GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – A Green Bay native is making history on a global stage — and bringing her hometown along for the ride.
Mackenna Tolfa, a 2018 graduate of Green Bay Preble High School, is currently performing as the “Rockstar” musician on the North American tour of the Blue Man Group.
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The role marks a historic milestone for the long-running performance troupe, as Tolfa becomes the first featured female musician and drummer in the show’s history.
Tolfa’s musical journey began close to home. She says her early exposure to music came through family gatherings filled with polka, where she first learned to play drums as a young child. Years later, that passion led her to study classical percussion at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities — a path that ultimately brought her to the Blue Man Group stage.
Despite traveling across the country and performing in major cities, Tolfa says her roots remain firmly planted in northeast Wisconsin. She credits the music program at Green Bay Preble High School — along with mentors like band director Megan Sweeney — for helping shape the performer she has become.
Sweeney says Tolfa’s success comes as no surprise.
“She went after what she wanted,” Sweeney said. “And obviously, that has gotten her to where she is today. I couldn’t be prouder of her.”
Tolfa landed the role during her final year of college after walking into an audition with few expectations. She admits stepping into such a high-profile position was overwhelming at first — especially knowing she would be the first woman featured in the role on an international tour.
Now, she says performing brings a sense of confidence and empowerment, which she hopes others can see when they watch the show.
Megan Sweeney (Left) and Mackenna Tolfa (Right)
That impact will hit especially close to home next week. About 20 Preble High School students, along with Sweeney and 25 administrators from the Wisconsin School Music Association, are scheduled to attend Tolfa’s performance in Milwaukee next Tuesday. Following the show, students will participate in a special Q&A with Tolfa and members of the Blue Man Group.
For Tolfa, sharing the stage with a hometown audience is a full-circle moment — one she hopes inspires young musicians to see what’s possible.
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“I hope they watch this show and think, ‘I can do that,’” she said.
The North American tour continues this spring, with Tolfa representing Green Bay on one of the most recognizable performance stages in the world — proof that a journey that started in a local music room can grow into something much bigger.
