Brucemore's sophisticated and saucy nightclub event, Cabaret in the Courtyard, will return for two back-to-back weekends of stars on the stage and on the sky, August 7 - 9 and 14 - 16 at 7:30 p.m. Since 2003, the lovely ambience of the historic courtyard has been magically transformed into a cabaret club with tables, chairs, twinkling lights, and stars on the stage and in the sky. Cabaret in the Courtyard is sponsored by Bankers Trust, Novak Design Group, and Corridor Business Journal.
Alisabeth Von Presley (August 7 - 9) will perform songs from her debut album mixed with fun twists on classic hits during this album release event. She has held many names onstage over the years? Pink Haired Woman, Photographer Lady, and The 'MOO WITH ME' Girl from Rent?but for Cabaret in The Courtyard, she's excited to finally be performing as herself. Alisabeth's award-winning music career has included the title of Grand Champion for Converse's competition "Challenge, Create, Change" (for her Beautiful Revolution music video); first place for Cellular South's Jingle Competition; taking the top prize with her a capella jazz group, Jazz Transit, while competing in Europe; and being selected for the Hollywood Round of American Idol Season 12. In addition to performing locally as the guest artist for multiple productions with SPT Theatre (including A Modern Salon at Brucemore earlier this year), Alisabeth has graced the stages of area theaters in more than 50 musical productions, while serving as producer for five more. In reviewing her work, The Gazette writes that Alisabeth "owns every moment of every show she's in. She is a tour de force who should be in New York, but we're lucky she's in Cedar Rapids." For more information, visit www.AlisabethVonPresley.
Ben Schmidt (August 14 - 16) draws from the roots of American music and a unique sense of poetic phrase to create songs that defy categorization. Join the singer/songwriter for a special evening of original music mixed with select covers of some of his creative influences. With a top notch band of seasoned players, Schmidt will deliver a range of styles including blues, jazz, rock, soul, acoustic, and folk. Schmidt's relaxed, intimate stage presence invites his audience to enjoy the lyrical storytelling while his sense of groove and shuffle will have you tapping your feet and looking for a dancing partner! This is your chance to travel the lesser known byways of American music?from the Delta of Texas and New Orleans to the streets of Chicago (where Schmidt was raised) and into the little cafés of Greenwich Village. Self-taught, and continually evolving, Schmidt has been playing guitar for over 20 years and writing songs since he was fifteen. He has released three self-produced CDs?Write it down (2002), While you were Sleeping (2005), and Silt (2010). Ben is a favorite of Eastern Iowa public radio stations and is a featured artist on WSUI's Java Blend compilation CD, as well as KUNI's Best of Live from Studio One compilation disc.
Advance tickets are $20 per person and $18 per Brucemore member. All tickets are $25 at the gate (if available). Space is limited; please call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org to purchase tickets. Individuals reserving five or more advance tickets will have tables reserved under their name. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. with gates opening at 7:00 p.m. On-site parking is available. Patrons are encouraged to bring their favorite beverages, but no food is allowed.
Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families. Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community. For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.
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