ALICIA WITT @ The Bur Oak – Madison, WI
October 19, 2021
Review & Photos by Janelle Rominski
Known for her recent roles on the Hallmark Channel’s made-for-television Christmas movies as well as her childhood acting days in Dune and Twin Peaks, actress Alicia Witt is living life to its fullest and is full steam ahead sharing all of her talents to the world as an actress as well as a a musician, author and cook.
A few years ago I began watching Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel and Ms. Witt stood out and quickly became my favorite entertainer out of anyone in their films. She has a genuine presence and comfort on the screen and so what did I do? I followed her social media accounts so I could learn more about her and keep updated on upcoming projects. Much to my surprise, I’ve seen her in many of her past film and television productions including the clarinet playing Gertrude Lang in Mr. Holland’s Opus and the witty Zoey Woodbine in Cybill.
Aside from her extensive acting resume, Witt is an outstanding songwriter, an incredible vocalist and equally as impressive pianist. She has released many singles, a few albums and an EP. As I was scrolling through Facebook last August, I came across a post from Alicia Witt’s official page announcing a national tour in October to promote her new album that was released on September 24, 2021 called The Conduit. Her tour’s first stop was in New York on October 2nd and will conclude in Los Angeles on October 23.
The only show on her tour I could attend nearby was her Madison, Wisconsin gig at The Bur Oak. Even though I’m 30 minutes from Chicago, I was unable to be at her Windy City performance and drove two hours to the land of cheese to see her grace the stage in the capital of Wisconsin. I parked at the venue, walked in and couldn’t wait for the chance to see Witt perform at The Bur Oak. It is a great and unique club and was decorated with lights hanging from the ceiling, a trombone and French horn chandelier, they had a rounded stage about two feet off the ground and an assortment of different sized tables and styles of chairs with a bar in the rear of the room.
I was thrilled I had the chance to meet Ms. Witt before the show and tell her how much I appreciate her talents. As She was chatting with other concert attendees before her show, her adorable dog, Ernest Hemingway Witt (who happens to have his own Instagram account @theimportanceofbeingernesth), kept peeking his head out of the curtains from backstage.
Once the lights dimmed, Witt, along with her backing band stepped out on stage where she sat down in front of her keyboard, smiled and began to play. Among my favorite songs performed at her concert was “Friend” produced by Ben Folds and “Last Surviving Son,” a song that was co-written with American Idol runner-up Crystal Bowersox.
Witt was a great storyteller in between songs giving anecdotes about the upcoming songs she’d be playing. Her piano playing skills are pure perfection. Even in person, she exudes the same genuine presence and comfort on the stage as she does on the screen. She announced her friend and comedian, Kevien Bozeman, was in the house. He’s currently in the middle of a national tour for his comedy and stopped by to support his pal.
Her band accompanied her incredibly well and consisted of Laura Epling on violin, Austin Webb on guitar/bass and Ross McReynolds on the drums. All of her musicians live in Nashville, where Witt resides.
As if being an amazing actress and musician wasn’t enough, Witt is now an author and cook. On her merchandise table was her brand-new book, Small Changes, a rules-free guide to add more plant-based foods, peace & power to your life. As a 24-year vegetarian, I’m always looking for new plant-based recipes to try. I purchased her book and she shares her own health journey on how she’s formed better habits and how she’s making small changes that have allowed her to eat better, feel better physically and emotionally and how to find the ultimate balance in life.
Over the summer, Witt made a special appearance on the Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family Show where she made a sweet potato casserole. She’ll be on Access Hollywood soon making her plant-based, dairy free, 15-minute stovetop mac ‘n’ cheese from her book.
Witt is a force to be reckoned with and the train she’s on is not slowing down. To learn more about her music, order her books and stay up-to-date on all things Alicia, visit her website www.aliciawittmusic.com
