Multi-Grammy nominated country-folk songstress Iris DeMent has largely gained her loyal fans and even a record deal through word-of-mouth, and is celebrated as one of the most original country-folk performers today.
DeMent was born in rural Arkansas, the youngest of 14 children, to a devoutly religious family. She grew up singing gospel music, and during her teen years became exposed to country, folk, and R&B, drawing influence from Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell. DeMent began composing songs at age 25. After an independent recording label debut in 1992, her Infamous Angel, won almost universal acclaim thanks to her pure, evocative vocal style and spare, heartfelt songcraft. Despite lack of radio playtime, the record's word-of-mouth praise earned her a deal with Warner Bros. Three more CDs followed: My Life (1994); The Way I Should (1996), and Lifeline (2004). Her music continues to shift in both sound and subject. In 1999, her collaboration with John Prine on the album In Spite of Ourselves earned Iris a Grammy nomination. The following year she recorded four duets with Prine that earned her yet another nod at the Grammys.
Singer-songwriter Jason Wilber will open the show. Jason has played lead guitar for notable folk, rock, and country artists John Prine, Hal Ketchum, Greg Brown, Iris DeMent, Todd Snider, Greg Trooper, Carrie Newcomer, and Tim Grimm.
