladdin, Guys & Dolls, the Radio City Rockettes, Dirty Dancing, Bye Bye Birdie, The Lion King, West Side Story, and even more! https://www.bringingyoubroadway.org/

Walk Like A Dinosaur, a children’s Music Video created & produced by TV/Film star Robby Benson (Beauty & The Beast) with Rock & Broadway star Karla DeVito (Bruce Springsteen, Pirates of Penzance, Godspell): A Short 3:35 second music video featuring children and babies, animated graphics and captivating music, “Walk Like A Dinosaur” is a ‘Pre-historic, Earth-rockin’ song that is at once musical, charming, and educational. Robby Benson played all the instruments, produced & arranged the music, and lyrics were written by Benson & DeVito together. Robby & Karla have graciously granted us permission to include Walk Like A Dinosaur in our Shake, Rattle & Rock program! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21j-LifliyI

Jake Allen, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboards, Harmonica, Vocals: A unique stylist and virtuoso musician, Jake wows with his own breed of six-string wizardry, merging his exciting percussive tapping style into a music fusion that both rocks and grooves. With his multi-instrumental skills and ear for creating complete band arrangements, Jake creates live looping parts to produce the sounds of an entire band – all while performing solo. At a young age, Allen began exploring synthesizers and recording music in his father’s recording studio, taking on his own recording studio clients by the age of 15. Jake has performed throughout Europe, China, Russia, Japan, and North America. He’s played alongside Steve Miller, Stephen Bishop, The Accidentals, Andy McKee, Mike Dawes, and more. Growing up in Michigan, Allen was mentored by his guitar and songwriting hero, Dick Wagner, who influenced Allen’s ear for melodic, orchestral, and unexpected chord progressions.

Skylar Alyvia Mayton, The Voice TV Show, Singer, Songwriter, Guitar, Ukulele, Piano: While only 16 years old, Skylar has experienced a broad professional career. In 2020, Skylar was featured on the iconic TV show, The Voice (Season 19). Selected by Kelly Clarkson to join Team Kelly, Skylar was thrilled when Kelly told her, “You remind me of me when I was on American Idol.” A multi-faceted talent, Skylar performs her unique blend of pop, blues, and country. As an actress and model, she’s worked in feature films and commercials. Competing against thousands, she was excited to win an all-expenses paid trip to Hollywood for the TV Series Scenebot Stage Live, where she worked with top coaches from Nickelodeon. At age 11, Skylar won her first music scholarship, from the Dare to Dream Foundation, an award that gave Skyler her first experience recording original music in a professional studio. Continuously creative, Skylar has written over a hundred songs and filmed three music videos.

Jazmin Chaidez: Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Vocals: Feel the beat! Jam along with Jazmin as she plays congas, bongos, claves, kick drum, snare drum, guitar – and even a pair of #2 pencils! Jazmin was born and raised in Los Angeles to a musical family hailing proudly from Durango, Mexico. A lover of all music, Jazmin has a sweet spot for salsa, flamenco, and mariachi and takes inspiration from Luis Miguel, Celia Cruz, and Selena, among others. Jazmin sang before she could talk and taught herself piano by ear. By the time she was in high school, she was smitten with the guitar; but when she arrived late to class, the only instruments left to take were the triangle and cymbals. She fell in love with percussion. Jazmin was mentored by salsero, Jerry Steinholtz and went on to win awards and a scholarship to play drums. Jazmin is also a successful real estate agent who makes it a point to test out the acoustics of every vacant bathroom in Beverly Hills. When she’s not dancing salsa at El Floridita, Jazmin is playing and writing music with artists across the country.

Allison Lovejoy, Pianist, Composer, Music Educator: An award-winning classical pianist, Allison is renowned for her technical bravura, as well as for her sensitive interpretations of Impressionist and Romantic music. Performing both as soloist and with orchestras in the U.S. and Europe, her performance credits include the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Sinfionetta, and the Graves Brothers Deluxe. From the historic Beacon Theater and the Herbst, to the nightclubs (and streets!) of Paris and San Francisco, Allison has performed her own blend of classical, theater, jazz, and Cabaret Nouveau. For the Peace Concerts in the Bay Area, Allison initiated the “Nocturnes Project” to explore the poetic nature of the Nocturne for piano. For her album series, “New Nocturne,” she commissioned and collected works by classical, jazz, and flamenco composers. Recording for music and film, Allison performs on keyboards, accordion, and vocals. As music historian on the faculty of Academy of Art University, Allison specializes in History of Music, Opera, and Visual Arts. Allision has been honored to appear as guest speaker with the San Francisco Symphony. In her “spare time,” Allison loves to curate, speak and perform at a variety of public events and house concerts.

ROZALIA, a musical ensemble: Violin, Cello, String Bass, Saxophone, Piano, Percussion, and Tap Dance Artists: At once jazzy and classical, Rozalia features an international ensemble of young, virtuoso musicians. Award-winning professionals, the Rozalia group members have toured and/or recorded with world-renowned luminaries, including Ringo Starr (The Beatles!), David Foster, Sergio Mendes, Arturo Sandoval, Beyoncé, Khalid, Toni Braxton, among many. They’ve played legendary venues, festivals, Broadway musicals, and TV shows, including Tokyo Disney, The Walt Disney Concert Hall, Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, The Hollywood Bowl, The Tonight Show, Today Show, America’s Got Talent, American Music Awards, and more. The members of Rozalia have played concerts on 5 continents: Europe, Australia, Asia, South America, and North America. Composer/band leader Nikos Syropolous has been honored by The American Society of Composers and Publishers (ASCAP) as a three-time recipient of the ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Award. Not only professional performing artists, these talented young musicians are dedicated to music education — teaching music and inspiring others to make music their passion and vocation.