Western Star Mary Kaye to Perform at Casino Star Theatre in Gunnison

With fresh paint barely dry on its spectacular restored façade, the historic Casino Star Theatre in Gunnison announces an equally special concert for Thursday, October 6. Mary Kaye, singer and songwriter, along with her Taylor guitar, will share stories of the West in music and song. The concert begins at 7:00 p.m.

Last year, Mary Kaye was named Female Vocalist of the Year by the Western Music Association. She also won the Crescendo Award for best new act and received a total of seven WMA nominations, two of which were for best song. Nominated for further WMA accolades in 2011, Mary Kaye is riding high in the Western Music world. Her ability to wrap stories into enthralling songs and sing them beautifully has helped to quickly propel her into the inner circles of western music.

Born in Texas and raised in Mississippi, she ventured to Utah for a BYU education and “married her a cowboy.” She and husband Brad Knaphus now live on a 100-year-old homestead in Manti with their 10 children.

Her 2010 CD, "Clean Outta Luck,” was on the top 20 western music charts for 12 months. Her latest CD, "The Real Thing,” rooted deeply in family, love, and God, has been enthusiastically received. It is said that the spirit of the West sings in every soul. Mary Kaye believes this and shares this spirit in every performance.

Suggested donations for Mary Kaye’s concert, with all proceeds slated for the ongoing restoration fund for the theatre, are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and students. Tickets are on sale at Rasmussen’s Ace Hardware and the Copy Station in Gunnison; the Sanpete Messenger Office in Manti; and Kopi Katz Printing in Ephraim. For group rates or credit card sales, call Diana at 435-979-2798.