Overture Center for the Arts
Local singer-songwriter Corey Hart kicks off MadCity Sessions.
The Overture After Work concert series has morphed into MadCity Sessions, a bigger, bolder attempt to acquaint local music fans with area musicians. The free series kicks off tonight at 6 p.m. with a performance by folk-rock singer-songwriter Corey Hart. MadCity Sessions shows take place on Thursday nights in the Overture Hall Lobby through May 16.
In addition to thrusting local performers into the spotlight, both literally and figuratively, the series will broadcast their songs over the airwaves through a partnership with 105.5 Triple M.
The roster's eight local acts represent a variety of musical genres. The lineup includes rock outfit Lucas Cates Band (Dec. 13), reggae group Natty Nation (Jan. 10), rootsy country band the Dang-Its (Feb. 7), soul man Kyle Henderson (March 28), gypsy-jazz purveyors Harmonious Wail (April 25) and Americana songbird Katie Powderley (May 16). Guests can belt out '80s tunes karaoke-style at the Nov. 29 performance, at which the Gomers will serve as a backing band.
Though he shares a name with at least two national celebrities -- the Milwaukee Brewers outfielder and the New Wave singer who rode "Sunglasses at Night" up the Billboard charts in 1984 -- Corey Hart looks to emotive singers such as Jeff Buckley and Ray LaMontagne for inspiration.
While marinating in live music, guests can peruse artwork from the local gallery Absolutely Art, mingle with local arts organizations and partake in a variety of pre-dinner snacks.
