Note | The Tribute concert scheduled
for Weds Dec 9 has been cancelled due to the severe weather and
hazardous road conditions.
An additional show has been scheduled for Sun Dec 13 at 7 pm, and it's hoped
that most Weds ticket holders will be able to attend that performance. If
you're in that category and that's your plan, you need do nothing; just show
up Sunday. (Note that Sunday's show will begin an hour earlier.)
All shows are sold out | Now in its 12th year, Tribute is a holiday institution that maintains the
warmth and intimacy of a cookies-and-cocoa soirée around the fire. The Cedar
Rapids trio is made up of Carol Montag, Nina Swanson and Kathy Donnelly,
three musician-singers with close-knit harmonies and great taste in music.
Tribute's following is as faithful as it is fervent. Fans say this is
Christmas music they can listen to year-round. Celebrating its 10th year of
sold-out shows at CPSP, this year Tribute adds a fourth night of music.
They will be joined by some of the area's finest musicians, including Joanne
Chadima on flute, Jim Coates on guitar, Craig Dove on acoustic bass, Gerard
Estella on keyboard, Carlis Faurot on violin, Tom Mackey on drums and Bruce
Millard on mandolin. Together they deliver Christmas favorites in
traditional style with hints of gospel, jazz and bluegrass. They also mix
classics like "Away in the Manger" with contemporary selections like Judy
Collins' "Song for Sarajevo" or Jane Siberry's "Are You Burning, Little
Candle?"
Tribute formed in the early '90s after Donnelly, Montag and Swanson sang
together at a Brucemore holiday event. Their rendition of "Silent Night" was
so well received the three decided to record the song as a present for their
families. That recording went on to become a holiday mainstay on area radio
stations and led to the recording of a full album of the same title in 1998.
Simple Gifts followed in 2003.
Singer and guitarist Kathy Donnelly was a solo performer in the area for
many years. She established her own record label and recorded several local
musicians, including Carol Montag. She gained experience working in Boston
and Los Angeles with talented engineers, musicians and producers, including
Henry Lewy and the Tower of Power horn section. In addition to performing on
guitar and vocals for Tribute, Donnelly utilized her previous recording
experience by serving as co-producer on the Silent Night CD.
Born and raised in Ames and now living in Cedar Rapids, Carol Montag has
toured as a singer/songwriter at various festivals (including the Winnepeg
Folk Festival), coffeehouses and colleges, and has made appearances on many
radio and television programs. She has recorded four albums, Song for
Carrie, White, Swallows Return in the Spring (commissioned by Ballet
Iowa) and her most recent release, Marigolds.
Originally from Vinton, Iowa, Nina Swanson is best known as an actress and
musician involved in a variety of theatrical productions. She has starred in
shows such as Peter Pan and Camelot and is a regular cast
member of the popular Liar's Holographic Theatre in Marion. She is the
primary arranger for Tribute's material and plays piano as well.
Weds-Sat Dec 9-12 | 8 pm
ALL SHOWS SOLD OUT CSPS | 1103 Third St SE | Cedar Rapids
$25 + fee in advance | $30 at the door
