Musician, actress, teacher brings it all to BAC

Celia Slattery presents songs from her latest CD "Cast of Characters," Saturday at 7:30 p.m., at Brewery Arts Center.

Combining what Slattery calls the "disparate threads" of her background - musical theater, folk music and jazz - Slattery's performance combines original music, as well as the songs of such greats as Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, who have inspired Slattery throughout her career.

"I started out studying theater and my first love was acting," Slattery, who attended New England Conservatory and did independent study through Leslee University, said.

She began playing guitar and coffee houses throughout New England. Eventually looking for more challenging music, she began experimenting with other genres, including jazz.

Her diverse background led her to a seven-month gig singing in Bangkok, Thailand and then to a one woman show, "Moving Target," about growing up in the politically and socially turbulent times of the 1960s and '70s. The show toured from 1997-2004, and inspired the release of a CD by the same name in 2001.

Throughout her career, Slattery has combined both her passion for music and teaching, giving workshops throughout the United States.

She will conduct a Musical Theater Workshop from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, open to everyone. She will coach voice technique, repertoire, acting the song, how to work with an accompanist, stage presence and how to make stage fright work for you. Participants should bring one to three music selections. Cost is $22 per student, and current BAC Stage Kids and BAC Members will receive a free ticket to Slattery's concert with tuition.

Slattery will be accompanied by pianist Jane Potter for both the workshop and performance. Potter has performed extensively as a soloist and with her jazz ensembles and has performed on National Public Radio and at the Democratic National Convention. Among her other credits, she is currently an associate professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston.

"Jane is an amazing musician, which really ups the ante for me," Slattery said, adding the audience can expect a performance of excellence that is also fun and often thought-provoking.

To learn more about Slattery's extensive career, the backstories on her songs and arrangements and to sample her music, visit celiaslattery.com.

Tickets for Saturday's performance cost $16 for reserved seating and $13 for students and BAC members. Online ticket sales end two hours prior to the performance with additional tickets available at the door. To purchase on-line, visit breweryarts.org or call 775-883-1976.