Moanin’ Frogs Makin’ Music

By Ross Boissoneau | March 8, 2025

Chances are you haven’t seen a band like the Moanin’ Frogs. The concept of a sax sextet dates back more than a century, and classmates at the University of Michigan revived the concept in 2011. “The original intention was to pay homage to sax sextets from the early 1900s,” says Lucas Hopkins, who plays the mighty bass saxophone in the band. Today its repertoire also includes arrangements of classical, orchestral, jazz, ragtime, and popular music. The Frogs take the stage at City Opera House March 15, showcasing the variety and vitality of music played by soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass saxophones. Rumor has it the tiny sopranino may make an appearance as well. Hopkins says they take the music seriously but strive to entertain their audiences, earning the band comparisons to the Canadian Brass. cityoperahouse.org