The Mary Carrick Collective to Perform at Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji

OMAHA, Neb. - Aug. 4, 2015 - PRLog -- Songstress Mary Carrick makes her debut at the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji, IA with her dynamic combo, The Mary Carrick Collective, Wednesday, August 12, 2015. The 7:30 p.m. concert will be in the center’s Lauridsen Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are $22 ($18 for Members and $15 for Students).

Fusing great American standards, jazz, blues, country and musical theater, this ensemble takes music in innovative and sophisticated directions with an inviting, embraceable style.  Carrick is backed by J. Gawf (piano/music director), Mark Haar (upright bass) and JB Ferguson (percussion), who are all featured on Carrick’s solo album, Let’s Fly (2014).  Their set list features music by such celebrated songwriters as Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Dave Frishberg, Dolly Parton, Stephen Schwartz, Barry Manilow, Kander & Ebb and more.

Carrick’s affinity for a broad range of styles is reflected in a set list with wide appeal. “Our show ebbs and flows between timeless classics and classic contemporary song, blending genres,” she says. “Some of our sets of songs tell stories, I tell a few of my own, and we take some unexpected twists and turns.  We’re looking forward to sharing a memorable evening of great music by some of the most iconic songwriters of our time.”

A compelling performer, Carrick is known for her shimmering, velvety and powerhouse sounds matched by evocative song interpretations rooted in honest storytelling.  In addition to her work with her ensemble, she tours the Midwest as a solo artist and performs in cabaret and concert settings including theaters, restored opera houses, outdoor spaces, and cabaret venues, including Chicago's well-known club, Davenport's.

She has performed roles with Opera Omaha, the Omaha Symphony, Rose Theater, Omaha Community Playhouse and as a soloist at the Holland Performing Arts Center.  In addition to her touring performances, she was most recently seen as Giovanna in Opera Omaha's production of Rigoletto. This fall she will sing the lead role of Elle in the one-woman opera, La Voix Humaine, produced by Opera Omaha in conjunction with National Opera Week.  She’s also a Touring Artist with the Nebraska Arts Council and often presents education programs for area students in the communities where she performs.  A native of Iowa, she’s performed at several venues across the state, such as the Opus Concert Café (Cedar Rapids), Bart Howard Room (Burlington) and Iowa Wesleyan College (Mt. Pleasant).

An accomplished pianist, conductor, and vocal coach, Gawf is the resident music director of Opera Omaha.  He also served as co-producer and lead arranger for Carrick's album, “Let’s Fly”. Haar and Ferguson perform extensively across Omaha and the region, with numerous bands and ensembles, with arts organizations such as the Omaha Symphony and Omaha Performing Arts, as well as tour.

The Pearson Lakes Art Center is located at 2201 Highway 71 in Okoboji, IA.  Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 712.332.7013 or online at www.lakesart.org.  For more information, visit www.marycarrick.com.