In this episode of Out of Focus, we sit down with the multi-talented Shawn Highsmith, better known as Sax Fifth. We dive into his deep love for jazz music, his creative process as a musician, and how his passion for marketing and entrepreneurship fuels everything he does. From smooth melodies to smart business moves, Sax Fifth shares how he blends artistry with strategy. We also switch gears and talk sports—from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys rivalry to the timeless debate of Jordan vs. LeBron. It’s a dynamic, inspiring conversation about music, mindset, and the drive to create and compete on every level. 🎙️ Tune in for an episode that hits all the right notes—music, business, and sports—with Sax Fifth!

It was September 4, 2024. I was in downtown Maumee because I had just gotten a tattoo cover up done by the talented Scotty Biddle at Amity Ink, when I noticed a band playing across the street at the village idiot. I wandered over alone and made my way inside to see that Caswell and Co. was playing, a super talented group of men. I was invited to sit at a table with a group of acquaintances, and shortly after I was invited up to play a song. I tried to say no, they were too talented and I didn’t feel worthy, but they convinced me. Since I didn’t have any close friends there, I didn’t think there would be any pictures to capture this perhaps once-in-a-lifetime moment for me, but I was wrong. 

Chloe Ward was there. 

We had never met, but she knew who I was, and somehow she knew how important that moment would be for me, so she snapped a picture of me performing with those talented men. And when I was done, she came up and introduced herself and asked for my information to send me that picture. I knew in that moment that Chloe was the kind of person who really sees people.

We saw each other a few times in passing over the next several months, and finally this past summer after running into each other at the gym we decided to carve out one-on-one time, where we shared stories of life and passions and struggles and triumphs. It’s no surprise that our time together ended in tears, because Chloe is not a person who does small talk, because there is nothing small about her. She is a dreamer, a thinker, a feeler, an adventurer, an inspirer, and a vision-caster, and everything she does she does with her whole heart. It only makes sense that she would connect with people in that same way. 

I am honored to share with you a bit of her story. 

Ashley: Let’s start from the beginning. At what age did you get your start in music, and how did you first get started? 

Chloe: I wrote my first song in third grade! I remember how good it made me feel to create something. Everyone in my family played piano, and I wanted to be different – I started teaching myself guitar when I was 14. It really opened up songwriting for me, and has been one of the biggest joys in my life!

I’ve always loved to sing. My parents are artists, and my dad quit his job when I was in 5th grade to pursue his own classical vocal career. So music was really everywhere in our house. My mom had a rule: “No singing at the dinner table!” (because we’d all sit down to eat and be singing a different song)!

Ashley: I know you met your husband, Connor at an open mic. Can you tell me a little bit about that story? 

Chloe: Connor and I were students at the University of Toledo in 2016 when we began attending the same open mic every Wednesday night at Brew Coffee Bar. It felt so magical, meeting with this wonderful group of young people and sharing in this huge secret passion we all shared: music. Connor and I connected instantly, and he encouraged me to record the original songs I’d been singing at the open mic each week. One day in the UT library, a friend said he thought “Chloe & the Steel Strings” would be a pretty cool name for my first album, and it stuck!

Ashley: You both now host open mics together around town — what do you love most about those nights, and how do you see those making the greatest impact?

Chloe: Open mic nights have this exciting energetic charge: the mix of anticipation, giddiness and nerves that come with sharing a part of your soul in front of a group of total strangers. Channeling that energy into a welcoming, warm, and completely accepting space is our aim. For songwriters everywhere, it’s so common that we write in private, yet never share our work. Or maybe you take music lessons, or practice an instrument in your room, but need a lift to get yourself out there into the world!

Through our open mic night series, I hope to continue building community spaces for artists of all mediums and walks of life to be able to gather together and do the most important thing–START! Start working on your art, start sharing your songs, start meeting other artists… It’s the beginning of a movement!

Ashley: Sometimes starting is truly the hardest part! Okay, individually as an artist, you post a lot of inspiring things about being authentic, creating your own path, and following your dreams. And you do it all while wearing the BEST outfits! Who are some of the people you look up to, not only musically but just in general, people who have inspired you on your journey?

Chloe: Margo Price, Sierra Ferrell, Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks all inspire me. I love Rick Ruben and the Grateful Dead… I’m inspired by almost every type of artist or entrepreneur, because I think no matter what you create, the internal process is quite similar.

Sometimes, when I’m feeling really lost or low, I’ll go to the Art Museum and walk around. Feel this community with all the artists there. Look at their pieces, read about their lives, sit in communion with them. Acknowledge that they, too, went through ungodly struggles in pursuit of their art, (probably felt all the same emotions I’m feeling at the time), and remind myself that creative recognition in the span of a living lifetime is beyond the point (the point is to create).

Connection with other dreamers, past, present and future, helps keep me grounded, and prevents feelings of isolation. This is another reason I love open mic nights.

Ashley: When did you realize that music wasn’t just a hobby, but something you wanted to do full-time? What were some of the biggest challenges in making that leap?

Chloe: There is one particular day that stands out in my creative journey – the day I had my medical school interview: it was me and five other kids in a conference room. We were sitting there with our boxed lunches and bottles of water. Before they interviewed us, they said they had a short film to show: as it turns out, the film was about why you should come to Toledo for medical school. 

The film was beautiful, showing shots of Downtown, the Mudhens, the Metroparks. As the scenes changed, though, I realized that every other shot was of someone playing music.

At that moment, it became obvious to me why music and art are such a huge part of this bizarre yet meaningful life we’re all living. I knew that I was about to piss away the one thing I really wanted to do for a path someone else had told me was best for me.

I passed the interview. But declining that medical seat is surprisingly one of the easiest choices I’ve ever made. Stepping into the role I chose as a full-time artist and musician afterward has been the true test. 

Ashley: Well the world is blessed with your beautiful voice and so glad you made that decision! As a husband-and-wife duo, what’s it like balancing marriage and music? Do you ever find that the two worlds collide?

Chloe: Connor and I are a team in music. Being romantic partners is a lot like being good bandmates: We listen to each other (on and off stage). We divide responsibilities and conquer. We trust each other. We share thoughts and ideas, and feel safe being vulnerable with each other (in our songwriting and in our lives). Connor lifts all the heavy equipment, and I stand around and talk to people (lol)! And most important, he lets me pick out his outfits. It’s a good balance! 

We do struggle separating our lives from our work, because our work IS us. But we get a little better at that all the time (and still schedule nights to get $5 margs at Nick & Jimmy’s… not only after a gig)! 

Ashley: Who can turn down $5 margs?! How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music before?

Chloe: Our sound is warm, bright, calming, and introspective. We call it “cosmic” Americana for its groovy folk/rock feel. It’s the type of music you want to put on for a long drive down the open highway, and stare off out the window and contemplate the meaning of it all. We can rock your socks off or give you chills with a harmony filled ballad. No matter how you listen, prepare for some serious takes on life and inner purpose. We want our songs to make listeners (AND ourselves!) question what we do and why we do it. 

Ashley: You recently released an album — can you tell me a little about the writing process and what that project means to you?

Chloe: Three years ago, Connor and I went on a month-long road trip out west to visit our guitarist, Eric, who was living in California at the time. It was my first time getting out into the world. Colorado, Arizona, and California made a huge impact on me. I found myself writing about mountains and sunrises and driving down this endless road, realizing just how much the journey of that road trip was like the journey we’re on through music.

Our new album “Never Coming Back” is about this idea of leaving behind the life you knew to go on a grand adventure into the unknown – facing the trials, tribulations, hopefulness, joy, bittersweetness, and nostalgia that come with shedding an old skin and truly committing to the most authentic version of yourself.

I’m still learning things about myself through these songs. I have a feeling that they won’t be done working within me for some time.

Ashley: You’ve got an incredible collaboration coming up with the Toledo Symphony. How did that partnership come about?

Chloe: In March of 2023, we were opening for Reggae act Carlos Jones and the PLUS band at Brother’s Lounge in Cleveland. During the set, a woman came up and put her business card on the stage. Her card said she worked for a Toledo organization called TAPA. I didn’t know what TAPA was at the time, but after a few emails, she told me TAPA oversees the Toledo Symphony. She said they wanted to collaborate with us. Over the course of the last 2.5 years, we have met umpteen times with members of the Symphony, toured the construction site of their newly renovated concert space “the Toledo Center for Live Arts”, and dreamed of setting a date for this collaboration after construction ended. We are so excited to make this concert experience a reality on Saturday, November 1st!

Ashley: It’s going to be an incredible show! What has it been like working with the Symphony — how does that change or enhance your original music?

Chloe: Coming from a classical music upbringing, it feels like a homecoming in a way: I love how quirky, artsy, and intellectual everyone has been. It’s exciting to be in a space surrounded by people who take their art very seriously, yet are huge goofballs! I’ve seen more Grateful Dead stickers on cars in the Symphony parking lot than most! It’s a cool and eclectic group of people who care deeply about the development and continuation of music and art in this city, and we are thrilled to be a part of it. Something about this collaboration just feels right. It’s like a string section was always meant to be a part of these songs. 

Ashley: Looking ahead, what do you hope people take away from your music, and what’s next for you after this collaboration?

Chloe: When I’m 80, I hope to look back on my life and know I’ve inspired a new generation of dreamers (young and old) to believe that the life of their imaginations is entirely possible. I hope to share that message through my songwriting and community activism for all my days! In addition to an exciting holiday show schedule, featuring our annual “Holly Jolly Jamboree” on December 19th, and our debut at the Music Box Supper Club in the Cleveland Flats on December 26th, prepare for songwriting workshops, creativity retreats, and even more of our beloved Open Mic Series in 2026. 

We all exist in this big web; inspiring one person creates a domino effect. They’ll go on to inspire someone else after them, and over time, the encouragement will spread, and the world will continue to become a better place. That’s my hope.

Ashley: Where can people find more information about your music and events?

Chloe: https://www.chloeandthesteelstrings.com/

Facebook & Instagram: @ Chloe & the Steel Strings

Cynthia Zachrich is a vibrant and beautiful soul. From the first moment I saw her perform I knew she was a force to be reckoned with, but I was a little intimidated by her so I didn’t even introduce myself to her right away as I sometimes do. It wasn’t until months later when I realized we shared a mutual close friend that I thought to myself, well if they’re close, and we’re close, then I bet she and I would get along great! So I reached out her through Facebook to introduce myself and I asked her to coffee, almost like asking a stranger on a date, only this was a musician friend date! She said yes, we met up, and we clicked immediately! 

Over the past couple of years, Cynthia and I have shared laughter and tears and new experiences and lessons we’ve learned through life’s struggles. Getting to zoom in on her music journey and how she got to where she is was a lot of fun.

Ashley: Do you remember the first time you thought, “I want to be on stage singing”?

Cynthia: I remember wanting to be in the high school musicals so bad, but I was so nervous for tryouts that I lost my voice. I finally made it into one my junior year. That was it!

Ashley: And the rest is history! So I initially met you through your band Venyx. Can you tell me about how that band started and what kind of music you play? 

Cynthia: My best friend since we were 15 years old, Jessica, got me into this amazing Pink Floyd Tribute Band with her. When that ended, she said we should start our own band. So, we did! That was 19 years ago. We play top 40 with a little classic rock, from Prince to Heart. 

Ashley: I love that! Doing music with your closest friends is so meaningful. Who are the artists that shaped your voice and music style the most?

Cynthia: I was really lucky that both of my parents listened to so many different styles of music. I really vibed with R&B and Motown. But I really found the styles I loved with Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige and Sade. And of course Latin music.

Ashley: Ooh I also grew up on Motown! Ok, let’s talk personal influences. Has there been anyone in your life who has played a significant role in your music career? 

Cynthia. My mom, for sure. She and her sisters had a band called Willow with four part harmonies. For all of us cousins, that was the highlight of any family get together.

Ashley: Music bringing a family together, that’s so beautiful. I think music can also bring a community together, like the local music scene we have here. What do you think makes our local music scene so special?

Cynthia. The respect and support for each other. A long time ago, before I was ever around the scene, I heard it wasn’t very nice. That has not been my experience, at all. I have made so many friends because of being in a band that plays in this area. Everyone supports everyone and even invites friends in other bands to play gigs or come and perform a song or two. I love it.

Ashley: It really is a great community. I know you sing in a few other projects as well. Tell me about those.

Cynthia: Currently, I’m focusing on Venyx mostly. Venyx has the five piece, four piece, and two and three piece acoustic variations. That keeps us pretty busy. But, I do sing for a Toto Tribute Band occasionally, and sing for a band called the Hypnotics when they open for bands like Warrant or Night Ranger. 

Ashley: What has been the most difficult part of being active in multiple groups, and how do you balance it?

Cynthia: I think just being overly busy. I work full-time and I have double booked myself before! Now I have a schedule book that I’m diligent about keeping up to date. Color coded and all!

Ashley: What would you consider the highlight of your career thus far?

Cynthia: Definitely, the relationship I have with the rest of the band and their families. I’m so comfortable being on stage with these guys and it truly makes me happy. I love when people who come out to see us tell me that they had a great time and will be back. Some of my closest friends I would not have met if it weren’t for Venyx. I get to do what I absolutely love to do and people enjoy it. That is the best!

Ashley: Can you share a performance memory that really stuck with you—whether funny, emotional, or unforgettable?

Cynthia: There are several, for sure. But one that sticks out was at Put-In-Bay. When we were done, a lady came up to me and asked me what the name of a song that we did was. After figuring out which one it was, she said she had never heard it before. It was “Creep” by Radiohead, so I was like, “Really?” But, she said she loved it so much that she had tears and was going to go listen to the original. She came back the next night and said it is now one of her favorite songs and she loved the way the band performs it. 

Ashley: That’s so cool, you got to introduce her to a song she may have never heard of it weren’t for you, and it made a huge impact! Okay, if you could dream up the next step for yourself musically—whether that’s an album, a festival, or a dream collaboration—what would it be?

Cynthia: I would love to collaborate with so many artists in our area. We have some serious talent and I always think, man, it would be so cool to do a gig with these people. I would also love to someday have the time and resources to create some original music for an album.

Ashley: Where can people find more information about your upcoming shows and music?

Cynthia: Our Venyx Facebook page or website, Venyxrocks.com.