This house concert is in Glen Ellyn, Il.  Judi Heikes is Salonnière.

In a musical tribute to the 20th century chanteuse, vocalist Jamie O’Reilly brings a concert of songs to lift the spirit; World War II blitz-ballads, torch songs, lullabies, folksongs and novelty tunes. These are the unforgettable songs our grandmothers sang from sheet music picked-up at the five and dime. Top 40 radio hits played during the war years. Songs heard in old movies, sung in the parlor, music hall, cabaret, and around the dinner table.

Accompanied by John Erickson on piano, this house concert features Jamie performing an uplifting and intimate set of songs by singers who influenced her distinctive vocal style. Among the singers are Vera Lynn, Judy Garland, Mahalia Jackson, Sophie Tucker, Jeanette MacDonald, Victoria de los Angeles, Edith Piaf, Dionne Warwick, Martha Schlamme, Joan Baez, Lucinda Williams, and Judy Collins.  These are women who weathered the stormy entertainment world with determination and vivacity, surviving world wars, poverty, and personal loss. Signature songs Jamie wrote with her late partner Michael Smith will round out the program.

The first installment in the SongBirds Series Tough Broads & Tender Lasses, will preview in Glen Ellyn in February and at Chief O’Neill’s Pub in March.

Listen to Can’t Make These Shoulders Behave

Listen to Solamente from Swimming Deeper