BROOKINGS – Mandy Harvey is an American jazz singer and songwriter. She is also deaf.

Harvey and her band will bring an unforgettable evening of entertainment and inspiration to the South Dakota State University Performing Arts Center Nov. 6. Ticket prices for the 7:30 p.m. performance range from $20-$35. They are available through the SDSU School of Performing Arts by calling 688-5188.

Harvey rose to prominence following her national discovery in 2017 on the TV show “America’s Got Talent.” An unexpected and immediate “golden buzzer” winner from judge Simon Cowell launched Harvey to national notoriety not for her hearing loss, but for her unique ability to write, compose and perform songs which stretch across genres and delight audiences of all ages and interests.

“When we learned that Mandy was beginning a national tour, we considered her talent, her inspirational story of overcoming great challenges, and realized she was perfect to feature as part of our Woodbine Productions season,” said David Reynolds, director of the School of Performing Arts. “Not only is she an outstanding musician, but she also has a personal story of perseverance which we believe will resonate with our students, our community and indeed anyone who has faced seemingly insurmountable challenges in life.”

While pursuing a degree in vocal music education at Colorado State University, Harvey lost her residual hearing in 2006-07 at age 18 due to a neurological disorder and left the program. She pursued several career options, including education, but returned to music in 2008. She quickly became a regular performer at Jay’s Bistro in Fort Collins and then held regular concerts at Dazzle Jazz Lounge in Denver, ranked as one of world’s top 100 jazz venues 

With three jazz recordings to her credit, Harvey prepares to break more barriers with her new recording, “This Time!” In 2009, Harvey’s first album, “Smile,” was released to widespread praise. Since then, she has released two more critically acclaimed albums: 2010’s “After You’ve Gone” and, in 2014, “All of Me.” She was the winner of a 2015 IDA Inspiration Award from Invisible Disabilities Association.

Now in its 11th year, Woodbine Productions is a program funded through the SDSU Foundation as the brainchild of an anonymous donor who believes that the students, faculty and leadership at SDSU and the residents in and around Brookings deserve to experience world famous entertainment. Through the generosity of the donor, all expenses of every concert are covered. All ticket sales are used to award music scholarships to SDSU students.