Made in the Midwest: Sharane Calister & The Feel Right Band

From her roots in Des Moines to the national spotlight on The Voice, Sharane Calister has always used music as her way of telling her story. With a voice that blends soul, power, and raw emotion, she captivates audiences by turning every performance into something deeply personal. Now, she returns home with The Feel Right Band for a Made in the Midwest performance that celebrates not just her music, but the journey that shaped it.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and who are some of your biggest influences?

“Music has always been my safe place and my way of telling my story. Growing up in foster care and being separated from my family, I leaned on music as my outlet to express emotions I couldn’t put into words. It became the thing that kept me grounded. Some of my biggest influences are Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, and Jazmine Sullivan—women whose voices carry not just power, but soul, truth, and emotion. They taught me that music isn’t just about notes, it’s about connection.”

How would you describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard your music before?

“My sound is soulful, powerful, and heartfelt—like a mix of classic R&B and soul with modern energy. It’s emotional storytelling backed by rich vocals that can move you to dance one minute and bring you to tears the next.”

How did growing up or living in the Midwest influence your musical journey?

“The Midwest has shaped me in ways I’m forever grateful for. Even though the music scene here is smaller than in big cities, it’s given me space to grow, work hard, and connect deeply with people who genuinely love music.”

What does being part of the Made in the Midwest series mean to you as a local artist?

“It’s an honor. It means my work, my story, and my voice are seen and valued in the place I call home. Being part of this series is a chance to celebrate the talent that comes out of the Midwest and to show that our voices can be just as impactful as anywhere else in the world.”

How does performing in an intimate venue like the Temple Theater enhance your connection with the audience?

“In a space like the Temple Theater, you can see every smile, every tear, every moment of connection in the crowd. It allows me to share not just my voice, but my heart—up close and personal. It turns a performance into a conversation.”

What do you hope the audience takes away from your performance?

“I hope they walk away feeling something real—whether it’s joy, hope, or even a bit of healing. I want them to leave knowing that music has the power to connect us, lift us, and remind us that we’re not alone in whatever we’re going through.”

Click here to learn more. Tickets are available now! Don’t miss Sharane Calister & The Feel Right Band at the Temple Theater—an evening of soul, storytelling, and a homecoming you’ll never forget.