Mary Gaines

Cello and Vocals

Originally a jazz-guitar major at the University of WI-Stevens Point, Mary truly found her musical voice studying jazz cello under the tutelage of the great Richard Davis (bass player with artists ranging from Sarah Vaughn to Van Morrison) at the UW-Madison. Mary is also known for her amazing voice—often compared to Bonnie Raitt but definitely her own. She (along with her husband, Chris Wagoner—read about him below) has done extensive work as a session musician, appearing on albums such as Smashing Pumpkin‘s Gish, several Freedy Johnston, Willy Porter, and Carrie Newcomer albums, and scores of others. Mary and Chris are also the hosts of Mad Toast Live!—a weekly live music show, recorded every other Tuesday evening at the Brink Lounge and broadcast Fridays at midnight on WORT.