People Inc.Big Rock Dreams
Jul 08, 2026
The sound of guitars and Lean on Me carry through a garage as the members of Plug It Up rehearse for their next performance. Wearing John Lennon-style sunglasses, Demarquies Harge sings lead while Madison Fortuna and their personal development mentor Sean Wild play guitar alongside him.
Fortuna (left), Harge (middle), and Wild (right) meet up once a month to play some music.
The group is preparing an eight-song set for the upcoming Community Habilitation picnic. Their setlist includes familiar songs such as Lean on Me and Elvis Presley’s Jailhouse Rock, as well as original music. Harge writes songs, his favorites being Scary Funky Monsters and Edwina’s Song, which was named after his grandmother.
Plug It Up grew out of People Inc.’s Personal Development Mentor program. Wild, who has experience playing in bands and recording music, helped participants restart a music group that had previously been active. For about a year, the group has met several times a month to practice, learn songs and jam together.
The band has already designed merchandise, with the dream to create even more.
The band members have a wide range of musical influences. Their favorites include Elvis Presley, Pink Floyd and Def Leppard, among others.
“I like rock, hard rock, rock and roll, heavy metal and R&B. I’ve always liked music and I love playing with Sean,” Harge said.
The band is also beginning to record music. They recently recorded Lean on Me, using handclaps and stomps for percussion. Fortuna also recorded Miley Cyrus’ One in a Million as a surprise for her mother.
People Inc.’s Personal Development Mentor program provides short-term, individualized support to help adults build on their strengths, develop practical skills and work toward personal goals. Personal development mentors help participants navigate everyday challenges, strengthen decision-making and problem-solving skills, and become more connected to their communities.
Wild is working with Harge and Fortuna to turn Plug It Up’s big dreams into actionable goals. The members have designed a band T-shirt and are interested in creating more merchandise. They also hope to release music on streaming platforms, make music videos and eventually put together an album.
To learn more about the Personal Development Mentor program, please visit our website: Community Based & Family Support Services - People Inc.