WABENO – Acclaimed singer and multi-instrumentalist Mean Mary will return to The Big Easel Gallery & Bistro for a dinner concert Friday, September 11, 2026.

Mean Mary, the stage name of Mary James, grew up in an adventurous, nomadic family. She spent part of her childhood in the northern Minnesota wilderness, where her family lived in a plastic tent while building a log cabin by hand.

Her musical abilities emerged early. Mary learned to read music before she could read words, wrote “Mean Mary from Alabam’” before kindergarten and recorded her first album at age 6. She went on to perform on television and stages throughout the South, tour with her brother Frank as part of a historical folk duo and even perform music on horseback.

Her career nearly ended after a serious car accident left her right vocal cord paralyzed. Through determination and intensive rehabilitation, Mary regained her voice and returned to touring and recording.

Today, Mean Mary plays 11 instruments, has recorded 18 albums and performs throughout the United States and overseas. She also produces music and videos, co-writes books with her mother and has attracted nearly 30 million views on YouTube. She serves as Deering Banjos’ Goodtime Ambassador.

Doors will open and dinner service will begin at 5:00 pm. For more information or to make a reservation, call 715-889-1179.

The Big Easel Gallery & Bistro is located at 1784 Maple Ave. in Wabeno.

Photo Credit: Mean Mary

Published on: Aug 22, 2026 at 4:06 pm