
Mean Mary | Cambridge, IL at Ca d’zan House Concerts – Cambridge, IL
Don’t miss this upcoming event in Cambridge, IL. Happening on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Ca d’zan House Concerts. Doors open at 7:00 PM.
6pm – potluck/social hour
7pm – show
$20-30 suggested donation
All ages, family-friendly
Rain location: Bishop Hill Creative Commons
Bring lawn chairs/blankets, BYOB
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https://meanmary.com/
Mary James, youngest of six children, was born in Geneva, Alabama, though her family lived in Florida, a couple miles below the Alabama line. Her mom (author, Jean James) and dad (WWII veteran, William James) lived a very nomadic lifestyle. On one occasion they packed up the family (Mary was four at the time) and moved from Florida to North Minnesota, near the Canadian border, to rough it in the wilds.
Today she produces music, produces videos (her YouTube videos have received over 15 million visits), tours extensively across the US and overseas, is co-writing a novel trilogy about the music world, and is an endorsing artist for Deering Banjos. The Deerings have named her their Goodtime Ambassador. Mary plays 11 instruments and has recorded 16 albums, her newest being Cold. There is not room here to tell the whole life story of Mean Mary, but if you would like to hear more of it, listen to her music—it is all there.
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The potluck is optional, but it is a great chance to connect others in the audience and maybe even share a meal with the artist. It also helps ensure the artist isn’t having to have a meal from a gas station. We’ll provide the plates, bowls, silverware, napkins, and, if you need it, serving spoons. Feel free to bring anything you’d like–an entrée, appetizer, dessert, or drink to share. Bring something you will enjoy eating, because if you enjoy it, it is likely others will as well.
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This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Illinois Humanities, and the Doris and Ken Charitable Trust.