LIfe-Changing Art: Nellie McKay

What piece of art changed your life? How did it affect you?

In Junior High, I saw Goodfellas and loved the way wiseguys didn't live by the rules—these guys were smart! And they were RIGHT to live for today. The idea of pleasure without consequences really appealed—sure they were crazy and yeah they were dangerous but they were NEVER BORING. I refused to accept responsibility, I defied authority... but the lifestyle of a degenerate outlaw I hoped would lead to escalating thrills and excitement eventually turned me into a destitute artist—which in turn led me to Jesus and the Republican Party.

Nellie McKay has always had a great sense of humor and oddball appeal to go with her formidable skills as a singer, pianist, and conceptualist. Her latest disc is Home Sweet Mobile Home, and tonight. she opens for Madeleine Peyroux at Strathmore.