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The Main Street Playhouse is proud to present “An Evening of Americana Music – a Journey Through American Songs” featuring local classical vocalists Drew Ladd and Christian Schmoe. The one evening event will take place on Friday, Sept. 1, beginning at 7:30 p.m. This special musical journey will begin with early American hymns and folk songs and continue with selections of old American songs, chosen works of Stephen Foster, a sampling of American art songs, favorites from the WWII era, and some of the most beloved tunes from Broadway. Tickets are $12, and a portion of each sale will be donated to American Patriot Outfitters, a local foundation which provides opportunities for veterans to enjoy outdoor sporting events at no cost to them.
Christian and Drew each have a wide array of musical experience having performed in many venues around the country. Christian was born and raised in Savannah, Ga, the city where his love of music began. He moved to New Orleans to study music, and performed frequently around the city as well as with the New Orleans Opera Chorus. His studies took him to Chicago, where he performed at several venues and toured Illinois with the Chicago Opera Playhouse. From Chicago, he moved to New York City for a few years before moving back South. Instilled with a passion for farming at a young age by his grandparents, who farmed in Jefferson and Brooks Counties, Christian recently moved from the Big Apple back down south to work in agriculture with his family.
Drew Ladd, an Arkansas native, discovered a love for music early on, participating in the school band and choir. He attended graduate school in Chicago, and has several operatic credits under his belt; performing with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Opera Theater, and Sugar Creek Opera. He has been seen in recital in Chicago as well as with SongFest Los Angeles, performing the works of Britten, Liszt, Schubert, Poulenc and others. Drew is happy to have returned to his Southern roots.
The combined talents of these two men, along with their piano accompanist Emily Wall, promise to leave patrons with a night to remember and a song in their heart. Reservations are not required, but are encouraged. The Main Street Playhouse is located at 172 SW Range Ave., in Madison. For more information, or to reserve seats, visit www.MainStreetMadisonFL.com or call (850) 464-4010.