07/26/2025
🎶 “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” – and they’re bringing the fun to Tunes at Twilight! 🎶 Join us for the final Tunes at Twilight of the season on Sunday, July 27 at 6 p.m. in Veterans Memorial Park, Darlington! Get to know the ladies performing thanks to Tammy Kilby!
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DARLINGTON - The last Tunes at Twilight, will be performed on Sunday, July 27, at 6 p.m., located in Veterans Park, Main Street, Darlington. This combined musical group has a special feeling of ‘home’ added to it. All of the seven ladies performing have graduated from Darlington. They admit that their musical influencers are people they all grew up with. Perhaps these talented young ladies will influence the next generation. Showcasing a variety of talents, are Sydney Brandt, Sadie Johnson, Madyson King, Meghan Solberg, Molly Uppena, Sophie Wiegel, and Carly Winslow.
Sydney Brandt is a 2017 graduate of Darlington High School. Ever since she was a little girl, she’s been active on stage, captivating audiences. “I grew up around music! My grandpa played piano in a band and my aunts and uncles also played instruments in the band, so music has always been a huge part of my life,” shares Brandt. “He was the reason I started playing piano! I have been in theater since I was in 3rd grade. I started in children’s theater and continued through high school and have been in multiple pop factory shows since I was little.”
Sadie Johnson also graduated in 2017 from Darlington. Her parents, Steve and Candi are her biggest influence, coming from a musically inclined family. “I play piano, bass guitar, ukulele, and I’m currently learning the guitar,” she says. “I’ve been part of Tunes at Twilight before, and performed onstage for Pop Factory, Driver Opera House shows, as well as performed for Middle School and High School theater, sometimes playing lead roles.”
Madyson King graduated from Darlington in 2023. With her dad, Jason as one of her biggest musical influences, she says she’s been singing for as long as she can remember. “My first theater performance was Oliver! with the Pop Factory Players, and since then, I’ve been involved in choir, band, musicals, and plays throughout middle and high school,” shares King. “In college, I’ve continued my passion for music by performing with UW-Whitewater’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble. I used to play the clarinet, but I’ve always wanted to learn how to play guitar and piano. My biggest musical influences are my dad and Tina Schliem. Together, they’ve taught me everything I know about music and have shaped who I am as a performer. Outside of my local inspirations, I really look up to Lauren Daigle for her powerful voice and the emotion she brings to her music.”
Meghan Solberg graduated in 2010 from Darlington High School. Feeling fortunate to be surrounded by incredible musical influences in Darlington. “When I was younger I would watch Molly Uppena, Tina Schliem, Clarey Knellwolf and many more talented ladies sing and perform in the community,” Solberg says. “I always remember thinking, ‘That's what I want to do someday!’ I love singing whenever I can! I especially love performing in the Pop Factory Shows, singing at weddings, and I've been a part of multiple ‘Tunes at Twilight’ events. I play the piano, and have been working on learning the guitar. I feel very fortunate to live in a community where there are many opportunities to perform.”
Molly Uppena graduated from Darlington High School in 2006. Performing since she was little, her musical influence is not only close to home, but close to her heart. “ My biggest musical influence is my brother Matt Finkenbinder,” Uppena shares. “He has helped and inspired me in so many ways. I’ve performed since I was a young girl with the Darlington Children’s Theatre. I’ve also performed in the Darlington High School musicals, and Pop Factory Players. I’ve sang at church, talent shows, and ‘Tunes at Twilight’ throughout the years. Darlington is fortunate to have so many music-based opportunities for people of all ages.”
Sophie Wiegel graduated from Darlington High School in 2024. She says she grew up surrounded by musical influencers. “Growing up, I would always sing with my dad, Nate,” she shares. “I was in my first musical with him when I was just five years old. I also had a lot of family, friends, and educators, especially Steve Fitzsimons and Tina Schliem, that inspired and encouraged me to purse my musical talents. I enjoy playing the piano, ukulele, and drums. I have been in several Pop Factory, Middle School, and High School productions. I was also in band and choir in high school and have continued to be in choir in college as I pursue my music therapy career. Additionally, I share my talents throughout the local area by performing as ‘Music By Sophie’”.
Carly Winslow is a proud 2007 graduate of Darlington High School, and currently lives in Darlington. Her grandmothers were highly influential as she gained some of their musical talents, with her voice and in playing the piano. “My Grandmas Carol Miehe and Mayme Smith were my first influencers,” she shares. “My Grandma Miehe has a BEAUTIFUL voice. If you’ve ever had the honor of hearing her sing, you know what I’m talking about. Her and my Grandpa would sing together at church and many other events. My Grandma Mayme was the pianist for the Lamont Methodist Church until the time of her passing and she got me started playing piano at a very young age. I was also extremely fortunate to have been taught music by the incredible Judy Berget (piano), Tina Schliem (singing), John Bausch (trumpet and piano), Todd Richmond (singing and trumpet), and Patti Black (singing and piano) who just solidified my love for music and encouraged me to continue my hobbies in music. I remember sitting in awe listening to Molly Uppena and Meghan Solberg sing as far back as Jr High, so the fact I was asked to sing with them and this whole group is crazy to me. I am also a HUGE fan of Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, and Tom Black. I am so fortunate to be in a group with Clarey Knellwolf Schwartz and Emily Hefty-Dieckoff called the ‘Primroses’. We have played for several weddings and in several places including ‘Tunes at Twilight’ and most recently the Valentine’s Day Concert at The Driver Opera House. I have also been in the last 3 Pop Factory Shows (Legally Blonde, The Sound of Music, Rock of Ages). I am one of the pianists and the choir accompanist for the Darlington United Methodist Church, and next month I will be playing piano for my 63rd wedding.”
In addition to the performances, the ‘Build the Pool’ committee will provide a variety of refreshments. Support of the ‘Tunes at Twilight’ concessions have strengthened the community with each purchase. The July 27 event starts at 6 p.m. and will close out Tunes at Twilight 2025!
