JOE JENCKS, Opening
“A HIP, WRY, GIFTED PERFORMER” -National Public Radio
"THE MOST INNOVATIVE SONGWRITER WORKING TODAY -Chicago Tribune
As our audiences will testify, Werner’s been knocking it out of the park – or concert hall – all around the U.S. for 20+ years.
She’s one of the most flat-out entertaining and musically talented performers to ever hit our stage, where she’s introduced several prior CDs. She slides effortlessly among jazz, contemporary folk and pop with sassy wit and classic Midwestern charm. Her boundless versatility early in her career emerged as a hallmark of Werner’s talent and has proven a quintessential ingredient of her engrossing musical persona.
A triple threat as writer, singer and musician, Werner has proven one of the most prolific singer/songwriters in the U.S. since her 1995 BMG/Private Music major label debut, and her earliest days performing for us back on Willett Street.
Her concept albums, including 2013’s delicious tribute to agriculture “Hayseed” (hay bale onstage) have won her passionate fans and interviews on NPR’s “Morning Edition” as well as inspiring covers from Tom Jones, Michael Feinstein and Betty Buckley.
“ Pay attention. Just might be the most original voice to emerge from the Plains since that Zimmerman kid. And funny, too. ”
With formidable chops on guitar and piano along with a graduate degree in voice performance, her shows are a one-woman master class in musicianship. Her songs are noted for their poetry and sharp wit, and also for astonishing stylistic range.
But when she steps underneath the lights, grand piano and guitar onstage with her, it’s pure magic!