The Bacon Brothers to Open MIAC Live Season Sept. 4
The Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture launches its 2025-26 MIAC Live season on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 7:30 p.m., when The Bacon Brothers—the acclaimed musical duo of Kevin and Michael Bacon—bring their Freestanding Tour to Mercyhurst University’s Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.
For the Bacon Brothers, featuring Michael, a Grammy-winning composer, and Kevin, an A-list Hollywood actor, music is all about exploration. They've spent the better part of three decades creating their unique blend of folk, rock, soul, and country music. They call that diverse sound “forosoco,” and it's taken them around the world, from headlining gigs in Japan to American performances at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, and Gruene Hall.
They've released twelve records to date, the most recent one being “Ballad Of The Brothers.” It's a record that highlights not only the similarities between Michael and Kevin but also the differences. The two siblings may be bound together by blood and a mutual love of American roots music, but they've grown into sharp songwriters and storytellers with their own distinct approaches. “Ballad Of The Brothers” makes room for both of those approaches, offering a mix of edgy alt-rock, Motown-inspired soul, fingerpicked folk, and everything in between.
The album also marks the continuation of a musical partnership that began long ago in Philadelphia, where the Bacons were raised on a soundtrack of 1970s singer/songwriters, Philly Soul bands, and Classic Rock acts. Multiple decades and countless shows later, they're creating their soundtrack, saluting their old-school influences while making undeniably modern music.
“We're still exploring the sound we began making all those years ago; we've just gotten a lot better at it,” Michael says. “Music is a life's work. It's a universe of things yet to know. We're still making discoveries.”
Tickets, priced $25-$50, can be purchased online at miac.universitytickets.com, over the phone at 814-824-3000, or in person at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center box office (Tues.-Thurs., noon-5 p.m.). Each order is subject to a $5 per ticket processing fee, regardless of purchase or payment method.
This performance is presented with generous support from Humes Chrysler Jeep Dodge & Ram and H. Jack’s Plumbing & Heating Co. The 2025-26 MIAC Live season is sponsored by Alan & Patti Schaal and VNET, with additional support from the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority.