Since 2012, the PMMF UPstarts! program has provided young emerging vocalists and instrumentalists from the Upper Peninsula the opportunity to perform in a professional music festival.
Chosen by audition, the PMMF UPstarts! artists tour all three areas of the PMMF festival (Keweenaw, Marquette, Iron counties), meeting audiences of all sizes in different performance settings. UPstarts! artists receive coaching from professional musicians involved with PMMF and gain important experiences on the concert stage and give audiences a chance to enjoy the impressive level of talent that comes from local communities.
*UPstarts! applicants must be from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (or have lived there), be 17-30 years of age, and currently perform in a music ensemble or be pursuing a music degree as a vocalist or instrumentalist.
Auditions for 2026 Festival (June 12-27):
UPstarts! auditions are due January 1, 2026. Applicants will submit a video (YouTube or Google Drive) with two (2) contrasting selections, at least 10 minutes in length. Please space yourself at least six feet away from the microphone for best audio fidelity.
Artist Fee: $500
Travel: Lodging is covered by the festival, as needed.
Schedule: Rehearsals and performances will take place from June 21-27, 2026 (details TBD). Applicants need to be available during these dates to be considered for the UPstarts! program.
Questions: contact us here.
Applicants will be notified no later than February 1, 2026.