Nichole Berke, a singer/songwriter out of Oregon who has been critically compared to Stevie Wonder, Radiohead and Joni Mitchell, will give a concert beginning at 8 p.m. tonight in the Union Gardens. The Student Activities Council is hosting the event, and it is free to the public. 

“Nichole is truly a very gifted performer and musician and we are all very excited to be working with the University on this concert,” Denise Marsa, president of  KeyMedia Group and Public Relations, said. 

This will be Berke’s first time playing in Laramie as part of a national tour.

“Nichole has not played at UW previously, but has played with Kiernan McMullan on tour, who was here the week before spring break,” Stephanie Long, graduate assistant for Student Activities Council said.

Berke channels a unique soulful quality in her music and springboards these qualities with poetic lyrics in a sincere, personal way, according to a press release. Berke plays piano and college education helped her musical journey.

“Balancing school and music has been difficult but essential. I have always known that music is what I want to do with my life but the learning process and experiences I have had so far have been extremely worthwhile,” Berke said in the release. 

Berke has been praised across the country for her releases and shows. 

“Nichole Berke is a rising star on the international music scene with her unique blend of pop and jazz element,” Karen Waters of Black Label Review said.

 “Her sound is extremely polished and professional and a real credit to such a young artist. Once Nichole Berke experiences more of what life’s all about then she will be a real force to be reckoned with.” 

Berke grew up with music in her life with both parents as musicians. They inspired her love for music, according to her website. When she was seven, Berke started classical piano. At thirteen she started singing, and her passion grew from there. 

In February 2008 Berke completed her debut studio recording, an EP self-released called “Frondescence.” For the rest of 2008 and part of 2009 she traveled to promote it.  

Berke graduated from Portland State College in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in social psychology. 

Two weeks after graduation she stated touring with McMullan. When not performing Berke works as a teacher at Portland’s Sound Roots Music. 

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