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Event
Iris Dement and special guest Jay Shaner
The unaffected, pristine, lyrical beauty of Iris Dement's voice and songwriting is so rare in this century. She feels from a different time, one of chautauquas and hometown ice cream socials, but her music is anything but froth.
One of the most celebrated country-folk performers of her day,singer/songwriter Iris Dement was born on January 5, 1961,in rural Paragould, Arkansas, the youngest of 14 children. At the age of three, her devoutly religious family moved to California,where she grew up singing gospel music; during her teenaged years, however, she was first exposed to country, folk, and R&B, drawing influence from Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell. Upon graduating high school,she relocated to Kansas City to attend college.
After a series of jobs waitressing and typing, Dement first began composing songs at the age of 25. Honing her skills at open-mic nights, in 1988 she moved to Nashville, where she contacted producer Jim Rooney, who helped her land a record contract. Dement did not make her recording debut until 1992, when Infamous Angel (Rounder Records) won almost universal acclaim thanks to her pure, evocative vocal style and spare, heartfelt songcraft. She explored themes like religious skepticism, living in a small town,
where "nothing good ever lasts", and forgiving human frailty. In her second album, My Life, released in 1994, she continued the personal and introspective approach. My Life was nominated for a Grammy in the "Best Contemporary Folk Album" category.
Her third album, The Way I Should, released in 1996, tackles fiercely political topics like sexual abuse, religion, government policy, and Vietnam. After an eight year absence, she released Lifeline, a country-gospel collection.
Music critic Don McLeese writes of Lifeline, "Although there's only one new original on Iris DeMent's first release in eight years, the music throughout ranks with the most personal she has made. DeMent's quavering vocals invest this collection of traditional spirituals with an unwavering conviction. "This is my story," she sings on "Blessed Assurance," written more than 130 years ago. "This is my song." In her liner notes, the Arkansas-raised artist explains how these were the first songs she remembers hearing, and that this music has always provided comfort during hard times, a comfort that isn't necessarily (or at least not narrowly) religious. Even listeners who don't share the faith expressed in these songs will have trouble resisting the unflinching intimacy of the performances."
In 1999, she collaborated with folk/country hero John Prine on his album, In Spite ofOurselves. Dement recorded four duets with Prine that earned her a Grammy nod the following year.
At this concert, DeMent will perform solo on a baby grand piano and acoustic guitar.
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LocationCSA Events Center (View)
1275 Starboard Dr.
West Sacramento, CA 95691
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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Contact
Q&A
| Question: |
My husband and I both need to sit down. Is there seating at this event |
| Answer: |
YES. GA seating, not reserved |
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