Solo Sunday Presents "Masters of Song," featuring Val Leventhal, Jim Gary, Scott Wills, Barbara Smith, Patrick Reninger, & Anne McIntyre

Masters of Song showcases the work of a group of Chicago musicians who pursue excellence in the song form. The six performers meet regularly to try out new material, exchange musical ideas, and explore their craft together. Expect an intimate evening of soulful songs, challenging ideas, and virtuoso musicianship. 

Jim Gary is an award-winning songwriter and Kerrville New Folk Finalist with 6 CDs featuring 70 original songs of wit and wisdom in whatever genre suits his fancy! 

Val Leventhal is a veteran singer songwriter with a powerful voice who has performed in the Chicago area since the 1970s. Her music is eclectic, lyric driven, and addresses the human condition past, present and future. 

Scott Wills is a Chicago-based artist/musician. He composes, performs and records intense, story-driven songs with a wry, sardonic wit. He has performed in Chicago area in clubs, bars, coffee houses, private events and street festivals since the 1970s. His first album of original songs will be released in Fall 2023 on the Manatauck Music label. 

Barbara Smith has appeared in shows in Chicago and Paris, including Studio Herbertot, Piano Vache, Chez Ma Cousine, Davenport's, Rosa's Lounge, Chief O'Neill's, Borellis, Ephiphany and the Cliff Dwellers Club. Her powerful alto voice is well suited to jazz, blues, and folk music as well as cabaret. She was the 2018 winner of the Skokie Idol. 

Harmonica player Patrick Reninger is fiery soloist able to channel his passion for the blues into everything from a jazz ballad to a country weeper. In his teens, Patrick jammed with bluesmen at the famed Maxwell Street Flea Market on Chicago’s Near West Side. He has performed with country, blues and rock musicians throughout Chicagoland including gigs at the House of Blues, the Chicago Cultural Center and the 1997 Chicago Blues Festival. 

Anne McIntyre - keyboards and occasional songwriter. Her dad taught her to play the blues when she was a little girl and she has been playing them ever since...she's a honky-tonk woman.