Grace Weber’s Music Lab returns to summerfest:

amfam collab 2025 recap

Sharing a few highlights from our annual GWML pop-up showcase, presented by American Family Insurance!

Since its inception in 2021 (along with an initial program donation of $25,000 from AmFam) the Summerfest pop-up collaboration between Grace Weber’s Music Lab and American Family Insurance has become a beacon of inspiration for our young artists. The 5th annual installment of this dynamic partnership shone brighter than ever, featuring three incredible GWML youth talents in the lineup: singer/guitarist Ellis Mancuso, singer/pianist Audrey Blackmore & CJ CLAYy, along with younger sisters Brooklin & Mariah. This year's event celebrated creativity, passion, & the power of music, continuing to uplift & empower the next generation of musicians.

Paired with AmFam’s “Let the Music Play” grant recipients & GWML Community Partners Girls Rock MKE, we journeyed back to Summerfest grounds for star-studded treatment & a featured segment at the AmFam House; the premiere venue space that hosts notable musicians from various stages throughout the festival run - including our young stars! Program leader B~Free presented the three hand-selected acts & recent participants from the Lab program while allowing them an opportunity to perform for the first time at one of the world’s largest music festivals. Even with thunderstorms in the forecast, the showcase was full of unforgettable moments—Audrey wowed the crowd with her backwards piano playing, CJ brought high energy with his sisters backing him up, and Ellis gave a stunning guitar rendition of the AmFam theme!

As we continue work towards our regular season programming during the school year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude once more to American Family Insurance for their unwavering support & belief in the transformative power of music. Partnerships of this nature have not only made these opportunities possible but have also helped shape the futures of countless young, talented musicians. We look forward to continuing this incredible journey, fostering creativity, and nurturing the next generation of artists with all of our program sponsors & supporters.

Catch more action in our recap vid below, shot & edited by Gabbi Cisneros!

GWML write-up: featured article with Imagine MKE

With the season 7 finale, GWML had the honor of being highlighted in a featured article by local arts org & nonprofit, Imagine MKE. In an interview with local artist & GWML Program Director Britney Freeman-Farr (B~Free), readers were given a deeper look at the purpose & functionality of the Music Lab & how it supports the city’s creative youth.

“Like a monthly masterclass party for teens, since 2017, Grace Weber's Music Lab (presented by HYFIN) has offered free opportunities for Milwaukee-area teens to learn and get advice from music industry experts and to connect with other young creatives, express themselves, and showcase their talents.” - Elisabeth Gasparka

ADDITIONAL PRESS FEATURES:

Current.org

Milwaukee Independent

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Radio Milwaukee

WUWM | Milwaukee Public Radio