Tribute at CSPS

TRIBUTE

Sold out | Now in its tenth year, Tribute is a holiday institution that maintains the warmth and intimacy of a cookies-and-cocoa soirée around the fire. The Cedar Rapids trio is made up of Carol Montag, Nina Swanson and Kathy Donnelly, three musician-singers with close-knit harmonies and great taste in music.

Tribute's following is as faithful as it is fervent. Fans say this is Christmas music they can listen to year-round. Celebrating its 10th year of sold-out shows at CPSP, this year Tribute adds a fourth night of music.
They will be joined by some of the area's finest musicians, including Joanne Chadima on flute, Jim Coates on guitar, Craig Dove on acoustic bass, Gerard Estella on keyboard, Carlis Faurot on violin, Tom Mackey on drums and Bruce Millard on mandolin. Together they deliver Christmas favorites in traditional style with hints of gospel, jazz and bluegrass. They also mix classics like "Away in the Manger" with contemporary selections like Judy Collins' "Song for Sarajevo" or Jane Siberry's "Are You Burning, Little Candle?"

Tribute formed in the early '90s after Donnelly, Montag and Swanson sang together at a Brucemore holiday event. Their rendition of "Silent Night" was so well received the three decided to record the song as a present for their families. That recording went on to become a holiday mainstay on area radio stations and led to the recording of a full album of the same title in 1998. Simple Gifts followed in 2003.

Singer and guitarist Kathy Donnelly was a solo performer in the area for many years. She established her own record label and recorded several local musicians, including Carol Montag. She gained experience working in Boston and Los Angeles with talented engineers, musicians and producers, including Henry Lewy and the Tower of Power horn section. In addition to performing on guitar and vocals for Tribute, Donnelly utilized her previous recording experience by serving as co-producer on the Silent Night CD.

Born and raised in Ames and now living in Cedar Rapids, Carol Montag has toured as a singer/songwriter at various festivals (including the Winnepeg Folk Festival), coffeehouses and colleges, and has made appearances on many radio and television programs. She has recorded four albums, Song for Carrie, White, Swallows Return in the Spring (commissioned by Ballet Iowa) and her most recent release, Marigolds.

Originally from Vinton, Iowa, Nina Swanson is best known as an actress and musician involved in a variety of theatrical productions. She has starred in shows such as Peter Pan and Camelot and is a regular cast member of the popular Liar's Holographic Theatre in Marion. She is the primary arranger for Tribute's material and plays piano as well.

Weds-Sat Dec 3-6 | 8 pm
SOLD OUT
CSPS | 1103 Third St SE | Cedar Rapids
All tickets $25

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