Carrie Manolakos is not afraid of 2012. She's been waiting for it. As both singer and songwriter her music is a powerful celebration of the human spirit. April 2nd marks the release of her debut album, Echo, a lyrical blend of pop, soul and folk. Her sound dances with the stars of Sara Bareilles and Joni Mitchell, with kiss blown to Jeff Buckley, but a voice that is unmistakably hers alone. This Syracuse native stays true to her New York roots, both in sound and attitude: bold and inclusive. She integrates her vocal prowess, piano and guitar with a killer band for a night of music that will surely inspire. Manolakos is best known, perhaps, for her earnest portrayal of Sophie Sheridan in Broadway's Mamma Mia!, as well as Elphaba, the green witch, in the second national tour of Wicked. It's her latest project, however, that is the most candid expression of her art. "Theater is about creating a character," she explains, "my music is about revealing myself." A striptease of the soul.