Whether it recently made the charts in Uganda or was written nearly 100 years ago by the Gershwins, it was sung, played or rapped Saturday. If it was concerns about the proposed Project 2025 political platform, freedom coming from “Mary Jane,” or why a bar shouldn’t be described as one’s church, it was shared through poetry.
Approximately 70 people attended the fourth annual Watershed Voice Artist Showcase. Held at The Huss Project, 1008 Eighth St. in Three Rivers, the showcase raised $1,984 for local, independent journalism. Watershed Voice Executive Editor and Publisher Alek Haak-Frost and Doug Sears Jr., hosts of the “Keep Your Voice Down” podcast, also hosted Saturday’s event.
“All of the proceeds from this event today go to Watershed Voice,” Haak-Frost said. “We are a nonprofit news magazine located here in Three Rivers. We cover St. Joseph, Cass, and Kalamazoo County, and we just removed our paywall. Anyone, anyone at all can access our news, regardless of whether you can pay for it or not. But, if you can afford to throw us a couple bucks now and then, we appreciate it. Journalism does cost money, but we want to make sure everyone does have the information they need.”
Ten acts participated in the fourth annual Watershed Voice Artist Showcase. Leading up to the event, Watershed Voice introduced this year’s headliners. On Saturday, there was room for a surprise or two. Aundrea Sayrie, for example, delivered some poetry before husband Torrey Brown, a Three Rivers city commissioner, gave his thoughts about Project 2025. As Mister Aubs said during his set, sometimes he will perform a difference piece than what he planned.
“You all surprised me,” Mister Aubs said, when the audience recognized and joined in a call and response inspired by Curtis Mayfield’s “Pusherman.”
Watershed Voice‘s event preview included partial information on how to personally support each Artist Showcase performer. We are able to include more information. Information is for CashApp unless otherwise noted:
Courtney Moore: $princesscourt24
Torrey Brown: $tbrown22892
Mitchie Moore: $mitchelljcmoore
Debbie M. Allen: $Dfloessence
Samuel Nalangira: Support information was not immediately available. However, his website does have a contact page.
Becky Raines: @Becky-Raines-3 at Venmo
Sabrina Banks: $Sweetbree4
Zach “Lucky” Fultz: $Lucky17LTB
Just Mikel: $mikelwatkinsss
Mister Aubs: $PoeticAubs
The fourth annual Watershed Voice Artist Showcase was sponsored by Corey Lake Orchards, Useless Creatures Brewing Company, *culture is not optional, The Huss Project, Harbor Farmz, Riviera Theatre and Bar, Deerfield Counseling, and Three Rivers Pride.
Frank Stanko is a staff writer with Watershed Voice.
