FLINT, Michigan — The Flint Institute of Music continues its commitment to spotlighting regional artistry with the upcoming installment of its '
Flint Under the Stars' concert series. On Wednesday, May 21, at 7:00 PM, the FIM Capitol Theatre will welcome audiences to '
Flint Under the Stars: Pop' featuring performances by the sibling duo BFF with special guest Taylor Tatum.
Designed to celebrate emerging and homegrown talent, the '
Flint Under the Stars' series takes place every third Wednesday of the month in the historic Capitol Theatre.
This month’s featured act, BFF, will bring a high-energy performance, collaborative chemistry, and a genre-blending approach to contemporary pop music.
Joining BFF is Taylor Tatum, a special guest performer who adds a dynamic layer to the lineup. As a soloist, Tatum brings her interpretation of the pop and R&B sound, complementing the headliners with a style rooted in personal expression and musical versatility.
'
Flint Under the Stars' is part of FIM’s broader initiative to promote the future of performing arts in Flint and remove financial barriers for families to attend FIM shows.
General admission operates on a “donate-what-you-wish” basis, with a suggested donation of $10. All proceeds benefit the FIM
KidsTix program, providing children and families access to live performances throughout the year.
Flintside caught up with Brelia and Furillo of
BFF and Taylor Tatum to discuss the upcoming show and their wishes for its impact.
Flintside: For Brelia and Furillo, how has your experience performing at SXSW and other shows influenced your approach to live shows, and what can the Flint audience expect from your performance at the Capitol Theatre?
Brelia: “It’s always such a surreal moment playing SXSW. This year we played three stages, three different days, and seeing people who don’t even know your music enjoy it, and start to sing it back to you is such a pinchable moment.”
Furillo: “Our shows are always very energetic, but this one has a sense of control and ownership. I feel we really have grown so much separately and together that our stage performance is like a beautiful chaos.”
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Courtesy photoBFF will bring a dynamic show to the stage, packed with singing and lively choreography. Flintside: Taylor, how does performing in Flint resonate with you personally and artistically?
Tatum: “Performing in other places is always such a wonderful experience, but performing in Flint is nostalgic. The energy here is what made me create the music that I create. Having an opportunity like performing at the Capitol Theater, a place I’ve always dreamed of going to as a kid, fuels my [creativity] because I want more Black girls from Flint to be able to do the same thing.”
Flintside: You’ve had many people doubt your career and success. Having an opportunity like this, what does this mean for you and the hard work you’ve dedicated to it?
Tatum: “It’s honestly a dream come true. To some, this may seem very minuscule. For me, it’s big. This is a small city, so there are not many opportunities. We have to get them ourselves. With all the work I put in, this opportunity just fell right into my lap. It reminds me that what I’m doing isn’t unnoticed and I’m moving in the right direction.”
Flintside: Furillo and Brelia, what does it mean to you to perform in your hometown as part of the ‘Flint Under the Stars’ series, and how do you see this impacting the local music scene?
Furillo: “It means the world, honestly. It also feels like we’re doing something right. When we were approached about the show, we immediately said yes. Like, how much bigger can it get? It’s the Capitol Theatre, honey.”
Brelia: “We feel honored, seen, respected, and loved. I’m excited to see where FIM takes this series and see other artists use the platform that FIM is providing. We’ve been able to work with some cool people at FIM in this process.”
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Courtesy photoTaylor Tatum is ready to get the crowd hype during her FIM Capitol Theatre showcase performance.Flintside: Collaborating for this event, how do your musical styles and messages complement each other, and what unique experience are you aiming to deliver?
Tatum: “BFF is such a beautiful team. One thing I love about them is that they make music for the soul. We’re artists, but we’re also entertainers. We do this because we love it and want to see people dance and be free. Aiming to bring back that live, soulful experience, even though this is a pop show, I think it will give people a night to remember. [It] will put smiles and laughter in people’s hearts who haven’t felt real love in a long time.”
Furillo: “Our baby Taylor Tatum, we always said whatever we do, we want her to be a part of, so having her a part of this is special. The pop/R&B scene doesn’t get as much shine in Flint as the rap scene does. And that’s okay. But we’re here, too! You know?”
Brelia: “BFF x Taylor Tatum just makes sense. The energy, the vibes, it’s just right. Watching the show, you’ll be able to feel that as well. We’re aiming to transport everyone. It’s a lot going on in the world, and Wednesday night under the stars, we want everyone to be able to escape, sing, dance, and let it all go for an hour and a half. We all need it!”
Tickets and more information can be reserved through the FIM’s website.