MONROE - Madison alternative country singer and songwriter Whitney Mann and her four-piece band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19 at the Monroe Arts Center, 1315 11th St.
Organizers describe Mann as "an old soul with a child's glow. Her story is only just beginning. It's the story of a poetic farm girl from Camden, Mich. who grew up to open for her musical hero, Loretta Lynn. It's the story of a young woman whose voice will break your heart but whose songs will bring you back for more."
Growing up in that small Michigan township with a population of 400, she continually heard country music on the radio and listened to her mother play piano at church on Sunday mornings, both of which contribute to the country sound of her songs. Mann began performing in local coffeeshops while attending college at the University of Michigan. After her college graduation, Mann's interest in photography landed her at a Rockford television station. Her co-worker Kyle (now her husband) helped her secure gigs in some of the live music venues. After relocating to Madison, Mann furthered her musical career by continuing to perform live, soliciting requests on her MySpace page, which then led to the 2009 release of her first album titled, "The Way Back Home."
May 2011 saw the release of her second album, "The Western Sky," a package of country ballads and barn tales. "Home," the title of the album's second track, is a harvest of emotions and devotions to all things home.
"The song describes a place where everything feels easy and comfortable," Mann said. "It is about finding a place that leaves you feeling at peace."
Mann said she doesn't intentionally write country music.
"My songs just turn out that way," she said.
In addition to being a supporting act for Lynn, Mann has opened for Willie Nelson, George Jones, Little Big Town, Guy Clark, Ray LaMontagne, and has appeared at Milwaukee's Summerfest, the Madison Roots Festival, and has been featured on Wisconsin Public Television "30-Minute Music Hour." In addition, she has received 2012 MAMA (Madison Area Music Awards), nominations for Best Female Vocalist (Folk/Americana Performer), Best Song ("Home"), Best Album ("The Western Sky"), and Best Video "(Miss You On The Farm.")
Mann will be joined on stage at the Monroe performance with her band, which include Kyle Jacobson, bass and vocals; Mary Gaines, cello and vocals; Chris Wagoner, mandolin, fiddle and vocals; and Adam Cargin, drums.
Reserved seat tickets for Whitney Mann are $25 and $20, and $10 for students 18 years of age and under. Tickets may be purchased by calling MAC at (608) 325-5700 or (888) 596-1249, in person at the box office located at 1315 11th St., or online at www.monroeartscenter.com.
This event has been underwritten by corporate underwriter Colony Brands, Inc., and media underwriters Monroe Publishing, LLC, and Big Radio. Additional underwriting has been provided by Monroe Clinic; Chuck and Chris Wellington; Lee and Chris Knuteson; Harvey Kubly; Andy and Julie Wilke; and Peg Stiles.
Organizers describe Mann as "an old soul with a child's glow. Her story is only just beginning. It's the story of a poetic farm girl from Camden, Mich. who grew up to open for her musical hero, Loretta Lynn. It's the story of a young woman whose voice will break your heart but whose songs will bring you back for more."
Growing up in that small Michigan township with a population of 400, she continually heard country music on the radio and listened to her mother play piano at church on Sunday mornings, both of which contribute to the country sound of her songs. Mann began performing in local coffeeshops while attending college at the University of Michigan. After her college graduation, Mann's interest in photography landed her at a Rockford television station. Her co-worker Kyle (now her husband) helped her secure gigs in some of the live music venues. After relocating to Madison, Mann furthered her musical career by continuing to perform live, soliciting requests on her MySpace page, which then led to the 2009 release of her first album titled, "The Way Back Home."
May 2011 saw the release of her second album, "The Western Sky," a package of country ballads and barn tales. "Home," the title of the album's second track, is a harvest of emotions and devotions to all things home.
"The song describes a place where everything feels easy and comfortable," Mann said. "It is about finding a place that leaves you feeling at peace."
Mann said she doesn't intentionally write country music.
"My songs just turn out that way," she said.
In addition to being a supporting act for Lynn, Mann has opened for Willie Nelson, George Jones, Little Big Town, Guy Clark, Ray LaMontagne, and has appeared at Milwaukee's Summerfest, the Madison Roots Festival, and has been featured on Wisconsin Public Television "30-Minute Music Hour." In addition, she has received 2012 MAMA (Madison Area Music Awards), nominations for Best Female Vocalist (Folk/Americana Performer), Best Song ("Home"), Best Album ("The Western Sky"), and Best Video "(Miss You On The Farm.")
Mann will be joined on stage at the Monroe performance with her band, which include Kyle Jacobson, bass and vocals; Mary Gaines, cello and vocals; Chris Wagoner, mandolin, fiddle and vocals; and Adam Cargin, drums.
Reserved seat tickets for Whitney Mann are $25 and $20, and $10 for students 18 years of age and under. Tickets may be purchased by calling MAC at (608) 325-5700 or (888) 596-1249, in person at the box office located at 1315 11th St., or online at www.monroeartscenter.com.
This event has been underwritten by corporate underwriter Colony Brands, Inc., and media underwriters Monroe Publishing, LLC, and Big Radio. Additional underwriting has been provided by Monroe Clinic; Chuck and Chris Wellington; Lee and Chris Knuteson; Harvey Kubly; Andy and Julie Wilke; and Peg Stiles.