Musical mindset

Get ready to hear Vocal Trash.

The band with an environment-friendly mindset will be performing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Hudson Family Park. Their performance is the second in Arts Place’s summer concert series, and it will include singing, dancing and playing music from recycled materials.

“It’s a totally different show than we’ve ever presented, not just because of the different instruments they use,” explained Arts Place executive director Eric Rogers. “But the big difference is their emphasis on being ecologically conscious.”

Lead singer Kelsey Rae formed the group with musician Steve Linder 20 years ago. Originally a country music band, Vocal Trash now covers nearly every genre.

“That’s something we’ve worked toward –– you can bring the whole family out,” she said.

The group plays a variety of tunes from the 1960s and ’70s, such as from the film “Car Wash,” and through the decades to modern music, including Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.” There’s also break dancing, tap dancing, comedy and other performed arts.

“Every single angle you can think of talent-wise, you’re going to see in that 75 minutes,” Rae added.

Vocal Trash started playing unique instruments –– their performance now includes trash cans, a toolbox guitar and a PVC pipe trumpet –– shortly after forming, but it wasn’t until about 10 years ago the group launched its green sustainability campaign. Rae came up with the idea after watching the 2012 animated film, “The Lorax.”

“I was actually walking out of the movie (theater) … I had this idea of Vocal Trash, we should be the voice for the trash,” she explained.

She later wrote a children’s book, “Think Before You Throw It Away,” and put together an educational program focused on recycling and anti-bullying. Since starting its campaign, Vocal Trash has toured overseas nine times for humanitarian work.

“It’s for inspiring the kids to make a difference through music,” Rae said. “It’s grown now to be a group with the message of change and hope and saving our planet, all at the same time.”

Rae said she’s thrilled to be back on the road again after the coronavirus pandemic limited the group’s performances.

Admission to the show Thursday is free, and no reservations or tickets are required. Rogers suggested attendees bring picnic meals and also noted Arts Place will be selling popcorn.

“We think that this is going to be something much different for our audience,” Rogers said. “We’re hoping a lot of younger people come out to see the show.”