Posted 02/16/2000
Contact: Andrew Svec, 218-281-8380
Singer/Songwriter Ellis to Perform at UMC “Open Mic” Night March 2
Singularly named singer/songwriter Ellis will
perform as the the headline performer for an open microphone or “open
mic” night scheduled for Thursday, March 2, at the University of
Minnesota, Crookston (UMC). The event will be held in the Eagles Roost Lounge in
Sahlstrom Conference Center on the campus.
UMC talent will be showcased starting at 7:00 p.m., with Ellis
scheduled to perform at 8:00 p.m. The
event is free and open to the public.
A native Texan who relocated to Minnesota in 1990, Ellis had already released two albums before graduating from St. Olaf College in 1998. While completing her degree in music there, she served as lead singer for the band The Unfinished. Her tenure with that band allowed her to learn to play the guitar, a skill she relies on now as a solo performer. Ellis has opened for Twin Cities regional artists such as Kristen Hall, Barbara Cohen, and Martin Zeller. Her sound has been compared to that of Ani DiFranco, Suzanne Vega, and Natalie Merchant.
“I think an important element in
songwriting is capturing a moment,” says Ellis.
“So much of life flashes before our eyes, and it’s nice to feel
sometimes like you’ve grabbed onto a piece of it.
For me, music is a necessary part of taking time to reflect, and
also sharing those reflections with others.”
Rudy Renaud, Twin Cities music critic says,
“Ellis stays true to her folk-influenced ideologies by always telling it
like it is, but with a brimming optimism about the goodness of people and
the common situations that connect us.”
And Steve Haskins, writer for the Minnesota Guitar Society asks,
“How did someone so young get so good?”
Considered a rising star on the independent
music scene, Ellis will be performing new material and material from her
most recent album, “Blueprint Live.
Prior to Ellis’ performance the stage will
be open for UMC students, faculty, and staff members to showcase their
various talents. Those
interested in performing should contact the Bede Information Desk in Bede
Student Center at 218-281-8520 to register.
UMC
performers are asked to provide a brief description of their
performance. Prizes of $50, $40, and $30 gift certificates will be awarded
to the three top “open mic” performers as gauged by audience reaction.
Ellis is managed by Matt Kiel (612) 617-9902. For other information contact Rubberneck Records (612) 969-7693.