Concordia University Theatre will release seven singer-songwriter tributes sung by CUW students, alumni, and faculty throughout the month of November.


Theatre Director Dr. Lori Woodall-Schaufler and team have been working feverishly over the past several weeks to produce quality theatrical performances amidst restrictions brought on by the coronavirus. The singer-songwriter series is the first of three efforts they’ll undertake before the end of the semester.

“A Tribute to Singer-Songwriters” showcases the individual talents of Concordians without requiring group ensembles. The songs span the greats of the 1950s up to today. The performers were pre-recorded and Woodall-Schaufler has worked with her husband, Ryan Schaufler, to piece the performances into small-batch “concerts” that will progressively be released over the next few weeks.

Click on the videos below to watch each tribute, and check back for upcoming performances to be posted.

Great Singer-Songwriters of the 20th and 21st Century


Lizzy Beisel “Piano Man” Billy Joel

Cassidy Mertzig “Angel” Sarah MacLaughlan

Eden Nass and Saylor Alberts “A Million Reasons” Lady Gaga

Aidan O’Donnell “Dream Lover” Bobby Darrin

Ethan Karschnik “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” John Fogerty


The Singer-Songwriter Era: Songs of the 1960s and ‘70s


Jonathon Gideon “She’s Always a Woman” Billy Joel, “And I Love Her”  The Beatles, “Rocket Man”  Elton John, “I’m a Believer”  Neil Diamond, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” Simon and Garfunkel

Lianna Brice “Both Sides Now” Joni Mitchell

Asher Puls “Here Comes the Sun” The Beatles

Courtney Richards “Killing Me Softly” Roberta Flack

Jonah McGinnis “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” Elton John, “She’s Got a Way” Billy Joel

Ethan Karschnik “My Love” Paul McCartney

Andrew Sear “Piano Man” Billy Joel

John Robertson “Your Song” Elton John


Alumni of the Greater Community

Stephanie Bongard Song title pending

Lauren Simek Song title pending

Chelsea Taylor Song title pending

Sarah Schmeiser Song title pending

Anna Kolander Song title pending

Katie Vazquez “Landslide” Stevie Nicks


Songs of Worship of the New Millennium


Giovanna Greco “I Know My Redeemer Lives” Nicole Mullen

Jackson Bowen “East Meets West” Casting Crowns

Marlia King “No Longer Slaves” Bethel Music

Olivia Zimmermann “Dry Bones” Lauren Daigle

Our Redeemer Praise and Worship Team Song titles to be announced


Songwriters of the New Millennium


Sarah Schmeiser “Fine by Me” Andrew Grammer / Matthew Radosevich

Angela Penterman “Love Story” Taylor Swift

Ardis White “King of Anything” Sara Bareilles

Giovanna Greco “Gravity” Sara Bareilles

Macee Goehmann “Don’t You Remember” Adele/Dan Wilson

Olivia Walters “Make You Feel My Love” Bob Dylan (performed in the style of Adele’s recording)

Kenall Lotto “All I Ask” Adele/Bruno Mars/Christopher Brown/Philip Lawrence

Marlia King “Someone Like You” Adele

Rose Crooks “Lost Boys” Ruth Berhe

Marlia King “Valerie” Dave McCabe from the Zutons (performed in the style of Mark Ronson, featuring Amy Winehouse)


The Folk Progression with Dr. Brian Harries and Prof. Lori Woodall

Brian Harries and Lori Woodall “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” Hank Williams, “All I Have to Do is Dream” The Everly Brothers, “Blowin’ in the Wind” Bob Dylan, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” John Denver

Brian Harries “Pony Boat” Lyle Lovett


Country Legends of Yesteryear

Luke Hahn “Cold, Cold Heart” Hank Williams

Emma Fritz “Coat of Many Colors” Dolly Parton

Giovanna Greco “I Will Always Love You” Dolly Parton

Brian Harries “Folsom Prison Blues” Johnny Cash, “Sad Songs and Waltzes” Willie Nelson

Prof. Lori Woodall “Your Cheatin’ Heart” Hank Williams, “Honky Tonk Girl” Loretta Lynn, “Crazy” Willie Nelson/Patsy Cline

— This story is written by Kali Thiel, director of university communications for Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. She may be reached at kali.thiel@cuw.edu or 262-243-2149.

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