Live from the Keweenaw: How The Red Jacket Jamboree Brought Together History, Hilarity, and Humanity

What do endangered plants, Duke Ellington, and a digital carpologist have in common? They were all stars, alongside poets, jazz pianists, storytellers, and skit-loving locals, on the latest episodes of The Red Jacket Jamboree, Michigan’s original old-time radio variety show.

Thanks to a mini grant from the Upper Peninsula Arts and Culture Alliance, with funding from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC), Real People Media (RPM) delivered two nights of unforgettable performances that turned small-town Calumet into a creative stage for the world.

Now in its seventh season, The Red Jacket Jamboree is no ordinary radio program. It’s part musical revue, part historical showcase, and part live theater—all recorded before an enthusiastic audience at the Keweenaw Storytelling Center. The two newest shows, four episodes in total, were packed with regional flavor and nationally recognized talent.

On July 13, 2024 the stage band The Copper Cats, under the direction of guitarist Jerry Younce, was joined by internationally acclaimed jazz pianist Bill Carrothers, whose improvisational prowess elevated each scene. Musicians Devin Drobka (drums) and Clay Schaub (bass) added rhythmic punch, while hosts Lena Dorey and two-time Upper Peninsula Poet Laureate Martin Achatz guided listeners through a journey of music and memory.

Lena Dorey and Martin Achatz perform original poetry alongside The Copper Cats

September’s show offered a different kind of storytelling magic. The team explored the legacy of Anatomy of a Murder, honoring both its Upper Peninsula roots (it was written by Ishpeming native John Voelker) and Duke Ellington’s iconic score. Achatz captivated the audience with original poetry, while a special sketch titled “The Plant Lady of Painesdale” featuring guest vocalist and “digital carpologist” Julie McIntosh and naturalist Ryne Rutherford had audiences laughing while learning about native plants.

One of the most heartwarming moments came when the crew surprised drummer Owen Finch with a spontaneous birthday celebration mid-show. It was a reminder that behind the microphones and music charts is a tight-knit community of artists who aren’t just voices on the radio—they’re people. This emphasis on authentic collaboration is what sets the Jamboree apart. Writers, actors, and musicians don’t just show up to perform, they co-create, improvise, and workshop original content that fuses the historical with the hysterical. The result is a show that’s entertaining, educational, and real.

Why It Matters

While the performances were staged in Calumet, their reach goes far beyond. With over 25 episodes now broadcast on Michigan Public Radio Networks, and even bigger dreams on the horizon (including the launch of an RPM-operated WRJX-LP 94.1 FM station), The Red Jacket Jamboree amplifies the culture and creativity of the Keweenaw for statewide audiences and beyond. More than 100 adults and youth attended the performances in person. Hundreds more will hear them on the airwaves or through digital channels. “It’s a small-town show,” one guest said, “with big-time talent.”

Projects like this don’t happen by accident. They happen because of the tireless dedication of community leaders, volunteer crews, and local talent, and because of crucial funding from organizations like the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the Upper Peninsula Arts and Culture Alliance. When real people tell real stories, real magic happens, especially in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Learn more at www.redjacketjamboree.org.

Posted on June 26, 2025 in News. Bookmark the permalink.