About Us

Melissa May and Brian Coonan are an acoustic duo based out of Bay City, MI and playing original music as well as performing interesting versions of cover songs such as Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love", Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly", Lady Gaga's "Edge of Glory" and many more.  

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“Coupled with a catalog of original compositions that range from the haunting Sleeping Dogs to the boisterous One Drink Too Many and driven by Melissa’s incredibly contoured and powerful voice (she’s the only vocalist I’ve heard that can carry off Janis Joplin’s Mercedes Benz) the songs are the focus for this newly formed duo; which are carefully colored with Brian’s precise & delicate finger work on the fret-board.” 

Robert Martin - Review Magazine

The duo met when Brian responded to an online ad Melissa had placed looking for a guitar player to join her in a acoustic project.  They got together at Melissa's house, talked for a bit, and played through some of Melissa's original songs as well as a few select cover songs and instantly knew that they had a musical connection, as well as a friendship.  Rehearsals took place throughout the summer of 2015 and they started playing shows in November of that year.

Melissa and Brian have gotten a warm reception from both the music community as well as many local venues.  In May of 2016, at the Review Magazine Awards, Melissa walked away with Best Rock Songwriter (the first female to win the award in 30 years)  and Best Female Rock Vocalist, while Brian took home the award for Best Rock Guitarist.  In 2018, the duo was awarded "Best Acoustic Duo" and "Best Folk Duo" in the 32nd Annual Review Magazine Awards.  2019 brought a win for Melissa as the Rock Female Vocalist from the readers of Review Magazine! Taking their rock and roll side into the acoustic environment makes the performances energetic and raw - and entertaining for the guests of the venue.  

The original material when played acoustically showcases Melissa's ability to write well-thought-out songs that can be played by a full band or broken down to just 1 or 2 acoustic guitars and still stand on their own.  Hear some demo versions of a couple of the songs on the Music page.