Lisa Yusk Bowker
Lisa is a singer/songwriter originally from Louisville, Ky. Though she trained in classical music in New Orleans, she ultimately earned her doctorate in clinical psychology and now makes her living in private practice in Chicago and Evanston. Lisa has been a member of the Lakeside Singers since its second year. She spent many years playing with roots and country pop bands around Chicago, but more recently has launched the 3Broads cabaret series with two of her fellow Lakesiders, Jill Greenman and Angel Barrette Underhill.
Rosetta Sellers-Varela
Rosetta Sellers-Varela was born and raised in Chicago. Since graduating from Western Illinois University with a BA in Music Education, she has enjoyed a career as a teacher, conductor, arranger, and performer. Rosetta has sung with several professional choirs, including Chicago Symphony Chorus, William Ferris Chorale, Vocality, and New Classic Singers, to name a few. In addition to singing, her teaching/conducting experience includes K-8 general music, junior high and high school choruses, church choirs, children's chorus, professional choirs, and vocal instruction for every age and ability level. Rosetta is a married mom of four children, and the fiercest minivan driver in the greater Chicagoland area.
Marianne Embree
Marianne graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance in 1990. From college she moved on to Nashville where she spent 4 years performing at Opryland, The Grand Ole Opry, Tennessee Repertory Theater and studio sessions with a variety of artists. Most of Marianne's professional experience is in musical theater. She traveled the nation performing roles such as Sarah in Guys and Dolls, Rose in The Secret Garden, Alaura in City of Angels and Betty Blake in Will Rogers Follies. She settled back in Chicago opting for a more settled lifestyle. Marianne is thrilled to have the opportunity to sing amazing music with an even more amazing group of musicians.
Susan Smentek
Born and raised on Chicago’s northwest side, Susan Smentek, mezzo-soprano, holds a B.S. in Speech from Northwestern University and a Masters Degree in Vocal Pedagogy from Northeastern Illinois University. Her diverse career highlights include appearing as the alto soloist in the Elmhurst Choral Union’s production of Handel’s “Messiah”, touring the United States and Poland as a soloist with the Lira Ensemble, performing and recording as a member of Richard Proulx’s Cathedral Singers, and a stint as a singing waitress at the Dry Gulch Dinner Theater.
A mainstay on the staff of the Old Town School of Folk Music for several years, Susan served as a voice and guitar instructor as well as a concert producer. Currently, Susan is the Cultural Arts Program Manager for Elmhurst Park District and Director of Music at Elmhurst Presbyterian Church. Susan is overjoyed by the invitation to spend this season with The Lakeside Singers. She resides in Elmhurst, Illinois, with her multi-instrumentalist husband, Keith Baumann and their three children, Laurel, Lena and Nolan.
Sarah Cozzi
Sarah got her start in music early in life with a love for learning instruments and singing. She studied at Interlochen Arts Academy and Depaul University. As a musician, Sarah has worn many hats including educator, director, cantor and recording artist. Sarah recently earned her M.A. in clinical mental health counseling and enjoys her counseling work immensely.