Folk singer/songwriter Claudia Schmidt in concert May 10

Claudia Schmidt is a powerful vocalist and adventurous artist who combines lively folk, jazz, and blues with rich poetry and playful humor. Hailing from Michigan, she knew at a young age that she was destined to be a singer. Hear Claudia Schmidt perform from her newest CD, Bend in the River: Collected Songs and other albums on Thursday, May 10 at 7 pm at Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake Street. Free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 pm. First-come, first-seated. Meet Claudia Schmidt and purchase her CDs following the concert. This free concert is funded by the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library.

After performing with many choirs throughout her youth, Claudia Schmidt pursued a professional career while in Chicago, leading her to Wisconsin and Minnesota, where she was a frequent guest on the early days of A Prairie Home Companion.

More than 30 years and 16 albums later, Claudia Schmidt continues to perform on the road for her loyal legions of fans across the country. Mixing folk, jazz, traditional ballads, and breathtaking originals, there's not a style she can't master. Claudia’s incredible voice and charismatic stage presence makes her a marvel in concert.

In the middle of her career, Claudia Schmidt took a detour from her music and opened a bed and breakfast with her husband on Beaver Island in the middle of Lake Michigan. But Claudia always kept music as a close companion, leaving for short tours during this period. Eventually, the muse struck her again and Claudia returned to recording and touring fulltime. Claudia has recorded 16 of her own albums, including five on Red House Records and two with singer/songwriter Sally Rogers.

With an infectious energy and joy, Claudia Schmidt continues to tour the country, delighting audiences with her spectacular vocals and instrumental prowess. Now living in Minneapolis, she recently released Bend in the River: Collected Songs. A fun, wide-ranging collection of her finest Red House material, it is the album that fans have been waiting for.

For more about Claudia Schmidt and her tour schedule, please visit www.claudiaschmidt.com or www.redhouserecords.com.

This free performance on Thursday, May 10 by Claudia Schmidt is part of the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library’s folk music concert series. My Sweet Patootie will perform the next free concert on Monday, April 30 at 7 pm at Oak Park Public Library. Singer/songwriters including Bill and Kate Isles, Kevin So, Joe Crookston, and Kat Eggleston have previously performed as part of this series.

Find more events happening at Oak Park Public Library at http://oppl.org/events/calendar.