Name: Carrie Rodriguez
Genre: Alternative, Folk, Country

Date/Time: Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.)
Location: Thrasher Opera House, Green Lake, WI 54941
Cost: $18
Contact Name/Phone Number: Thrasher Opera House office, 920-294-4279.

Country-bluegrass multi-instrumentalist, Carrie Rodriguez, coming to Thrasher

Texas-raised Carrie Rodriguez will be performing at the historic Thrasher Opera House in beautiful downtown Green Lake on Saturday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Five years ago, singer, songwriter and violinist Carrie Rodriguez had a simple goal: “To get a gig playing fiddle with somebody great, be on the road and make a living.” But ever since she was spotted at in her hometown of Austin, Texas, during the 2001 South By Southwest music convention, Rodriguez has far exceeded her all-too-modest expectations. Through her unique collaboration with veteran songwriter Chip Taylor, which began after that convention and has yielded three critically-acclaimed albums of duets since, Rodriguez has enthralled record buyers and concert audiences throughout North America and Europe. She’s become an evocative vocalist and compelling composer now ready to take center stage on her own.

"Some artists are blessed by such a humbling personality that ego never becomes an interfering factor in their craft, even as an audience watches a legacy growing right before their eyes. With a gift for songwriting, a love of performing, eye-catching beauty and an Austin accent warm enough to slather on toast, multi-instrumentalist Carrie Rodriguez fills any room simply with her smile and lack of pretense."
- David Higdon / Jambase.com from review of a concert in Atlanta, GA

This special performance is supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts. Accommodations provided by the Heidel House and hospitality by the Waterfront Grill. Tickets are $18 and available at the Thrasher office, Knowledge Emporium, Green Lake Bank (Green Lake); Pick N’ Save, Ripon Drug (Ripon); Twister (Princeton) or by calling the office at (920) 294-4279. Online tickets available at www.thrasheroperahouse.com.

#2.

Follow THE LITTLE MERMAID into an ocean of fun this summer season at Thrasher Opera House!

Parents, mark your calendars for Monday, June 22 through Saturday June 27, because that’s when the historic Thrasher Opera House, in downtown Green Lake, will host the fifth annual Summer Workshop with Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT).

Look for that familiar little red truck as it rolls into town on Monday, June 22, carrying two professional Tour Actor/Directors, a set, lights, costumes, props and make-up-- everything it takes to mount a full-scale musical production ...except the cast. That’s where your child comes in!

Thrasher is inviting all children, grades 1-12 (including weeklong visitors to the area), to come to an open audition at the opera house, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on that Monday. Following the group audition, 50-60 of those children will be cast to perform in this year’s MCT’s production of THE LITTLE MERMAID, and incredibly, after only one week of daily rehearsals, will perform two public performances on Saturday, June 27 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

There is no guarantee that every child who auditions will be cast in the play. It’s an unfortunate fact that the number of costumes available (50-60) limits the number of cast members chosen, but we whole-heartedly encourage those who are not chosen to try again next January or June of 2010. Just a hint: Some things the directors are looking for in a child; ability to follow direction, and project their voice. And of course, a smile never hurts! After all, two directors working with over 50 children of all ages, for only one week, before performing a full-scale musical….no small task, by any means!

Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT), the nation’s largest touring children’s theatre, has been touring extensively for more than 30 years, visiting nearly 1100 communities annually in all 50 states, 4 Canadian provinces and overseas. Their mission; the development of life skills in children through participation in the performing arts, makes clear their commitment to the well-being of children. Their unique, educational programs encourage creativity, help develop social and communication skills, and build self-esteem - all while having a really good time!

“This is one of our favorite programs at Thrasher. It is such a delight to see the children’s progress over the week; how hard they work, and how well they work together. It’s become a favorite of parents, as well, evidenced by the positive feedback we receive after each and every performance,” said Martha Janz, Administrative Director at Thrasher.

After a recent program, a parent wrote, “I’ve watched my children develop an incredible sense of confidence and outward expression of their feelings in such a positive way, that it encouraged them to become involved in other school and community programs.”

Another mother wrote, “My children are excited to try out for the next show right after they finish their last performance. The enthusiasm that they have for theater and performing is exceptional. This type of programming helps to bring cultural experiences to children and teens by participating in a real production typically not offered until High School.”

“Its comments like this that help us gauge the success of the MCT program – and as long as the children continue to enjoy and learn – we’ll keep having them back!” Janz concluded.

This wonderful opportunity for all local children could not be made possible without the help of some very special supporters who understand the importance of the arts in our children’s lives. This year’s MCT Summer Workshop program is supported in part by grants from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation’s Herman Schultz Grant and TARGET. Additional sponsorship is generously provided by the Green Lake Bank, Wallenfang's of Green Lake, Green Lake Kiwanis Club and SCORPSRUS.

Last but not least, a special thank you to Heather McQuitty for offering weeklong accommodations for the two tour directors, Marilynn McGriff who will be providing the lively and lighthearted piano music that accompanies all Missoula performances and Thrasher volunteers who will be providing home-cooked meals every night of the week for the road-weary tour directors.

The exciting end-result of one week of hard work, and a whole lot of fun, will be presented at two performances; Saturday, June 27 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.. Tickets can be purchased at Thrasher Office, Knowledge Emporium, & Green Lake Bank (Green Lake); Pick ‘n Save & Ripon Drug (Ripon); and Twister (Princeton), or call the office at 920-294-4279. Online ticket sales or more information about Missoula Children’s Theatre available at www.thrasheroperahouse.com.