The Moxie Strings - WKTV Journal

The Moxie Strings (Alison Lynn and Diana Ladio) perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 4 behind Kentwood City Hall as part of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series. (Courtesy)

By John D. Gonzalez, WKTV Contributing Writer

It happened by chance.

But things are still going strong for Alison Lynn and Diana Ladio, the two masterminds behind the popular Celtic duo better known as The Moxie Strings.

That chance was at a Michigan chapter of the American Strings Teachers Association String camp in Howell, Michigan.

“We were co-counselors in the same cabin,” said electric cello player Alison Lynn in an email to WKTV Journal. “We still say the band started the week we met! 16 years ago in 2006!”

Along with Ladio, who plays a five-string fiddle, the duo has had great success over the years with a dedicated following from multiple tours here and abroad, as well as five CDs.

No.1 on Billboard Classical Crossover Charts

Their latest project, and first live recording, “Live & Plugged In” just reached No.1 on the national Billboard Classical Crossover Charts.

A big crowd is expected when the duo performs Thursday, Aug. 4 as part of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series.

Lynn said fans can expect a “polished, high-energy show.”

It’s a show that “continues to redefine strings’ role in contemporary music, and offers audience members a diverse, fun, musical experience,” she said.

According to their bio, they use a variety of audio effects pedals, as well as compose the majority of their pieces and “arrange melodies from many countries, resulting in a genre-blurring blend of ear-catching, mainstream melodies and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms.”

It’s no surprise the duo draws influences from “all genres”

“You will hear us perform songs by Nirvana, Eurythmics, Beach Boys, Oasis, even Elvis,” Lynn said.

They’re excited to play as part of the outdoor concert series in Kentwood.

“We of course love performing anywhere at any time,” Lynn said.

“But, performing outside has been a game changer in the times of COVID. We are so happy that live music can happen in a safe environment.”

Fans will see that excitement on stage. They like to have fun with the audience, as well as each other.

“Performing and touring the world with your best friend…what could be better?” Lynn said.

The Moxie Strings also perform at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at Kollen Park in Holland, as well as the Emerald Isle Irish Feile on Beaver Island and Michigan Irish Music Festival in Muskegon in September, followed by a return trip to Ireland in November.

Learn more about the group at themoxiestrings.com or to order the new CD.

“Live & Plugged In” features six original songs, two traditional fiddle tunes, and four cover songs including Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams” and Nirvana’s “Smells like Teen Spirit.” All songs recorded live at Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake.

Kentwood Summer Concerts

All shows take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Admission is free. A variety of food trucks also will be on hand.

Parking for shows will be limited at both City Hall and the Library, according to the city’s website. Additional parking is available at the Kentwood Justice Center (4740 Walma SE), Kentwood Public Works (5068 Breton SE), Kentwood Baptist Church (2875 52nd St), and there is street parking in nearby neighborhoods.

The Kentwood Farmers Market takes place next door from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind City Hall.

Get more information at kentwood.us.

The remaining lineup includes:

August 4 – The Moxie Strings
August 11 – Brena

All concerts will be live streamed by WKTV Community Media. Watch the events live at: https://www.wktv.org/live25.html. If you miss a show you can watch it here at WKTV On Demand.

John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com

By Kathy Richards

Van Singel Fine Arts Center

An East Kentwood graduate, who makes up one third of The Moxie Strings, will be heading to the Van Singel Fine Arts Center for a pre-Patricks Day celebration.

Set for Thursday, March 15, Alison Lynn along with her bandmates, Diana Ladio and Fritz McGirr, will be performing at 7 p.m. The trio brings its high energy show filled with traditional melodies and rock-influenced rhythms in one unique concert. The group will be joined by the Byron Center Orchestra ensembles.

Lynn performs on a newly-invented, electric cello, and Ladio plays a contemporary five-string violin, both through a variety of audio effects pedals. McGirr is the percussionist wizard. This nationally recognized group is known for its unique sound and redefining strings’ role in contemporary music.

Hailed by The Grand Rapids Press as “top-notch, instrumental wizardry,” The Moxie Strings offer listeners the unique opportunity to experience several of the world’s best known musicians. The Moxie Strings compose the majority of their pieces and arrange melodies from many traditions, resulting in a genre-blurring blend of ear-catching melodies and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms.

Soon after forming in 2007, The Moxie Strings members were inspired not only to perform, but also to teach. Having made the exploratory journey from classical music to a world of eclecticism and musical creativity, the three have now dedicated their careers to helping young musicians make this life-changing and transformative transition. The Moxie String clinics focus on musical self-discovery and the importance of incorporating socially and culturally relevant genres of music in the music classroom. They have taught clinics in more than 100 schools throughout the US, and also present on their research and methodologies to teachers at many music education professional development conferences. During most clinics, The Moxie Strings perform for students on electric instruments, teach music by ear, and introduce non-classical playing styles. The group has researched and created an innovative sequence of activities designed to introduce improvisation to classically trained musicians, which they employ at every clinic. The Moxie Strings deliver its message in a fun, accessible way, and stand before students as the illustration of the many opportunities that music holds. The musicians will conduct a daytime workshop with Byron Center orchestra students.

Tickets for The Moxie Strings, $12 for adults and $10 for students, can be purchased in person at the box office or by calling 616-878-6800, Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information go to www.vsfac.com or www.themoxiestrings.com. Tickets will be available at the door.

The Van Singel Fine Arts Center is located at the east end of the Byron Center High School complex, located at 8500 Burlingame SW, 84^th Street and Burlingame SW, in Byron Center, just 1.5 miles west of US-131 and only 15 minutes south of Grand Rapids. The Van Singel Fine Arts Center features free, easy parking and curbside handicap parking is available.