Where Music and Friendship Collide: Brendan Bayliss & Andy Frasco Unfiltered at The Livery

Article Contributed by Dan Ward

Published on October 7, 2025

Where Music and Friendship Collide: Brendan Bayliss & Andy Frasco Unfiltered at The Livery

The calendar said fall had arrived, but the weather was still hot and dry. Benton Harbor had traded beach towels and flip-flops for pumpkins and ghosts. The Livery embraced the spirit of harvest time, putting away the light pilsners and bringing out the Märzen. Brendan Bayliss headed to Benton Harbor knowing The Livery had great food, fantastic beer, and an energetic crowd that knew how to enjoy both.

The Livery | Benton Harbor, MI
The Livery | Benton Harbor, MI

Andy Frasco has an undeniable talent for engaging audiences and spreading good vibes. His concerts feel like hippy revivals, with Reverend Frasco preaching that everyone deserves joy and happiness. His faith in humankind caused fans to murmur, “Frasco’s going to be here tonight,” the way their grandparents once spoke about Stravinsky. Leopold drew incredible sounds from an orchestra; Andy drew out the good feelings in humans.

The Livery | Benton Harbor, MI
The Livery | Benton Harbor, MI

On Thursday, October 2, 2025, at The Livery in Benton Harbor, MI, for the show UNFILTERED, Brendan brought his friend Andy to his special place to perform songs they wanted to play for fans who just wanted to be near them. Their presence on stage prompted the audience to gush with giddiness—it was like the Easter Bunny and Santa arriving in town at the same time. Once the concert began, it was clear the performers themselves were positively silly with happiness.

Andy & Brendan | The Livery
Andy & Brendan | The Livery

Andy and Brendan played off each other like siblings. Each knew the other’s favorite songs. They joked back and forth, changing lyrics to elicit laughter and smiles from both each other and the audience. Brendan encouraged singalongs. The small venue allowed him to be on stage yet still “in” the crowd. It felt like a backyard party: great food, cold beer, friends and family all gathered while favorite tunes were played just for you.

Allie Kral
Allie Kral

The duo brought in next-level talent with Allie Kral. There wasn’t a song she didn’t know or couldn’t jam with. Adding her magical violin and voice raised the already high level of happiness. Her smile always shone like the midday sun, but it was even brighter now as she was very pregnant—this child was guaranteed to be cool. Andy’s life prescription rang true: “Pay all your bills, stay off the pills, and try not to die.”

The Livery | Benton Harbor, MI
The Livery | Benton Harbor, MI

Allie played with such speed her fingers were a blur, smiling and laughing while tearing through passages few could handle. She matched the boys’ banter like a seasoned pro, delivering playful barbs and handling Andy’s unfiltered comments with poise. Nick Gerlach, saxophonist extraordinaire, joined the group, adding another dimension of sonic bliss.

Andy, Brendan, and Nick Gerlach
Andy, Brendan, and Nick Gerlach

The band hit its stride, and Brendan commanded the crowd to join in more songs. Nothing was off-limits. As the audience sang along to “Blister in the Sun,” Brendan shouted, “The Cubs just won!” and the room exploded.

Brendan Bayliss
Brendan Bayliss

They transitioned into AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long,” then Brendan introduced the Outfield’s “Your Love,” seamlessly weaving it in to the delight of the crowd. Gerlach added “Life is Easy,” and Allie offered a soulful rendition of “Blackbird.” Brendan challenged Allie with “Dueling Banjos,” while Andy broke in with a singalong to Steve Miller’s “The Joker.” Andy requested “You and You Alone,” one of his favorites, capping a set for the ages.

Andy Frasco
Andy Frasco

After the break, the band returned with “Whistle Kids,” then Frasco standards: “Smoking Dope and Rock and Roll” and “Stop F’ing Around.” Banter between band and audience became part of the show. Brendan riled Andy, who mugged at Allie, who jabbed back, sending the crowd into fits of laughter. Fans stuffed money into Andy’s pants as the band broke into an unhinged singalong of “Friends in Low Places.” Andy then invited Annie Bayliss to sing John Prine’s “In Spite of Ourselves.”

Allie Krall and Fresh Hops' Stephan Jude
Allie Krall and Fresh Hops' Stephan Jude

The band slowed briefly for Andy’s “Somedays,” an intimate song for his mother fighting cancer. Local violin hero Stephan Jude (Fresh Hops) joined, trading virtuosic passages with Allie and leaving fans in awe. Brendan delivered another favorite, “La Bamba,” with audience participation, while Allie showcased her voice on Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walking.” Andy requested “Cut the Cables,” and the band executed a flawless rendition.

Andy Frasco
Andy Frasco

The night closed with a rousing “Life During Wartime” from Talking Heads. Though the band said good night, the audience demanded more. Andy and Brendan returned for the Kinks’ “Strangers” and finished with “Celebrate What We Had.”

Brendan & Andy | The Livery
Brendan & Andy | The Livery

Several times during the night, Andy remarked this should be a yearly concert—and everyone agreed. These two talented friends created magic together and should never be missed. Hopefully, the fine folks of southwest Michigan and the wonderful people of The Livery left a lasting impression on the duo’s memory, and they will return again soon.

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