A Carol Christmas

Cedar Rapids' own award-winning singer-songwriter Carol Montag will present her annual holiday concert, "A Carol Christmas," on Thursday, December 10, at 7:00 p.m. at CSPS Hall in Cedar Rapids.

Joining Carol will be Bruce Millard on guitar, mandolin, and banjo; Gerard Estella on keyboards, guitar, and bass; and Jim White on drums and percussion.

Celebrate the season with an evening of traditional Christmas carols, contemporary holiday favorites, and a few surprises guaranteed to bring joy and laughter. Gather your family and friends for this festive holiday tradition.

Carol Montag is an award-winning singer-songwriter who has performed at the prestigious World Food Prize Laureate Award Ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol. She has been commissioned to write and perform original music for Ballet Iowa and La Crosse Ballet, and her music video, "Strange Ballet," has received multiple national film festival awards. Inspired by the devastating 2020 derecho that struck Eastern Iowa, "Strange Ballet" celebrates resilience, community, and hope.

Growing up in Ames, Iowa, Carol learned to play guitar by ear while listening to folk music legends Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins and many others. She accompanies herself on six and twelve-string acoustic guitars and piano.

Carol has released seven albums, including her newest recording titled "Strange Ballet" which was released in August 2025. She has performed at festivals, concert series, colleges, and performing arts venues throughout the Midwest and beyond and has shared the stage with artists including Arlo Guthrie, Tom Paxton, Greg Brown, John Gorka, David Wilcox, Michael Johnson, Kenny Rankin, John Stewart, Garnet Rogers, and Three Dog Night.

Known for her warm stage presence, expressive vocals, and engaging storytelling, Carol continues to delight audiences with concerts that blend original songs, humor, and heartfelt reflections on life, family, and the human experience.