|
WMU Home > About WMU > WMU News
Allison Downey and friends debut "Across the Sea"Jan. 9, 2008 KALAMAZOO--Award-winning singer/songwriter Allison Downey, will introduce her second album, "Across the Sea," at a CD release concert beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, in the Little Theatre at Western Michigan University. "Across the Sea" follows Downey's "Wind at Your Back," released five years ago upon her arrival in Michigan from Austin, Texas. During her time in Michigan, Downey has honed her songwriting skills and developed a sound that has been characterized as "Midwestern urban folk." Two of the songs from the new collection, "Almost" and "All That Matters" won Downey the 2007 People's Choice Award at the Wildflower Festival Performing Songwriting Competition in Texas. Performing with Downey on the CD and at the concert is her husband and musical partner John Austin (six-string bass). Also lending their talents to the CD and performing at the concert are Ann Arbor's Annie Capps (harmonies) and Rod Capps (mandolin, guitar), Grand Rapids' Brian Morrill (drums, percussion) and Michael Crittenden (guitar, piano, percussion). Crittenden also produced the CD, which is available on the Mackinaw Harvest Music label. In addition to their marriage and musical interests, Austin and Downey also have common professional careers. Austin, psychology, and Downey, education, are members of the WMU faculty. Doors open for the concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and $7 for students and are available through the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office at (269) 387-2300 and at the door. "Across the Sea" will be available for purchase locally beginning Saturday at the WMU Bookstore, Terrapin, People's Food Coop and Barnes and Noble. It will be available through major online retailers and music services later. For more information visit allisondowney.com. The Little Theatre is located at the corner of Oakland Drive and Oliver Street on WMU's East Campus. Free off-street parking is available behind the theatre and in lots across Oakland Drive. Concert sponsors include the Printmill, Craftsman Chop Company and Flying Dog Garage. Related story Media contact: Mark Schwerin, (269) 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu WMU News |
