THE POP CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
ANNOUNCING THE 2019 POP CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Ethan Yeshaya/Bass
Ethan Yeshaya is a musician and writer from the Twin Cities who has been described as "great guy, great musician, sings in the Michael McDonald voice a bit too often." Ethan graduated from McNally Smith College of Music in 2016 and since has played with artists such as Tabah, Thomas Abban, Big Homie, and many more. He produces comedic videos, loves to read and tries to find the humor in life. This is his fourth tour with Lorie Line.
Carolyn Boulay/Violin
Carolyn Boulay studied classical violin at the University of Minnesota before joining the San Antonio Symphony's first violin section. After she and husband Pat returned to the Twin Cities to raise their family, Carolyn branched out into other styles of music and less traditional venues. She has played bluegrass from the back of a pickup truck on stage at the Guthrie Theater, country music from a flatbed truck for a rib fest, "Fiddler On The Roof" while straddling the peak of a house during an outdoor church service for the real Charlie Brown, and accompanied Lorie Line at the White House. Much of her work of late has been in ensembles at Twin Cities theaters, either in the pit or on stage. Of all the costumes she has worn, nothing tops the 34-pound dress she wore on a holiday extravaganza with Lorie Line. Carolyn's family includes three daughters, their husbands and 11 grandchildren. Carolyn previously toured 13 years with Lorie Line and she is happy to be back.
Merilee Klemp/Oboe/English Horn
Merilee Klemp received a B.A. in Music Education from Augsburg College, a M.A. in Musicology from the University of Minnesota, and a D.M.A. in Oboe Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music. She is an active performer and recording artist in the Twin Cities, playing regularly with the MN Sinfonia. She currently teaches at Augsburg College and Carleton College. If you are a collector of Lorie's music you will recognize her sound as she has been recording with Lorie for 30 years. She is married to composer and cellist Randall Davidson who is also on the tour, and they have one son, Benjamin. Merilee toured in the very early years with Lorie and this is her second tour with her in recent years.
Randall Davidson/Cello
Randall Davidson is both a cellist and composer. His cello experiences include 27 years at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival where he learned to wear tights with conviction and a sense of humility. His most noteworthy composition is a collaboration with Garrison Keillor in "The Young Lutheran's Guide to the Orchestra" which contains a warning to all you Lutherans: if you want to avoid sin, learn how to play the harp and marry a percussionist. Randall is married to an oboist, Merilee Klemp. This is his fourth tour with Lorie Line.
Michael Hurley/Percussion
Percussionist Michael Hurley's career in music began in the 1960's drumming in the styles of jazz, East Indian, Asian, Irish, African, Middle Eastern, funk, pop, reggae and rock. His eclectic taste, passion and knowledge of music has contributed to his exceptional skills as a DJ performing nationally and globally. He actively engages in creative pursuits by performing electro/acoustic drums on recording projects between Minnesota and California and is a member of the musical group Maui Lotus. Michael toured with Lorie as her percussionist at the "turn of the century" in the late 1990's/early 2000's and performed with her on her second PBS special. He is delighted to return this year to be a part of her ensemble of talented musicians.
Maddie Olsem/SOPRANO
Maddie Olsem has been capturing audiences with her voice and acting since an early age and is ecstatic to be sharing the stage this holiday season on her first tour with Lorie Line. Originally from Cedar Rapids, IA, she has been heavily involved in music and theater with various theaters, choirs, and opera companies. Some of her favorite roles include Jo in Little Women: The Musical, Maggie in A Chorus Line, and Natalie in Faces (a new musical that she helped premier at NYC's 54 Below). In addition to the performing arts, Maddie also found her passion for arts administration during her post graduate internship at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Now she resides in Minneapolis (to be near her boyfriend, Ben!) and continues to spread her love of performance, arts administration, and education across the midwest. Maddie would like to thank her family and friends for their continued love and support!
952-474-1000 or 800-801-LINE (5463)
P.O. Box 400, Mound, MN 55364
