Frankfort Celebrates Andrew Dost and Fun

From Small-Town Michigan to Grammy Glory

In the picturesque town of Frankfort, just 40 miles west of Traverse City, something extraordinary happened on February 10, 2013. The usually tranquil community of about 1,200 residents buzzed with excitement. One of their own, Andrew Dost, was up for six Grammys with his band, Fun. The momentous occasion was celebrated with a red-carpet event at the Garden Theatre. Locals gathered to cheer on the hometown hero and his bandmates, Nate Ruess and Jack Antonoff, as they vied for music’s most prestigious awards.

The Garden Theatre turned into the epicenter of celebration that evening. About 200 of Frankfort’s residents donned their finest attire for the Grammy watching party. The event featured live performances by the Frankfort High choir and brass ensemble. The community created a truly festive atmosphere. A red carpet welcomed attendees, emphasizing just how special the night was for this tight-knit community.

“Just a Big Party”

“It’s just a big party,” said Mark Dost, Andrew’s father, just before the telecast began. “People are really supportive and just want to celebrate the good news of Andrew and Fun being successful and having a chance to pick up a Grammy.”

And celebrate, they did! As the night progressed, cheers erupted when Fun snagged two major awards. Best New Artist and Song of the Year for their anthem, We Are Young. The song had become a global sensation, a rousing ode to youth and resilience that resonated with millions.
Andrew Dost’s journey from small-town roots to international stardom was a source of pride for Frankfort, a community that had nurtured his early musical talents. The band’s success showcased not only their artistic brilliance but also the unwavering support of a town that believed in one of its own.

Small Town Pride

The Grammys were a defining moment for Fun and Andrew Dost, but they were also a shining example of small-town pride at its finest. Frankfort’s celebration demonstrated the power of community, where even the smallest places can foster the biggest dreams. For one magical night in February 2013, the spotlight wasn’t just on Fun—it was on Frankfort, too, a town beaming with pride for their native son’s incredible achievements.

Learn more about the rich history of the Northwest Lower Peninsula.

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.