Young and Foolish: A Love Story Through Song at Green Room 42

Eric Banitt is a musician from Marquette, MI. Growing up, Eric had a talent for music, playing violin, trumpet and piano. He steeped in the classical music tradition before taking an interest in jazz and improvised music.  Inspired by artists like Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, and Michel Camilo, Eric discovered a world of sounds and ideas previously unknown to him that transformed his concept of harmony, rhythm and spontaneity. During his undergraduate years at the University of Michigan, Eric had the fortune of studying with the creative minds of Ellen Rowe, Andy Milne, Dennis Wilson, Andrew Bishop, Robert Hurst and Martin Katz. Eric’s passion lies in the mysterious moments of frisson that bond the audience and performer. Eric won the 2022 Downbeat Student Music Award for his big band arrangement, “Darn That Dream” and a 2024 Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award for his original composition, “Give Me a Break”. Eric just completed a 4 year run playing the Keyboard 1 book on the US Tour of The Lion King musical.

Sarah knew who she was at a very young age… Dance lessons started at 2 years old after she taught herself the choreography to her favorite Wiggles songs. She continued to grow into a silly, animated child who belonged on stage. A New York native, Sarah graduated from the University of Michigan School of Music Theatre and Dance in 2021 with a Bachelor in Music Arts Degree in Vocal Performance. There, she studied all forms of vocal music from Classical arias to Pop and Rock songs with the highly esteemed faculty, took acting classes, and performed in student directed and produced productions such as BARE (A POP OPERA) and LORD OF THE FLIES. Her Junior and Senior years were sadly interrupted by COVID-19, but she managed to graduate Summa Cum Laude from her living room couch. Post-graduation, Sarah has continued to grow her instrument and navigate an ever-changing, post-pandemic performance industry. She has sang in many cabarets across NYC, and received scholarships to study stand-up and improv at The Second City in Brooklyn, NY. Sarah was given the opportunity to perform as a principal vocalist on Holland America and MSC cruise ships, and discovered her love for traveling. She’s most recently found success participating in Vocal Competitions, such as the Lansing Matinee Musicale Emerging Artist for Musical Theater Competition where she was awarded First Place. Aside from performing, Sarah is a connoisseur of creative hobbies; painting, puzzles, crocheting, journaling, needle point- she loves it all.