Laurie Roldan: A Song for You: The Music of Karen Carpenter

Laurie Roldan. Photo by Ben Krantz Studio.

Taking the stage at Green Room 42, Laurie Roldan is clearly in her element, performing the Karen Carpenter Catalogue with verve, optimism and utter delight. Accompanied by Music Director Nicolas Perez, Charlie Mac Call on bass, Mitch Bowers on drums and backup vocals by Luis E. Mora, Taylor Noll, and Bridgette Kinsella Roldan and company dive into the hits of one of the most well-known voices in history.

Claiming a “mystical connection” with Carpenter from the age of four, Laurie says she learned to sing listening to her albums. Indeed echoes of Karen Carpenter’s voice can be heard in Laurie’s voice throughout the show, especially in her low tones.

Highlights of the set include a deeply felt “Goodbye to Love”(John Bettis/Richard Carpenter), a lush “Bless the Beasts & The Children” (Barry DeVorzon/Perry Botkin, Jr.) and a delightful duet of “Those Good Ole Dreams”(John Bettis/Richard Carpenter)with backup vocalist and daughter Bridgette Kinsella. She also takes on the drums for “Close to You,” charmingly telling us that Karen was a “drummer who sang” while she is a “singer who sings.”

Through it all, Roldan tells her story of being a misfit who fantasized about being Wonder Woman and a famous singer who found hope and resilience in Karen Carpenter’s story and music. The joy she finds in exploring these tunes is palpable as she closes with Joe Raposo’s “Sing”. In Laurie Roldan’s hands, the song becomes an anthem of positivism and hope from a woman who knows she was born to do just that.

"A Song for You: The Music of Karen Carpenter"

Performed by Laurie Roldan

Musical direction by Nicolas Perez

May 31, 2025

The Green Room 42 (570 Tenth Avenue, NYC)

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Wendy Lane Bailey has a powerful classic pop voice and a rather cavalier attitude towards the idea of genre. Wendy-Lane’s debut solo recording, Breathing, was produced by composer/arranger/pianist Michele Brourman. Her performances in venues across the country have earned critical praise for versatility and sophistication. She has appeared as a guest artist on multiple recordings, including Leslie Gore’s and Susan Egan’s. She studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, HB Studios and the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center. Off-stage Wendy Lane is a creative advocate for artists. While living in Washington, D.C., she founded a regional networking organization for musicians and for five years, was the Associate Director of the Cabaret Conference at Yale University. She received a 2007 Bistro Award for outstanding achievement and was nominated for a Washington Area Music Association Award. While serving on the board of NJ’s Pioneer productions, she produced, directed, and appeared in several theatre pieces. She is currently developing Hot Coffee, MS, a solo theatre piece with music in collaboration with Michele Brourman & Gretchen Cryer. In 2020, she accepted the position of Assistant Artistic Director of the United Solo Theatre Festival. In addition to her performing work, she teaches and consults privately and in master classes for singers of all genres.