“Artists Lounge Live presents: “Feelin’ Groovy, Michael Mahler sings Paul Simon

ARTISTS LOUNGE LIVE is a Chicago-based production company created by married team Executive Producer Michael Ingersoll and Artistic Director Angela Ingersoll. Artists Lounge Live presents captivating concerts nationwide which feature singular talents singing classic pop music with superb musicianship and intimate storytelling. The company’s team of creators, headliners, and musicians enjoy distinguished careers in Broadway, theatre, film, television, and the recording and touring industries. Caring for audiences with a refreshing blend of humor and heart, Artists Lounge Live believes in the restorative power of live entertainment for the individual and the community. Partner organizations include Marriott Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, and Paramount Theatre (Chicago), Goodspeed Musicals and Westport Country Playhouse (Connecticut), La Mirada Theatre and Laguna Playhouse (Los Angeles), Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, The Phoenix Theatre Company, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and many more.

***** This afternoon, and last night, the tribute performance that they produced at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire was “Feelin’ Groovy- Michael Mahler sings Paul Simon” , and I for one was glad that I had the opportunity to watch ( and hear) Mahler bring the music and the story of Paul Simon to the stage. Part of what makes Artists Lounge Live so special is that the performers are not impersonating those they are paying tribute to. They are telling us the story of the person and their music, with their music as a major part of it. The producers, the Ingersolls, not only do their own show(s), but they have sought out local talent ( and some from New York, as well) to bring shows that audiences love. Tony Bennett, Karen Carpenter, Elvis Presley and the list goes on and on. Michael Mahler, who many local theater-goers will recognize from the many shows he has done on area stages, has been a part of the program with his amazing Paul McCartney tribute, and now, he does likewise with Paul Simon.

As I drove to the theater, I wondered how they would do the story without including Art Garfunkel, but they thought of everything. Mahler introduced us to a former schoolmate, and also a well known Chicago actor, Devin Desantis, who filled in on the tenor parts where needed. ( he also did a few songs on his own in the second act). The show was two glorious hours, with one ten minute intermission, that brought the almost full house ( on a Tuesday afternoon/Election Day) to their feet.

Mahler is a lovable story teller, with a great smile, and a love of what he does that truly shines through. He spoke about his talented spouse ( also a local performer) and his son, Ezra, who just celebrated his 8th birthday , and as he did one could see the love in his smile. Mahler is an actor, musician, composer, singer, and a true historian of the work he is involved in. I learned a great deal about Simon and Garfunkel today. I also learned about the making of “Graceland” album after his trip to Africa, and some of the problems that came from this amazing award winning record. I have found that each of these concerts I have attended has been one that I walk away from “feelin’ groovy”!  I f you ever get an opportunity to catch him doing one of these “showcase tributes”, make sure you get tickets. To make sure you learn more, visit www.artistsloungelive.com.