Alive & Kickin

A&K "gives voice to seniors" through personal stories and popular songs. We disrupt stereotypes around aging, bridge generations, improve health and well-being, and provide safe space for isolated, diverse, and underserved older adults to connect with one another, and find joy and new purpose in life through rock and pop music and shared personal stories. Our intergenerational impact is felt across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota, including our 46-member Senior Rock Ensemble, our all-age audiences, volunteers, collaborative partners and music program participants.

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OUR STORY

Founded in 2010 by choreographer/director Michael Matthew Ferrell (1960-2021) we are celebrating our 16th Season as a performing arts, lifelong learning, and human service nonprofit. We reach 5000+ Minnesotans of all backgrounds, identities, incomes, and abilities annually. Located in the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority operated Cora McCorvey Center for Health and Wellness, we offer several low cost and free programs:

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OUR PROGRAMS

Our 46-member Seniors Rock Ensemble ages 62-91, gather weekly to rehearse, learn music and vocal technique, and socialize.

20+ annual Community Concerts are performed for audiences of all ages in assisted/senior living, schools, parks, and other public and private venues. Our high-energy, charismatic group lifts spirits, inspires, and challenges ageist beliefs as they sing multi-genre music from across the decades.

Our Season 16 Annual Show, "A&K Across the USA", a "rock concert" theatrical production brings audiences of all ages together for a powerful performance of music and the stories of our members. Low-income community members are invited to join us for a free performance and transportation for our Neighbors Night Out event.

SingOUT!, a FREE monthly sing & dance along is a joyous respite for caregivers and people with all abilities and the highlight of the month for many. SingOUT! delivers shared music and community at senior housing and community centers across the metro.

Seniors Rock Music Education workshops and classes invite older adults to engage in community and lifelong learning. Learn to sight-sing, music theory, write a song and more!

Intergenerational Exchanges our Cast and youth choirs share music and stories, building mutual respect and forming new friendships.

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OUR IMPACT

Our programs bring joy, reduce isolation, stimulate memory, increase physical activity, and ignite purpose.

91% of our members report improved mental and emotional health benefits and 77% feel better physically. 91% have learned new skills and found renewed purpose. From lowered blood pressure to greater self-confidence, to the security of a social network there to help in the face of critical illness or hardship, A&K and the community we foster, changes lives.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP

Your donations directly support our programming and mission to "give voice to seniors".

We also welcome your help as a volunteer or through in-kind donations of products and services (e.g. printing, technology, musical equipment, and graphic design).

Do you have a fundraiser, corporate event, employee appreciation party, or other gathering and want our ensemble to rock the room? We perform year-round.