![\"Breathing](\"https:\/\/lamesacourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/web-Cassie-Bowerman-Headshot-1.jpeg\")
<\/a>Bowerman grew up in the city and has lived there for almost her entire life.<\/p>\n
She attended La Mesa Middle School before the name changed to La Mesa Arts Academy. During her time there, Bowerman was part of a show choir.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that\u2019s what really kept me educated about music,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Later, she was cast in shows produced by Christian Youth Theatre. Bowerman doesn\u2019t sing professionally in La Mesa as much as she used to, but she would take part at open-mic nights in Cosmos Coffee (which is now the coffee shop, Public Square). Although Cosmos Coffee has changed since Bowerman was younger, she likes how artsy the space remains to this day.<\/p>\n
One reason that Bowerman is an appealing presence in \u201cPump Up the Volume,\u201d according to the co-creator\/music arranger\/music director Jon Lorenz, is her versatile singing.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe needed somebody who could sing like Mariah Carey and Bowerman gets to perform songs from her, Britney Spears and Lisa Loeb,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The star wasn\u2019t as familiar with grunge music prior to being involved with the world premiere show at the Horton Grand Theatre.<\/p>\n \u201cLearning about that kind of music and diving into different styles has been really interesting,\u201d Bowerman said. \u201cIt definitely said a lot about the times and what people were feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n Since the piece from Lorenz and director\/choreographer, Colleen Kollar Smith, is brand new, the performers are given a little bit of creative freedom with their roles. They waited to form scenes and music until they worked more with Bowerman and the other artists. Bowerman also helped Kollar Smith with a few dance moves.<\/p>\n Among her favorite genres of music that she gets to sing are pop tunes from boy bands, Britney Spears and Hanson. What makes these musical numbers fun for her, is the nostalgia from when she was younger.<\/p>\n \u201cIt takes me back to specific days like blasting NSYNC at home with my friends,\u201d she said. \u201cI love reliving those feelings.\u201d<\/p>\n During the run, she hopes that \u201990s fans don\u2019t watch the tribute by themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cI want people to go with a group that\u2019s special to them,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019d like audiences to be nostalgic and reminisce about times when they were younger together.\u201d<\/p>\n Outside of her work in \u201cPump Up the Volume,\u201d Bowerman will continue to be part of her cover band, the Cassie B Project. Her band performs in places like Viejas Casino & Resort, Pala Casino, Tin Roof and Vin de Syrah. Throughout the summer, the group will continue to perform on Monday evenings at Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo. \u201cIt\u2019s a really fun atmosphere,\u201d she said. \u201cWe play right at the entrance and it\u2019s like the kids get to see their own live band.\u201d Singing almost nonstop this season, Bowerman is giving people many opportunities to see her live. The La Mesa resident is proving to be a versatile vocalist and entertainer.<\/p>\n \u201cPump Up the Volume\u201d plays at Horton Grand Theatre through Sept. 10. For tickets or more information, visit sdmt.org<\/a> or call 858-560-5740. For more information about the Cassie B Project, visit cbmusicproductions.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n