Michigan Emmy Award–winning Michelle Chenard is a professional musician, singer, songwriter, and music instructor whose dynamic, powerful voice leaves a lasting impression. She she brings both artistry and authenticity to every performance, connecting deeply with audiences through heartfelt lyrics and compelling stage presence.
Michelle is also co-founder of the non-profit Big Water Creative Arts which provides free music education in northern Michigan to area schools and art centers.
Blending rock, pop, and singer-songwriter influences, Michelle delivers a versatile set that moves effortlessly from high-energy anthems to intimate, emotionally driven ballads. Her passion for music shines through not only in her songwriting but in every note she sings, creating an engaging live experience that is both powerful and personal. Whether performing original music or reimagining favorites, Michelle brings professionalism, energy, and undeniable soul to the stage.
Awards & Accolades
2011 Michigan Emmy® Award - Sacrifice and Honor: A Tribute to our Northern Michigan Veterans - produced by Corey Adkins and Kevin Essebaggers, score by Michelle Chenard and Pete Kehoe. The Michigan Emmy® Awards is a chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (MI-NATAS)
2008 Best of the Best – Northern Michigan Entertainer of the Year - Northern Express Entertainment Newsweekly
2005 Best Solo Performer - Northern Express Entertainment Newsweekly
Accolades
“Michelle was incredible, professional, sounded amazing and was phenomenal to work with. When you hear her sing, you feel you are home, you feel safe, inspired and limitless…all at the same time.”
~ Andrew D. Davis, Brat Fest and Madison, WI Youth Performing Arts Foundation
"Michelle Chenard sings with such amazing passion. Her live performances are captivating, she is one of my all time favourite singer/songwriters."
~ Terri Ray, Program Director WKLT/WKLZ Traverse City, MI
“Not only is she a pleasure to work with, she gives her all and leaves it all on stage.”
~ Bart Berkshire, Events Director, Mackinac Island Music Festival
“Chenard exhibits a sense of sophistication and lyrical excellence that goes far beyond what one might expect of an artist from a rural area.”
~ Robert Downes, Northern Express
“Chenard has carved a solid niche for herself not only in Northern Michigan, but Grand Rapids and Detroit as well.”
~Morgan Sherburne, The Graphic Weekly
“Michelle Chenard’s single Highway has been number one on the charts for 18 weeks straight, we have never had another song stay on top for so long. There is clearly something compelling about her songwriting and her performance.”
~John Kissane, General Manager, Radio Mackinac
Performing & Recording
Michelle has co-written numerous songs with multiple Detroit Music Award winning Country Artist Julianne Ankley and two songs were included on Ankleys recent Nashville release "With Love From Lake Huron"
Co-wrote with Pete Kehoe on the song "I Love This Town" for the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce video promoting Petoskey, Michigan.
Co-wrote the music score along with Jeff "Jabo" Bihlman for the Corey Adkins film "Crossing Lake Erie", released on December 25, 2019.
Festivals
Thumbfest
Wheatland Music Festival
Art Prize Grand Rapids
Mackinac Island Music Festival
Grand Marais Music Festival
Blissfest
Brat Fest Madison
Festival On The Bay
National Cherry Festival
Water is Life Festival
Notable Performances:
The Ark, Ann Arbor, MI
Local Spins Live Contemporary Folk Series, St. Cecilia Music Center, Grand Rapids, MI
Crooked Tree Art Center, Petoskey, MI
Traverse City Opera House, Traverse City, MI
NAMM Show, Nashville, TN
Recent Radio
Michigan Winter on Sonic Coast
Behind Your Eyes on Sonic Coast
Michigan Winter on WKLT
Behind Your Eyes on WKLT
Rabbit Hole on WKLT
Bold, Brave, Strong on WKLT
Highway (single) featured on Women of Substance Radio “What’s On My iPod” show and WOS Podcast #56
Back In The Game (Nobody Knows) featured on Women of Substance Radio “What’s On My iPod” show and WOS Podcast #41
Flesh and Bone (39 Drops) featured on Women of Substance Radio “What’s On My iPod” show
KLT’s Garage with Terri Ray – featured twice as a solo performer as well as with the band Blood Sisters, Under The Bridge Compilation of Northern Michigan Songwriters and Mackinac Island Songwriters Workshop
Highway (single)
#1 for 18 weeks on Radio Mackinac – Radio Mackinac is rated one of the top ten streaming internet radio stations in the Folk-Rock, Singer Songwriter and Alternative genres worldwide via Live 365 and iTunes
Discography
Michelle Chenard
-The Best of Michelle Chenard ... So Far
Nobody Knows
39 Drops
4
Ankley and Chenard
-Single Mom's Bootleg
Michelle Chenard & Pete Kehoe
-Live at the Pony-Flaws & All
Leavin’ Dodge
-Leavin’ Dodge
Live n’ Loose
Christmas Cabin Sessions
Compilations
-Under The Bridge
Standing Together
Opening Act
-Badfinger, Steve Marriott, Roger McGuinn, Blessid Union of Souls, Tempest
Collective Soul, Reba McEntire, The Bihlman Brothers, Mike Moran, Howling Diablos
Artist Endorsements
- Samick Guitars
Professional Affiliations
-BMI
Big Water Creative Arts INC 501(c)3
Mackinac Island Songwriters Workshop
Former Music Instructor at Petoskey Montessori Children's House And Elementary School
Private Instructor
