Her backdrop is immense. Massive mountains extend off into the far distance as soft light from the setting sun glimmers off the 1,100 acres of cool water in Shadow Mountain Lake. But with such a versatile style — sometimes sweet, sometimes sassy and always passionate — she's not only captivated her audience but she's transformed this larger-than-life setting into an intimate evening.
 
"I feel my forte is connecting with my audiences,”the singer/songwriter told Alpenglow just prior to her first set at the Gateway. “It's making them feel like 'I know you.'"

Her style is a compelling blend of good ol' country with a little bit of rock and a healthy sprinkling of the blues. “I call it Americana,” she said. “Because I never feel the same way every day.”
Alpenglow:  How did you first get into the music business?

Mann: I grew up singing in church with a father that played by ear. He didn't have any formal training himself but his advice to me was always, 'Peggy, if you're going to sing make sure people can understand your words. Otherwise you might as well be humming. And I really feel, especially as a songwriter, it's important to me that people do hear the words -which is why I'm so selective about where I play.

Alpenglow: Is that why you are especially fond of performing at house concerts?

Mann: Exactly. The private house concerts are really my forte. They're very intimate. You have 40 or 50 people and you get to tell the story behind  each song. I think most people like  to know where a song originates and what's the motive. They can connect with you.”

Alpenglow: You've been performing in Denver clubs for some time but we understand you will be building a home up here. What draws you to this area?

Mann: The people up here are very receptive to original music — plus this place has a real sense of community. It's not just a stop you do on your way somewhere. We settled here because it felt like it was American, down home , apple pie, dogs, and kids.

Alpenglow:  Do you find this area of Colorado inspirational when you sit down to write a song?


Mann: I've done about 80 percent of my writing up here. I've written about Grand County. I've written about the mountains, I've written about a local Colorado cowboy here, John Cook. John and I went for a long horseback ride and I wrote a song about him called Colorado Cowboy — it's on the Connections CD. I tell people, ‘Be careful because if you know me I might just write a song about you.’

Alpenglow: What's your ultimate dream?

Mann: I'm living my dream. I had always hoped that I would be able to sing in my life, have my kids, have a husband, have a home and have a normal life — and be able to do what I love. That's what I'm doing.

Alpenglow: What about worldwide fame and fortune?
Mann: It's not the money and it's definitely not the fame. If I feel at the end of the night people had a good experience and maybe even came away thinking“Wow, I didn't know I was going to get that!” — then, life is good."