Kevin Wood.

TRAER – Kevin Wood, a North Tama Class of 1974 alumnus, will present a concert at the Traer Public Library’s Kupka Cultural Center on Thursday, Aug. 6, beginning at 5 p.m. Joining him at the piano will be Mark Forbis, a 1978 graduate of Reinbeck High School.

Wood continues his lifelong career in music as an internationally known cabaret artist based in Chicago. His career has included teaching music at the elementary and high school levels, working as a collaborative pianist with high schools, maintaining a private voice studio, as well as serving as a parish music director, playing piano and organ, and directing adult and children’s choirs and handbells. Besides cabaret, Wood has regional credits in opera, musical theater and as a classical concert soloist. He is a graduate of Luther College in Decorah and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Wood performs frequently in Chicago, but his musical travels have taken him to Boston, New York, Provincetown, Mass., Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Springs. Upcoming commitments will take him back to San Diego and Mexico.

After completing his education at Iowa State University, Forbis joined the staff at the Iowa State University Library, retiring in 2024. While in Ames, he worked as a church musician for more than 30 years and was involved as a pianist or musical director in nearly 100 musicals, variety shows and cabaret productions. Since moving to Chicago in 2024, Forbis has continued as a pianist for monthly performances of the Wilde Cabaret, occasional theater fundraisers and as a substitute church musician. He continues his music education at the Music Institute of Chicago, taking classical piano lessons.

The Aug. 6 program will mimic a trip to the library, exploring assorted genres as one might dabble with different authors or types of literature when choosing a book to read. There will be a bit of something for everyone — old and young.

Mark Forbis.

This is a ticketless event, but freewill donations help support the library. The venue is located at 531 Second St. in downtown Traer.