Wheeler promises to deliver poignant folk, funny stories

Cheryl Wheeler performances are a two-for-one deal – audiences relish her rich alto voice and the next moment laugh aloud at her storytelling. See both side of Wheeler at Crossings at 7:30 p.m. Friday Sept. 14.

Opening for her is songwriter and musician Peter Mulvey.

While many have heard Wheeler’s songs covered by well-known artists Garth Brooks, Bette Midler, Kathy Mattea and Peter, Paul and Mary, audiences discover works never recorded anywhere when they attend her show.

Her songs include “If it Were Up to Me,” “Further and further Away” and “I Know This Town.”

Listeners can relax as she sings ballads from the modern folk scene. That’s when they meet her as a poet and writer, promoters said.

Before long, however, listeners can expect an appearance by her evil twin – the comic and social critic.

Wheeler’s career started in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., area. She released a few independent albums before being signed in 1990 by Capitol’s Nashville division. After a short stint in country music, she settled at Philo Records.

“Cheryl Wheeler is an anomaly on the acoustic music scene. She has a rare gift for writing songs with lush melodies and lyrics of incredible beauty. On the other hand, she is a master of quick wit. Her observational humor has brought us a number of songs describing the utter ridiculousness of the world around us. And then there is the richness of her silky alto telling us what lies in the deepest recesses of her songwriter’s heart,” according to FAME magazine.

Mulvey explores many musical traditions with his baritone voice and poetic and narrative lyrics. His percussive guitar style underpins sometimes dark lyrics and musical moods.

Tickets are $22 in advance, $24 at the door. To reserve tickets, call 507-732-7616 or stop in to Crossings at 320 East Ave., Zumbrota.

For more information, visit the website www.crossingsatcarnegie.com.

Tags: arts and entertainemnt, lifestyle, arts, entertainment