When Paul walked into Alive & Kickin’s SingOUT! session for residents of his affordable senior housing community, it was the first organized social event in his building in years. A retired teacher having cared for a spouse with dementia he was seeking connection and community. That afternoon, he stayed for the entire program, listening, singing along and sharing stories. A few weeks later, eager to find friendship, purpose and joy again, he auditioned for our Senior Rock Ensemble and was welcomed as a new cast member. Inspired to share what he had found through A&K, he arranged for SingOUT! in memory care for his wife’s birthday. It was an incredibly powerful hour as residents and caretakers gathered to join in song. The power of music and connection had come full circle and showed itself through the light in her that returned for that moment. It was a gift to them both.
Stories like Paul’s are why Alive & Kickin exists.
Our mission is to transform aging through song, story, and connection.
Michael Matthew Ferrell
(1960-2021)
“I knew it would be something special, but I did not account for the impact it would have on our members, their families and audiences alike.”
How It All Began
In 2010, Michael Matthew Ferrell, a three-time Ivey Award winner and celebrated choreographer, wanted to give back in a meaningful way and support the older adults in his life who felt invisible and voiceless. That led him to found Alive & Kickin. His vision was a company of seniors defying the images and expectations society had conceived for them, by performing the rock music of their lives. “I knew it would be something special, but I did not account for the impact it would have on our members, their families and audiences alike,” he said. Sadly, we lost Michael way too soon, but his vision continues to sustain everything we do. Alive & Kickin has grown from being the Twin Cities’ premier senior rock ensemble, to playing a leading role in the Creative Aging movement.
Keeping Seniors Active, Involved and Engaged
Think about it: In the next decade, it’s predicted that Minnesota will have 1.5 million adults 65+ and 1 in 10 will experience depression or anxiety. A&K is helping to change that outcome. Our programs engage minds and bodies, giving older adults renewed purpose and a powerful platform on which to be seen, heard and celebrated. Located in the Cora McCorvey Health & Wellness Center, we offer several low cost and free programs:
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Seniors Rock Academy
The educational framework where our ensemble members learn from music professionals, create, rehearse and perform for multi-generational audiences
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Annual Show
Our much-anticipated full-scale theatrical rock production plays to sold out houses!
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Community Concerts
A&K performs in private and public venues year round
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SingOUT!
Sing-and-dance-along events provide a joyous respite for senior housing residents, caregivers, and people of any age seeking connection
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Lifelong Learning
Music and performing arts education workshops and classes for adults of all ages
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Music & Mentorship
Gen A&K meets and collaborates with youth choirs and students, closing the cultural gap between generations.