Jamie sings songs of the woman's experience of life and death-her courage, sorrows, desires, joys and delights.

"Jamie OReilly performs with arresting sincerity," (WFMT Radio), in this concert of songs that range from powerful interpretations of Celtic ballads to lighthearted story songs. Jamie sings folksongs, anthems, original songs and selections. First heard as 'From the Place I was Born: Mothers and Artists,' created for the Chicago Cultural Center's Women's History Month.

Jamie O'Reilly & Michael Smith Award-winning Collaborations

"Together their musical palette is pretty astonishing." said Chicago Magazine of the duo's collaborations. This creative duos' singular approach to music for the theater explores the 'folk-cabaret' form: themed programs that integrate folk music with elements of other artistic expression that range from visual art to aural history, dance, language and literature. Three full productions of their musical revues include:

'Pasiones: Songs of the Spanish Civil War, 1936-1939'

"A smartly professional cabaret trio performed the beloved Spanish Civil War songs-songs of haunting, sometimes astonishing beauty-with text from Hemingway and Bertold Brecht woven in." -Vanity Fair, August, 2001 "It is more than glorious music they offer us; it is our history that would otherwise be forgotten. At a time when passion is so lacking in our lives, these two artists set our hearts on fire! Viva Jamie and Michael!" -Studs Terkel The 'Pasiones' CD was recorded live at WFMT studios and sold world-wide. For info about the Spanish Civil War, go to: www.alba-valb.org To purchase the CD click on the CD's/Discography button listed on the left. Click here to read about "Jamie and Michael in the ALBA newsletter - 'The Volunteer' - Scroll to page 3.

'Scarlet Confessions: A Musical Diary'

"Artful and Alluring" -Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun Times "A beautifully performed song cycle on love and its infinite, messy ramifications... The show provides a prismatic portrait of hearts on fire and on ice, of consciences alternately numbed by grief and inflamed by injustice." -Kerry Reid, Chicago Reader This show includes Anne Hills and Paul Amandes in the cast with Michael and Jamie. For more info about WFMT's 'Folkstage' live broadcast go to: www.midnightspecial.org To purchase the CD click on the CD's/Discography button listed on the left. (Click here to see performance photo.)

'Hello Dali: From the Sublime to the Surreal', a songwriter's look at the great painters

The box office hit, premiered at Victory Gardens Theater, 2000 Winner of Two After Dark Awards "Utilizing a phenomenal 'slide show' of greatworks by a wide array of artists and infusing this visual tornado with Michael Smith's sometimes wrenching, sometimes wry musical voice, creators Smith and Jamie O'Reilly gifted us with a doorway into the eyes of the masters. Beau O'Reilly & Jenny Magnus completed the mesmerizing cast." -Gay Chicago Magazine:'The Best of the Year Onstage"

Jamie's Recent Commissions & Collaborations

'The Golden Comb: Heroines, Hair & Happily Ever After'

Created with Jennifer Friedrich, puppeteer, for The Chicago Humanities Festival 'Brains & Beauty' The Power of Hair and Symbols of Brains and Beauty in Folksong & Fairy tale Created and Co-Directed by Jamie O'Reilly & puppeteer Jennifer Friedrich. This piece, especially appropriate for women and history groups, features Michael Smith's songs, shadow puppets, and antique Victorian garments. Created for the Chicago Humanities Festival XIII: 'Brains and Beauty' series. www.chfestival.org

'Irish Music in America: Songs of Vaudeville'

for the Irish American Heritage Center, Chicago's annual cultural forum. This program features selections from the sheet music of the Watson collection, including favorites from Cohan, Herbert and Thornton, and novelty songs like 'O'Brien is Tryin' to Learn to Talk Hawaiian', 'Kosher Kitty Kelly' and others from the hey-day of the Vaudeville stage. Text of Jamie's lecture: 'One of Our Own', about her Irish American heritage and tales of a life in folk music is available at the NEW library at the Irish American Heritage Center.

Jamie's Themed Concerts:

'Love Songs, Lullabies & Songs of Valor', Song Settings of the Great Poets

Accompanied by Michael Smith, Jamie sings lush lullabies, folk songs and stirring anthems from around the world, including songs in French, Yiddish, Swedish, German & Spanish. Smith and O'Reilly's original settings of internationally recognized poets from Gabriela Mistral to Wallace Stevens complete the program. Performed at cultural centers, libraries and on the radio.

Senior Concerts (Rothschild Foundation Magic Carpet Series & others):

'Songs in the Parlor: Halcyon Days from 1890-1945'

Jamie sings songs from pre-radio days, including operetta selections, torch songs and ballads. These are songs from a family heritage rich in vocal tradition, reminiscent of the halcyon days when singing in the parlor was still a lovely way to spend the evening.

'It Had to Be You: Song Gems for the Golden Age', Unforgettable world favorites.

Jamie performs the all time classics, world favorite songs that have stood the test of time. Jamie's sweet soprano is heard in popular songs, folksongs, international favorites and sing-a-longs: As Time Goes By, Sunny Side of the Street, Over the Rainbow, Always, Ol' Man River. A favorite of the Rothschild Foundation's Senior's Mostly Music Magic Carpet Series.

Complete Promo Kit, including Photos, Recordings & Videos, available upon request. For Booking Information, References & Rates, please contact: Ms. Jamie O'Reilly J. O'Reilly Productions PO Box 25675 Chicago, Illinois 60625 24 Hour Voice Mail: ( 312) 458-0822 E-Mail: jamie@jamieoreilly.com