STANDISH – Claudia Schmidt is the featured performer for the Second Sunday Concert series season opener at the Northeast Art Center in Standish on Sunday, Oct. 13, at 2 p.m.

Schmidt is one of the Midwest’s most well known and premiere jazz and blues vocalist. A native of New Baltimore, Schmidt pulled the modern equivalent of running away with the circus as soon as she was able, joining a theater group after high school and touring with them for a year. Another round of seasons at the University of Michigan didn’t work out, so she relocated to Chicago, where an already vibrant folk music scene welcomed her and inspired a career that led to dozens of records and countless miles.

Since that time, Schmidt has been perfecting her craft. Her music is poetry, story, laughter, drama and celebrating the moment. Her work in clubs, theaters, festivals, television and radio has added depth and dimension to the artist she has become today. She always includes her original work, along with very personal versions of the work of others in her performances.

What the audience gets is a unique look at the world from someone who says what she sees with clarity and wonder. The San Francisco Guardian said, “Schmidt’s shows are a lot like falling in love. You never know what’s going to happen next, but chances are it’s going to be wonderful every moment!”

Tickets will be available when the box office opens at 1:30 p.m. the day of performance. The art center is located at the corner of Grove Street Road and US-23, a half-mile north of the Standish traffic light.

For additional information, contact the Art Center at 989-846-9331, or visit its website at nemiac.org.