Gerard Estella started with classical piano training, but he soon headed off in his own direction, learning by ear and improvising by raw talent. It's a journey that's taken him around the world and in the company of many of today's prominent musicians. Still, Estella never lost his respect for the masters, whether they be classical, rock, country, or blues, and his versatility as an artist allows him to pay homage to them all. It also allows him to be one of the most prolific musicians, composers, and producers in the area. In August 2006, he was the featured artist at Brucemore's Cabaret in the Courtyard, which also commemorated the release of Uncommon Kings, a book/CD set presenting the history of Brucemore through original music and photography. He can also be seen on IPTV broadcasts of Live at Liars, where he often serves as musical director and featured musician. In addition to the CD, Uncommon Kings, Estella appears on and produced Janelle Lauer, Turn the Corner; both projects previously funded by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.
Janelle Lauer's life is composed of the music and people she loves - and they are the reason for the passion in her voice. That passion has earned her the reputation as one of "eastern Iowa's greatest musical talents." In 2003, Liars Theatre Publishing released Janelle Lauer Live at Liars, a 16-track compilation of live performances. She brought audiences to their feet each night during her performances at Brucemore's Cabaret in the Courtyard in 2004. In February 2005, she released her first studio album, Turn the Corner, featuring five of Lauer's original songs - four co-written with Gerard Estella, and funded in part by the Iowa Arts Council. She'll be returning to the studio in early 2007 to produce a rhythm and blues CD.
Area audiences have been enjoying the music and musings of Doug Elliott almost from the day he returned to eastern Iowa thirteen years ago. In addition to more recent appearances with his SPT cohorts, he's been a frequent performer in area musical theater and choral productions. Some of his more notable performances include 1776 at Brucemore where he terrified the audience each night by charging at them on horseback; Forever Plaid at Theatre Cedar Rapids because it ran FOREVER; and any show where he's done the splits (most often unscripted). He appears as a vocalist on Uncommon Kings and Janelle Lauer, Turn the Corner.
Jane Pini's musical career started in the 70's as the lead singer in a rock & roll band, including the release of a solo album, Hunger for Reality, in 1979 (copies of which are still available, if anyone actually owns a turntable with a working needle). In more recent years, her presence on stage and the strength of her voice have captivated audiences at Brucemore, Liars Theatre, Theatre Cedar Rapids, and Riverside Theatre in Iowa City, to name a few. She appears as a vocalist on Uncommon Kings and Janelle Lauer, Turn the Corner. By day, Jane is a psychotherapist.
Photos by Greg Billman
Billman Photography