Volume Up

🎤 Mic Drop Announcement - Raise the Stakes, Raise the Song! 🎤

Here's the deal: Volume Up co-founders Rose and Renée (performance name: "Rosé" 🤣) are stepping out of the founder seats and into the spotlight for a special (non-competing) duet at Mic Drop, and YOU get to decide just how ridiculous it gets.

Every $250 raised on our fundraising page unlocks a new, increasingly fun and/or funny song choice. We're starting at "Cups" and seeing how far we can push it. Bohemian Rhapsody is ON the table, folks. You just gotta get us there! 💵

$1-249: Cups
$250-499: Sk8er Boi
$500-749: Thank You For Being A Friend
$750-999: Man! I Feel Like A Woman!
$1,000-1,249: Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)
$1,250-1,500: Bohemian Rhapsody

But here's why this one matters so much to Rose and Renée personally: Renée grew up rarely seeing women who played brass instruments, wondering why she didn't see herself represented in that world. Rose grew up low-income, convinced private voice and dance lessons and a future in musical theatre just weren't in reach, so she chose not to pursue that path.

That's exactly why Volume Up exists. No kid should have to wonder if music is "for them" because of what they look like or what their family can afford.

So donate, vote up the chaos, and help us prove that access and representation change everything. 🙌 🎶

👉 Link in Comments!!

🎤 Mic Drop Performer Spotlight: Carolyn Mac

Carolyn is performing Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams," drawing inspiration from strong female rock singers like Stevie Nicks and the song itself. As she puts it, "I love the way it draws you in."

Her favorite artists run the gamut: Joni Mitchell, Chappell Roan, Mitski, Alanis Morissette, Rufus Wainwright, and U2.

Her rider keeps it classic: Diet Coke, cheese curds, and Reese's peanut butter cups. 🥤

On why she's supporting Volume Up: "I started playing cello at a young age, and later in high school and college I formed a band with friends and was the only female in the band. As we gigged around and as I got more involved in the music scene, I quickly realized how little female presence there was in rock and jazz music, both for performers and sound and production roles. Because of this, Volume Up's work to empower young women and non-binary performers through programs like the Turn It Up Rock Camp means a lot to me. The monthly open mic is also close to my heart, as I ran open mics for the Harmony Cafe program for almost a decade. Open mics that are all-ages and don't take place in bars are hard to come by, let alone a program that is intentionally inclusive like Volume Up's. Magic happens at open mics when performers feel truly welcomed and supported. They grow their confidence and their craft, and build their network. Thank you, Volume Up, for all you do!"

Come see Carolyn at Mic Drop on Saturday, October 17! 🎶✨

Vote for Carolyn ahead of time - every $1 is 1 vote!

Link in comments 🗳

Karaoke tonight at The Tardigrade's Bookshelf

We’ll be hosting our Mic Drop karaoke in this wonderful space in just a few weeks.

go make some notes

🎤 Mic Drop Performer Spotlight: Ryder Goodefellow

That's Jasper's drag king name, and he's teasing something big: "What do you get when you cross a theatre kid, drag, and a 'show about death'? Find out at Volume Up's Fundraiser!" Consider us intrigued!

His inspiration? A love for theatrical drag and all the ways music lets you express yourself. This performance is bringing back one of his favorite numbers.

His favorite performers are Girl In Red, whose shows he's caught twice and calls "so incredible" for how she connects with the crowd, and Hayley Williams of Paramore, a role model not just for her music but for using her platform to speak out. In his words, "Art has always been political, and seeing it in her lyrics and her presence speaks volumes. I aspire to be as bold in my convictions and music for my community."

On why he's supporting Volume Up: "Often times, financial barriers directly impact children's access to programs. Volume Up is tearing down that barrier with the Turn It Up Music Camp. Everyone should get the opportunity to learn and grow their passion. I got to see that while being a volunteer for the 2025 program, and I can't wait to see more kids craft their talent! A community that invests in their children is a community that grows."

Come see Ryder Goodefellow take the stage on Saturday, October 17! 🎶✨

Be sure to Vote! Every $1 donated is 1 vote!
Ryder/Jasper's link is in the comments 🗳

🎤 Mic Drop Performer Spotlight: J U A N I T A (all caps, obviously)

Subtlety left the building years ago, so Juanita's belting Frank Sinatra's "My Way" like she invented regret and recovered from it fabulously. We expect nothing less.

Her inspiration? All the good people, a good cause, and a little confidence-building glamor thrown in for good measure.

Her favorite performers span the spectrum: Prince, Bowie, and any indie artist obscure enough to make her sound more interesting than she claims to be. In her words, "I contain multitudes, some sequins, some flannel."

Her rider is a whole production: seltzer water, w**e, Diet Coke, fancy hand care, lip gloss, a full hair and makeup team, wardrobe, and Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle on standby. Though for this first show with Volume Up, she says she's keeping it humble. (Sure, Juanita.)

On why she's supporting Volume Up: "Music shouldn't be a luxury item, and Volume Up is out here making sure kids across the Fox Cities get real music education and performance opportunities for free, not just the ones whose parents can afford lessons and instruments. That's the actual important part. The Sinatra tribute is just my way of pitching in with the skill set I've got, which is mostly enthusiasm and a strong sense of drama."

Come see Juanita do it her way and “vote” Sat, Oct 17th! 🎶✨

You can vote early & vote often!
Every $1 is 1 vote!

Juanita’s link is in the comments!

🎤 Mic Drop Performer Spotlight: Jesús

Just Jesús, thank you. One name only, like Madonna, Rihanna, and Usher.

Jesús will be debuting a brand new song by the artist Talk. In his words, it's "a little Elton John, a little Chappell Roan, ridiculous and loud and operatic and weird. So... me."

His inspiration? Dramatic, funny, campy, and unapologetically himself, because that's what karaoke is all about.

His favorite performer is Beyoncé, hands down (he's thrown parties modeled after her, so this one's not up for debate).

His rider leans full "hedonism bot from Futurama" energy: a fainting chair, some men fanning with feathers, and someone on grape duty. A boy can dream.

On why he's supporting Volume Up: "Music has always been an important part of my life. I love music. From instruments, to choirs, to random objects, the act of creation using sounds is life changing and saving for so many people. I am a professor at a music conservatory, so it has and always will be a part of my life. To be able to support a program that provides music services and education to youth for free is a treasure I want to contribute to keeping for our community."

Cheer on and “vote” for Jesús bringing the drama Sat, Oct 17! 🎶✨

You can vote early & vote often!
Every $1 is 1 vote!

Jesús’s link is in the comments!

🎤Mic Drop Performer Spotlight: Sarah

Taking the stage under her own name, Sarah is bringing the energy with "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark" by Fall Out Boy!

Her inspiration? A love for punk and rock that runs deep, with Skillet and The Letter Black topping her list of favorite bands.

Her rider is refreshingly simple: water. Lots and lots of water.

On why she's supporting Volume Up: "Volume Up gives musical opportunities to people like me who otherwise wouldn't have access to these programs."

Come cheer Sarah on and “vote” for her Sat, Oct 17! 🎶🤘

You can vote early & vote often!
Every $1 is 1 vote!

Sarah’s link is in the comments!

🎤 Mic Drop Performer Spotlight: Gabrielle Simpson-Hass

Welcome Gabrielle! At Mic Drop, she's taking on "History of Wrong Guys" from Kinky Boots, and we seriously cannot wait.

Her inspiration? A love for complicated characters, especially the ones making bad decisions on purpose. If you're looking for her performing idol, look no further than Sutton Foster ("I'm basic," she says, but we're not complaining).

Her rider? Fancy cheese, orange spice tea, and jalapeño Cheetos. Non-negotiable (mostly).

On why she's supporting Volume Up: "I think it's so, so important for there to be accessible performance opportunities and training that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. It can be so hard to get good music resources, so I'm thrilled to help support Volume Up's mission."

Come see Gabrielle bring it and “vote” for her at Volume Up's karaoke fundraiser, Mic Drop, on Sat Oct 17! 🎶✨

You can vote early & vote often!
Every $1 is 1 vote!

Gabrielle’s link is in the comments!

🎤 Mic Drop Performer Spotlight: Melissa Nickel

No stage name, no set song just yet. Melissa says her performance might be a surprise even to her, and we love that fearless energy!

What's bringing her to the stage? Her friends, the same people who've supported and encouraged her for years. Now she gets to do that for them (we ❤ you!!)

Her dream rider is simple: books (lots of them) and some chocolate to enjoy while reading.

In her words: "Volume Up has been making many opportunities for those who are underrepresented in the music space. Music is important, and making it more accessible is why supporting Volume Up is important."

Come cheer on and “vote” for Melissa at Mic Drop on Saturday, October 17! 🎶

Vote early
Vote often

$1=1 vote
Melissa’s link is in the comments.