Please join us for the 3rd annual Shine Together Gala benefitting Luc’s Light Youth Music and Arts Foundation.

About the Performers

Brian Vander Ark is the lead singer and principal songwriter for the multi-platinum alternative rock band The Verve Pipe, recognized worldwide for their radio hits Photograph, Hero, Happiness Is, Never Let You Down, and the #1 smash single The Freshmen.

In addition to their success on radio, TV and film, sold-out concert dates throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia, features in Rolling Stone, Interview Magazine and many more, and videos on MTV and VH1, Brian and the band have made numerous television appearances, including ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’ and ‘Late Night With David Letterman.’

During breaks from his work with The Verve Pipe, Brian set out on his own to launch a multifaceted solo career that has included releasing four acclaimed independent studio albums - Resurrection, Angel Put Your Face On, Brian Vander Ark and Magazine as well as his collections of cover songs called Planet Sunday Sessions, Volume 1 & II. He’s also collaborated with actor/musician Jeff Daniels on the Simple Truths, an album of original Americana songs while continuing to write and record original music with The Verve Pipe, including their most recent independent album, Reconciled, set for release in early 2025.

After years of large-scale touring, Brian was challenged by a need for a more personal fan experience. In response, he created the “Lawn Chairs and Living Rooms” house concert series, performing over 900 intimate shows in the homes of fans across America. He’s also a sought after featured speaker, telling his compelling story of success and reinvention to both motivate and inspire the management and staff of corporations, financial institutions, schools, non-profits and more.

Whether solo or with The Verve Pipe, Brian performs in concert throughout North America, including notable appearances at Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits Festival, Lincoln Center, Hangout Music Festival, SummerStage in Central Park, and many more.

Trino's high-energy magic and comedic timing has dazzled audiences ranging from Super Bowl and Stanley Cup champions to rockstars, Fortune 500 executives, Olympic gold medalists and college students. With his modern twist on the ancient art of illusion, Trino blends sharp-witted humor, mind-blowing magic, and audience participation, making every performance unforgettable. Growing up just an hour from “The Magic Capital of the World” (Colon, MI), Trino was taught the art by top professionals, quickly evolving into a seasoned performer with over 16 years of experience. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he now travels the country with his wife, Ashley, and their hairless cats, Cannoli and Biscotti. As seen on Fox, The Verge, the CW Network, and ABC, Trino’s talents have taken him to new heights, including a guest act on the Masters of Illusion tour. Most recently, he was featured on the CW Network’s newest season of Masters of Illusion.

Will Juggle- As a plucky schoolboy with a burning desire to entertain, Will began honing his performance skills. Tiring of his day job, by age 10, he began impressing crowds on nights and weekends as his mother chauffeured him around the suburbs of Chicago. He has since opened for the Presidents of the United States of America, charmed hordes of Harley riders, enchanted university students, and entertained at corporate events across the nation. His relentless devotion to his craft has left him with amazing skills and very few friends. You will laugh at his unique brand of humor, and become filled with awestruck wonderment at his champion juggling skills and award-winning beard.

Aerial Ashley-High-flying contemporary circus performer Aerial Ashley will leave you mesmerized by her shear strength and grace on the silks. With a 14 year background in dance, Aerial Ashley's modern take on this acrobatic spectacle will leave audiences wanting more. Recently, she became a certified Aerial Arts instructor at the New England Center for Circus Arts and teaches in Grand Rapids

Luc's Light Student Performers and Artists

Evening Schedule

4:00-7:00pm VIP Pre-Show reception at St. Julian Winery Barrel Room

Pre-Show VIP’s will enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres and charcuterie along with drinks, silent auction items and special guests followed by reserved seating for the Shine Together Variety Show at the Paw Paw Performing Arts Center. VIP Shuttle is available between the Paw Paw PAC, Luc's Light Teen Center and St. Julian Winery (Details below). Dress Code: Creative Cocktail Attire. Wear what makes you feel great and have fun!

7:30-8:45pm Shine Together Variety Show at the Paw Paw Performing Arts Center featuring Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe with special guests Trino, Will Juggle, Aerial Ashley and Luc's Light Students performers.

If you have any questions or would like to purchase tickets via check, please email info@lucslight.org

VIP Shuttle Paw Paw PAC to St. Julian Winery and Back

Van Buren Public Transit will operate a shuttle between the PPHS Performing Arts Center, Luc's Light Teen Center and VIP pre-party at St. Julian Winery between 3:45 and 7pm and resume following the show until 9:30pm. It is recommended that VIP guests park at the PAC, shuttle to St. Julian and shuttle back to the PAC for the show. The Shuttle will take guests both directions as needed before and after the performance with stops at the new Teen Center pre-show.

Learn More about Luc's Light here

Paw Paw Performing Arts Center

30609 Red Arrow Highway Paw Paw, MI 49079

Luc's Light Teen Music and Arts Center

507 W. Michigan Ave. Paw Paw, MI 49079

St. Julian Winery

716 S. Kalamazoo St. Paw Paw, MI 49079

Shine Together Gala ft. Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe

By Luc's Light Youth Music & Arts Foundation

Shine Together Gala ft. Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe

benefiting Luc's Light and the new Teen Music and Arts Center