American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces California Dreamin’—the songs of Laurel Canyon, as part of its ongoing music series, “The Garage.” The online event on Friday March 12 at 7pm Central will feature Ensemble Members Michael Mahler and Dara Cameron performing live from their home.
Join Award winning Ensemble Members Michael Mahler and Dara Cameron on a musical journey through the scene that changed songwriting forever. Featuring songs by The Mamas and the Papas, James Taylor, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, CSNY, The Byrds, Eagles, and more. Relive a moment in American history when collaboration and camaraderie created classic albums and timeless music.
Tickets to the benefit performance are pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $25 and may be purchased at www.AmericanBluesTheater.com or (773) 654-3103. Space is limited.
The Garage music series features the musical talent of American Blues Ensemble Members and Artistic Affiliates and will run monthly for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following every concert, stay in the virtual space to meet the artists.
American Blues Theater is proud to partner with Chicago Public Schools teachers, American Indian Center, and California Community Foundation.
About the Artists
Dara Cameron is a proud Ensemble member of American Blues Theater. She just finished the run of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago with American Blues and is so happy to be back on Zoom with everyone! She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity. She’s keeping busy by teaching virtual voice lessons, directing kids in Zoomsicals and chasing after her crazy almost 3-year-old son, Ezra, with her husband, actor Michael Mahler. She’s so grateful to have American Blues as her artistic home!
Michael Mahler is a proud Ensemble member of American Blues, most recently seen as the Announcer/Pianist/ Music Director in Blues’ streaming production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! Past Blues productions: Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Jeff Award - Best Music Direction), Little Shop of Horrors, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, and Side Man. Other recent roles include The Baker in Into the Woods (Writers); Jim Hardy in Holiday Inn, and Jack Singer in Honeymoon in Vegas (Marriott Theatre). Michael contributed additional lyrics to Cameron Mackintosh’s most recent Broadway production of Miss Saigon. Other works as a composer/lyricist include The Secret of My Success, Miracle (Jeff Award - Best New Work), Diary of a Wimpy Kid, October Sky, The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes (Jeff Award - Best New Work), and Hero (Jeff Award - Best New Work). Michael is married to fellow company member Dara Cameron and proud father to their son Ezra.
Cara Parrish (stage manager) is an Ensemble member of American Blues Theater where she is also the Office Manager / Human Resources. Chicago credits: Gem of the Ocean, Electra, Hard Problem, Photograph 51, Five Guys Named Moe, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, & Lady From the Sea (Court Theatre); WITCH, Port Authority, Yellow Moon, The Letters, The Caretaker, Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf, & The Blond, The Brunette, and the Vengeful Redhead (Writers Theatre); Too Heavy for Your Pocket & The Vibrator Play (TimeLine Theatre Company); James and the Giant Peach (Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook); Jabari Dreams of Freedom (Chicago Children’s Theatre); Romeo and Juliet, Emma, (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); Beauty’s Daughter, & Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (American Blues Theater). Cara is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.
About American Blues Theater
Winner of the American Theatre Wing’s prestigious National Theatre Company Award, American Blues Theater is a premier arts organization with an intimate environment that patrons, artists, and all Chicagoans call home. American Blues Theater explores the American identity through the plays it produces and communities it serves.
The diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second-oldest professional Equity Ensemble theater in Chicago. As of 2020, the theater and artists received 221 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 40 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. The artists are honored with Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades.