Alive & Kickin

 Give to the Max is a day Minnesota sets aside to support thousands of nonprofits across the state!

myTalk 107.1 is devoting our day to Alive & Kickin – the Twin Cities premier rockin’ seniors group!

Alive & Kickin was founded by myTalk’s beloved and adored friend Michael Matthew Ferrell, whom we lost in June of 2021.

Alive & Kickin

Alive & Kickin’s mission is to give voice to seniors. When they share their own histories, they bring people closer, they disrupt perceptions of age, and they inspire others with their wisdom. For the seniors, it also provides a place of healing, safety, and fun.

Through our Seniors Rock Academy (our cast) Alive & Kickin is a home away from home for close to 40 members. Each one of them brings a unique perspective and personality to the group, displaying to the world that age is not defined by our ailments and wrinkles.

With Alive & Kickin, we are fortunate to not just provide a platform, but a place for those with the most life experience to still be heard and feel at home.

About Alive & Kickin

Founded in 2010 by Director/Choreographer and multi Ivey award-winning theatre professional, Michael Matthew Ferrell, the organization gives seniors voice through music, performance and arts access programs. "We are  breaking down stereo-types about what it means to grow older and completely redefining aging -- one rock concert at a time", said Ferrell.  Alive & Kickin’s mission is to dig deep within our aging population and, with undaunted courage, re-write the rules for living a full life with the “pride of age” leading the way.

Alive & Kickin works year-round with a cast of singers 60–99+ to share their music at senior living facilities, community centers, and our big end-of-the-year theatrical production. This year’s show will be called “REnaissance,” and focuses on stories and songs that show how adversity can spur new opportunities.

New Executive Director, Ross Willits, sees endless potential and opportunity for Alive & Kickin with your support. "Music, singing, and community creativity are a big part of what makes us human. Society tends to push us toward isolation and silence as we age—diminishing the parts of us that keep us vibrantly alive. That’s where A&K comes in. To folks who have been told to sit down and be quiet, we provide an opportunity to stand up and be heard. And this group has plenty to say!” 

Over the years, generous support from individual donors, funders, and sponsors has allowed Alive & Kickin to expand well beyond the annual show. Now, reaching more than 6,000 people annually, the organization offers a variety of arts access programing for the community.

Neighbors Night Out brings 250 seniors with disabilities to the annual show. In 2017, an audience member, with tears in her eyes, said “I wait for this night all year.”

SingOUT!, a FREE monthly singing program, welcomes hundreds of participants of all abilities each year-- building community and joy through song and friendship.

Alive & Kickin programs are made possible by individual donors. Financial support allows us to continue to give seniors a voice, break down stereotypes and build stronger communities. PLEASE JOIN US!

Thank you for your generosity!

With enormous gratitude,

The Alive & Kickin Team

Ross, Jason, Lisa, Krysti and Jeffrey