CAMBRIDGE, Illinois—Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mean Mary will perform at Ca d’Zan House Concerts in Cambridge on Saturday, September 5. Presented by Crossroads Cultural Connections, the all-ages concert will begin at 7 p.m., following an optional community potluck dinner at 6 p.m.

Born Mary James in Geneva, Alabama, Mean Mary has lived an extraordinary life in music. She learned to read music before she could read words, wrote her first song before kindergarten, recorded her first album at age six, and began performing professionally as a child. By then, she was already playing guitar, banjo and fiddle.
Her early years were anything but ordinary. As a child, Mary spent time living with her family in the wilderness of northern Minnesota, where they stayed in a homemade plastic tent while building a log cabin by hand. Those experiences, along with years spent traveling, performing and exploring traditional American music, helped shape the vivid storytelling that remains central to her work.

As a teenager, Mary and her brother Frank became immersed in folk and Civil War-era music and soon developed into one of the most sought-after historical folk acts in the country. Her career later took her to California, where she worked in television and film as a background actor, stand-in, photo double, stunt double and day player while continuing to pursue music.
A serious automobile accident later threatened to end her career when her right vocal cord was paralyzed. Rather than give up music, Mary fought to recover, continuing to perform instrumentally while working to regain her voice. After months of effort, movement gradually returned to the damaged vocal cord, and she ultimately recovered her ability to sing.

Today, Mean Mary tours extensively throughout the United States and overseas, writes and produces music and videos, and has built an international following. She plays 11 instruments, has recorded 18 albums, and her videos have received nearly 30 million views on YouTube. She is also an endorsing artist and Goodtime Ambassador for Deering Banjos.

Her performances draw on a lifetime of experience, blending folk, Americana, bluegrass, roots music, compelling storytelling and remarkable instrumental ability into an intimate live show.

Guests are invited to arrive at 6 p.m. for the optional potluck dinner and may bring a dish to share. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. A donation of $20 to $30 is suggested, and music lovers of all ages are welcome.

Presented by Crossroads Cultural Connections, this concert continues the organization’s mission of bringing meaningful, high-quality live music experiences to Henry County and surrounding communities.

EVENT DETAILS

Who: Mean Mary
When: Saturday, September 5
Potluck: 6 p.m.; bring a dish to share if participating
Concert: 7 p.m.
Where: Ca d’Zan House Concerts, Cambridge, Illinois
Admission: Suggested donation of $20–$30
Seating: Bring lawn chairs or blankets
Audience: All ages welcome