Garret Bielaniec says he was turned on to music as a kid by what he describes as his hippy parents who would play records while the whole family would sit cross-legged on the floor listening intently. They weren’t much for TV, but rock’n’roll they dug!

At 5, Bielaniec picked up a guitar he found in his mom’s closet. “I just always kind of gravitated to it,” he said. His mother happily obliged when he asked for lessons and that was the start of something big. “As a kid you become obsessed with something, and I was always obsessed with guitar… I always gravitated to the bands of the 60s and early 70s.” Three decades later, Bielaniec earns his living recording, producing and playing, including time in the studio with such well-knowns as Alice Cooper, MC5 star Wayne Kramer as well as Detroit music legends like Johnny "Bee" Badanjek of the Rockets. As 2024 kicks off, Bielaniec has joined singer/songwriter Kanin Wren as her band’s lead guitarist. It is a match made in pure Michigan heaven as the group works on new music and some original songs penned by Kanin with co-writers from Nashville and beyond. Bielaniec, whose musical prowess cannot be understated, is used to working with young artists. He earned a degree from Grand Valley State University and worked for a time as a high-school English teacher. But he always knew music was his thing, moving to Nashville for several years before deciding that his home state and its outsized musical heritage was the place to be.

Bielaniec lives on a lake in Livingston County with his wife (in a little boathouse he fixed up during Covid) and his treasured black Lab “Nashie.” Her name is a tribute to the music city, he explains, as he smokes a cigar and takes about his life in an Ann Arbor-area lounge. “I love Nashville,” he says. “But I’m way too Detroit… Detroit’s taken over Nashville,” he adds.

Bielaniec laughs when he tells the story of an interview he once did where the reporter wrote that he lived with his mom. The journalist was close but ultimately that’s untrue, Bielaniec corrects, noting that indeed he keeps his own recording studio on his mom’s property (and is known to drop in late-night when his own music muse hits.) “I’m never going to get that off the record,” he shares, even as he’s contacted Google and tried. But if you’re reading this – please know that he’s long moved on from his family’s homeplace, but yes, is still tight with mom.

Of his musical interests, he says he could listen to a great The Who record and then turn to a spoken-word recording by William Shatner – eclectic. His first paid gig was in a house band at Rick’s in East Lansing. His first real professional gig was with playing alongside Eddie Money. “It was great. He was awesome,” Bielaniec recalls. He has played on two Alice Cooper records and worked with famed music producers Bob Ezrin and Jack Douglas. The latter was a collab on the recent record by Detroit Youth Choir (Rockspell), the group that was on “America’s Got Talent.” Ultimately, he enjoys doing his own music and sees himself as an itinerant, playing solo and alongside stars when he’s called, and now joining forces with Kanin. He is energized by the opportunity to collaborate with a young musician as she scales a career.

In addition to his exceptional bass-playing skills, one of the standout qualities that sets Ben Nelson apart is his captivating stage presence. When he performs, he exudes an electrifying energy that can instantly infect the audience with excitement. As he plucks the strings of his bass, his infectious energy spreads like wildfire, engaging the crowd and creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether he's bouncing to the beat, rocking out with a charismatic flair, or encouraging the audience to join in the fun, Ben's stage presence amplifies the overall experience of the show. Growing up, Ben found inspiration in various musical styles, but it was the punk and pop-punk genres that truly resonated with him. Among his favorite bands are The Story So Far, Oasis, and Neck Deep, whose infectious melodies and energetic performances greatly influenced his own musical journey. He currently works at the renowned Elderly Instruments, a popular music store in the Lansing area. One day, a fellow musician named Kanin walked through the store's doors, searching for the perfect guitar. Little did they know that this chance meeting would blossom into a friendship and musical collaboration! Ben's favorite Taylor Swift song to play is All Too Well. 

Noah Cameron, born and raised in Manistee, MI, is a passionate drummer with an innate talent for bringing rhythm and groove to life. His journey into the world of music began professionally in 2017 when he took the leap into becoming a full-fledged musician. Starting with a percussion duo and a traditional Celtic/Folk group, Noah quickly established himself as a versatile drummer, earning a reputation as a sought-after "drummer for hire" for various projects. As a lover of diverse musical styles, Noah finds inspiration in an array of artists. His top three favorites include the high-energy funk of Ripe, the soulful vibes of Couch, and the ethereal melodies of Ellie Goulding. These influences have contributed to shaping his unique and dynamic drumming style. Noah's connection with the talented Kanin goes back to the inaugural Forest Trail Music Festival in 2020, where they booked her performance. Intrigued by her music, Noah and his team kept a close eye on her artistic journey. When Kanin made a social media post seeking drummers, Noah wasted no time in reaching out, drawn by the captivating style of music she played. Little did he know that this collaboration would evolve into a remarkable Taylor Swift tribute project as well. Notably, Noah also takes pride in producing the Forest Trail Music Festival in Free Soil, MI, further showcasing his commitment to promoting live music and supporting fellow artists. Recently, he started a nonprofit “Music Sparks Meaning” to connect local students with nationally touring and professional musicians, trying to bridge the gap between music academia and the professional music world. Among the vast repertoire of music he's played, Noah finds particular joy in performing Taylor Swift's hits like "Red" and "Last Great American Dynasty," which allow him to display his drumming prowess and infuse the songs with his own creative flair. With an unwavering passion for drumming, a dedication to exploring diverse musical genres, and a genuine love for the power of live performances, Noah Cameron continues to make a mark on the music scene, providing infectious rhythms that elevate every song he touches.

Maria Skidmore, a multi-instrumentalist hailing from Bath, Michigan, draws inspiration from artists such as Ben Rector, Lauren Daigle, and Tori Kelly. Her musical journey began within a family deeply devoted to music, with all five of her siblings and herself taking music lessons at the MSU Community Music School. From a young age, Maria developed her skills on various instruments, starting with the violin at the tender age of 4, followed by the piano at 7, and eventually mastering the guitar and other instruments along the way. During the challenging times of the pandemic, Maria found solace and creative expression through songwriting and music production. Maria's dedication to her musical pursuits led her to pursue Violin Performance at Michigan State University, where she continues to refine her skills and knowledge in music. While she aspires for a professional music career, she actively engages with the musical community and has made connections with fellow musicians, such as Kanin, through platforms like the Mid-Michigan’s Nashville Songwriters Association.

When it comes to Taylor Swift's music, Maria admits that choosing a favorite song to play is nearly impossible. With so many incredible tracks to choose from, Maria delights in the rich and diverse catalog of the superstar artist, finding joy and inspiration in each one.

Jessica, affectionately known as the "merch goblin," is Kanin's older sister and an indispensable part of the team. With a passion for music and a flair for business, she has taken on the role of handling merchandise and merchandise logistics for Kanin's shows and events.

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Known for her infectious energy and dedication, Jessica takes her "merch goblin" title to heart, going above and beyond to ensure that the merchandise booth is always well-stocked and beautifully presented. From setting up the booth with meticulous attention to detail to handling sales with a warm and friendly demeanor, she strives to create a memorable experience for every fan. In recognition of her invaluable contributions, Jessica is often rewarded with tokens of appreciation, receiving payments in the form of Oberon beer and delectable ice cream treats. Despite her busy schedule, she finds joy in her role as the "merch goblin" and considers it a labor of love.