Performance & Production Opportunities for Kids!
As one of the charters of our mission, Artists Alive seeks to actively involve and engage kids in the performance and production of Tear Down The Wall and Eclipse: The Best of Pink Floyd. Each show features local kids dancing, singing, and working as stagehands. In addition, we offer performance opportunities for local kids as actors. We're so proud to have Elliana Mittlesteadt, a Reedsburg High School senior, as a member of the band. She's become a key part of our amazing trio of background singers while gaining invaluable experience in large-scale concert productions. We are so honored to have the talents of all of these kids!
Elliot Jensen's Participation in the Eclipse: The Best of Pink Floyd Tour (2025-Present)
A great example of Artists Alive's goal is Elliot role in the tour. Joining the crew at 14 years old, he has become a stagehand, learning all about audio equipment and backstage protocol. He helps us set up and tear down instruments and equipment at most shows. Since joining us, he has grown very fond of both Pink Floyd's music and stage mechanics. We are so fortunate and happy to have given Elliot the chance to learn more about music and music production.
Elliana Mittlesteadt's Contribution to the Tear Down the Wall & Eclipse: The Best of Pink Floyd Tour (2016-Present)
Ellie has continued to be a key player in the band for many years. At age 8, she started as a dancer in the Tear Down the Wall tour during Another Brick in the Wall. As she grew older, in 2022, she became a stagehand helping set up equipment and aided the band members backstage when needed. Beginning in 2024, she stepped into the role of a background vocalist. Now 18 years old, she has learned so much about stage production and band collaboration. Her vocals have grown so much from her harmonies to her Great Gig in the Sky solo. We are so proud to have Ellie a part of the show.
Tory Jax's Involvement with the Eclipse: The Best of Pink Floyd Tour (2022-2024)
We are incredibly grateful to have given Tory, an amazingly gifted singer, the to chance to shine as a vocalist in the band. Joining the band at 16, she became a key part of the trio of ladies learning so much about being part of a band. Already a member of her high school choir, she expanded her music and collaboration skills through the band. Her background harmonies all the way to her Great Gig in the Sky solo, gave her the extra push she needed to continue to improve her vocals. Through her work with other bandmates, she also learned that she had perfect pitch! We are so proud of her musical and personal growth she achieved while working with us.
Isaac Mittlesteadt's Work in the Tear Down the Wall tour & the Eclipse: The Best of Pink Floyd Tour (2013-Present)
Isaac has been an essential member in our band for many years. At age 13, during the Tear Down the Wall tour, he first started as a stagehand, learning everything there is to know about stage production and mechanics. He is now 25 years old and, although still working as a stagehand, he is now our audio engineer as well. He has come so far and learned so much about production, teamwork, and collaboration. We are so incredibly lucky and proud to have him part of our crew; he is the mastermind running the show offstage.
Jenna Moilanen's Contribution to the Tear Down the Wall Tour (2013-2016)
We were lucky enough to give a young and talented singer, Jenna, the chance to expand her gifts for music during the Tear Down the Wall Tour from 2013 to 2016. When she joined our band as a Senior in high school, she didn't have much experience with music outside of the choir and band room at the school. She not only learned the classics of Pink Floyd during her time with us, but she learned what it meant to be a part of a band; she learned the ins and outs of stage tech and equipment, the importance of consistency and self discipline, and how to harmonize with other band mates (both literally and figuratively). She started the band thinking Pink Floyd was her dad's music, and left the band with a whole set of new skills as well as a Dark Side of the Moon tattoo! Jenna is a great example of how Artists Alive impacts children's involvement in performing arts.
Kari Arnett's Debut CD Midwestern Skyline (2015)
A very gifted singer and songwriter, Kari was a perfect example of someone who just needed a little help to take her music to the next level. We worked with her songs to mold them into a cohesive sound, creating a musical signature for her. She made it easy for our us to create an album of music that we're all very proud of. Her album is gaining attention daily and has enjoyed positive reviews in multiple publications. Kari is now busy playing shows all over Minnesota and Wisconsin to support her new album. Check her out at: http://www.kariarnett.com/
Artists Alive Scholarship awarded to Grace Gladem to attend Girls' Rock Camp (2014)
It brings us great happiness to announce Grace Gladem as the recipient of a scholarship to attend the August 2014 session of advanced Girls' Rock Camp! Grace attended the weeklong camp, honing her skills as a keyboardist and singer while learning how to play as a member of an ensemble. The week culminated in a showcase performance at one of Madison's finest live music venues, where she wowed the audience with a self-accompanied solo and performing in various ensembles. We're so proud of you, Grace! Keep rockin', Girl!
Terra Kauffman's Debut CD First Step (2013)
Our first project was an easy choice. When we first saw Terra, we recognized a young, talented musician who could benefit from working with some of our talented artists. After working together, it became clear that we needed to help Terra create her first original project. Terra's talent coupled with the talents of our resident artists produced Terra's first all-original CD project.
Shawndell Marks, one of our extraordinarily talented resident musicians, donated many hours of songwriting instruction as well as her arranging, vocal and piano skills to the project. Other resident musicians include Chris Mittlesteadt and Isaac Mittlesteadt. All photography for the project was donated by Angie Purcell and graphic design was donated by Carol Kubrican. Artists Alive, Inc. funded the production of Terra Kauffman's debut CD - The First Step.
Terra's project is a shining example of what Artists Alive, Inc. is about. We strive to identify and develop musical talent in order to propel it into the world with as much momentum as possible. Good luck, Terra! We're proud of your work!
Shawndell Marks, one of our extraordinarily talented resident musicians, donated many hours of songwriting instruction as well as her arranging, vocal and piano skills to the project. Other resident musicians include Chris Mittlesteadt and Isaac Mittlesteadt. All photography for the project was donated by Angie Purcell and graphic design was donated by Carol Kubrican. Artists Alive, Inc. funded the production of Terra Kauffman's debut CD - The First Step.
Terra's project is a shining example of what Artists Alive, Inc. is about. We strive to identify and develop musical talent in order to propel it into the world with as much momentum as possible. Good luck, Terra! We're proud of your work!