Sitting Down with “The Voice” Finalist Adam Bohanan
Community, People, Highlights
“When you play at home, you get a warmer response from the audience. People react really positively to someone they live close to.” – Adam Bohanan
Recently, Twin Cities-based musician Adam Bohanan, a semi-finalist on NBC’s “The Voice”, performed at SSP America’s Republic at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). The performance was a testament to SSP America’s dedication to providing a quality culinary experience, which is evident from the moment travelers walk into Republic. The live music venue is a beloved Minnesota concept that brings not only a taste of place but a sound of place as well, featuring nearly 100 bands and performers each year.
We sat down with Adam to discuss his experience performing at Republic.
SSP America: “Why do you like performing at Republic?”
Adam: “I like playing at Republic because the crowd is always so positive and responsive…and you see a bunch of people staring, watching from the sidelines. It’s a really fun experience.”
SSP America: “What’s important to you about performing in Minnesota?”
Adam: “I love the people! When you play at home, you get a warmer response from the audience. People react really positively to someone they live close to. They feel a personal connection to them. A point of pride, like supporting your home team.”
SSP America: “What would you tell young performers about reaching for their dreams?”
Adam: “Keep pushing, and don’t turn down opportunities! If you have the chance to work with someone you admire or respect, go for it. Take the hit now, and build a future for later. Also, build community! Try to make as many connections as possible and actually engage with them. You’ll get work and new friends out of it.”
SSP America: “What’s been the most surprising thing on your musical journey so far?”
Adam: “It’s surprising to see the vastness of the industry. You can be performing live on national television with Sting one week and then play a bar gig a week later. And that’s just how broad the industry is, so you have to keep working at it.”
Minneapolis is a music city right up there with Detroit, Atlanta, and Nashville. Sensations like Prince, Bob Dylan, Lizzo, Soul Asylum, Morris Day and the Time, The Replacements, and more are Minneapolis natives or artists who moved to the area to pursue their musical dreams.
SSP America Joint Venture Partner Elliott Threatt is the brains behind Republic at MSP. As an Emmy-winning and GRAMMY-nominated comedian, Elliott is no stranger to show business. Working with Minneapolis-based talent and booking agency Ostrom Entertainment LLC, Elliott and the entire Republic team keep the bands as fresh as the meals, delighting travelers and staff day after day.
Of Adam’s performance, Elliott said, “The Twin Cities have had a huge influence on music over the past 50 years. When your airport has a 384-square foot mural of Prince above the front door, an expectation has been set. We’ve tried to meet that expectation year after year starting with Soul Asylum as the first band to take the stage at Republic. Just like GRAMMY-winning superstar Lizzo, Adam relocated to the Twin Cities to further his career, and we are proud that his journey to ‘The Voice’ included shows at Republic.”
Republic is one of many unique SSP America brands providing quality restaurant jobs throughout the US, Canada, Bermuda, and Brazil.