Chicago has New York City's Anne Steele on loan for two coveted nights only—April 11- 12, at the Chicago cabaret club Davenport's, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave. The catchy pop ( with a flare of Broadway baby ) singer is expanding her wings from her hometown Manhattan to the Windy City just in time for spring and, boy, is she ready to fly!
Off-stage has been very eventful for the newly married mom of four. Her relationship with r Family Vacations co-founder Kelli Carpenter took a turn into Doubleville as the duo tied the knot June 1, 2013, in a private ceremony at their Chestnut Ridge home in New York. With so many new beginnings ever-present, one can only imagine the possibilities.
Windy City Times: Anne, you will be making your Chicago debut at Davenport's on April 11-12. Why did it take you this long to visit our Windy City? We're excited to have you!
Anne Steele: Chicago has always been one of my favorite cities. I grew up in the Midwest and always loved that Chicago is a big city but has a Midwestern heart. So far I have focused my career in the New York City area because it is my home and [I've] built a substantial following there. I felt like it was time to branch out and begin to grow audiences in other cities throughout the U.S.
WCT: Musical director Nate Buccieri will join you on the piano. What can the audience expect to hear from both you and Nate?
Anne Steele: Nate has been my musical director and partner for many years. We have a wonderful rapport on stage. He makes me feel comfortable enough to explore all styles of music knowing he is there backing me up. You can expect to hear music ranging from Broadway to Pop to Standards - all tied together with stories of my life and growing up in the Midwest then moving to NYC and my coming out experience.
WCT: Speaking of stories, what will you be sharing at Davenport's?
Anne Steele: The stories will be relevant and touching to each person attending the show. I think they need to come see the show for some good laughs and amazing music.
WCT: Congratulations on your wedding to a wonderful gal, Kelli Carpenter! How is married life treating you?
Anne Steele: Married life is better than I ever thought it could be. We have a wonderful balance between family and career. We both have many similar interests such as travel and cooking, but are different enough in our personalities that we provide a perfect balance in our relationship. Mostly, we have a ton of fun together!
WCT: In your opinion, what is one common misconception about marriage?
Anne Steele: I do not understand why people consider marriage as the end to the fun in a relationship. Our lives are far from boring and we look forward to many more adventures together.
WCT: In addition to becoming a wife, you've also become a mom to Kelli's children. Has the adjustment affected your work/home/ life balance?
Anne Steele: Yes, of course having children now has had an impact on balancing other parts of my life. However, it is one of the most rewarding things that I have done. We work as a team in parenting and in the home, so we both feel supported in our day-to-day lives.
WCT: Have any tips to share with other modern moms out there?
Anne Steele: Don't sweat the small stuff. Enjoy the time with your children as it goes by way too quickly!
WCT: For those who have not had the opportunity to see you perform in person, how might you describe your sound?
Anne Steele: As a cross between a Kelly Clarkson and Sara Bareilles, with a hint of Barbra Streisand
WCT: If you could choose one person, living or dead, to duet with, who would it be?
Anne Steele: Whitney Houston. She helped shape the singer that I am [today] and is well-represented in my show.
WCT: What would you sing?
Anne Steele: Anything she wants! It could be the phone book and that would work for me.
WCT: Have a Chicago story to share with us?
Anne Steele: Not yet! I hope to have plenty after the show.
Visit www.davenportspianobar.com to purchase tickets to see Anne Steele in concert at Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret on April 11 at 8 p.m. and April 12 at 10:30 p.m.
