Connie Olson © Andrea Canter

Connie Olson grew up in Minneapolis and has been performing professionally since 17 as a lead singer for a wide range of music ensembles, including rock 'n' roll, rhythm and blues, and jazz. In the 1980s, she tested the scene in Los Angeles, attending the Dick Grove School of Music and working in many of LA's top venues such as the Disneyland Hotel, the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, and the Ritz Carlton Hotels. Her voice has taken her around the world, working with the Peter Duchin Big Band, and the Peter Graves Orchestra, as well as with musicians from the Manhattan Transfer, the Brian Setzer Orchestra, and the bands of Prince and Madonna. She’s worked as a clinician at the Manhattan School of Music, and during the fall of 2002, she toured US colleges and music schools with acclaimed German vibraphonist Bill Molenhof.

Connie’s voice can be heard on numerous radio and television commercials, and she has sung lead and background vocals on releases by the Musicland and K-Tel Corporations and on Prince's debut album. Connie was recently featured on Ultrasound, the newest CD by Matt "Dr." Fink, former keyboardist for Prince's back-up band, the Revolution. Connie is often on stage at Twin Cities venues including Rossi’s, The Times and the Dakota. In addition to teaching private voice students, other recent projects include recordings with Tim Bonhomme, keyboardist for the Beach Boys Band, and Twin Cities’ pianist Benny Weinbeck.

Connie originally released Daydreaming, A Tribute to Doris Day in 2004, featuring songs from Doris’ classic collaboration with Andre Previn in 1964. “My interest in Doris Day started when a friend of mine and fellow singer in LA, Cathy Segal-Garcia, said that I approached the standards like Doris Day—a certain quality, she said. Then I would go and do big band gigs and the leader would say, ‘Here comes our Doris!’" When pianist/producer Benny Weinbeck approached Connie about working on a project, Doris Day immediately came to mind. “Doris is a very visual person,” said Connie last winter as she prepared her first tribute show. “So that will be an aspect that I will be aware of...the blonde wig! Just maybe!”

At Crave, the Mary Louise Knutson Trio will provide fine support for Connie, as she sings the tunes of Doris Day as well as from other pages of the American Songbook. In addition to award-winning pianist Mary Louise, the trio includes “young veteran” bassist Graydon Peterson and elegant drummer Jay Epstein. Last spring, this trio toured throughout the Midwest covering jazz classics and original compositions.

Crave is located in the old Sidney’s space at Galleria, on 70^th and York Avenue in Edina. The restaurant features an eclectic menu, with music from 8:30 pm- midnight. Catch Connie Olson and the Mary Louise Knutson Trio on Friday, September 14^th!

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