Iredell Arts Council Monthly Artist Spotlight for March 2021 Delivers

All photos by Kim McKinney

Bryan Olson ending the evening

On the third Thursday of every month the Iredell Arts Council sponsors a show where local artists perform. Thursday, March 18, 2021, the slate of local artists was a great reminder of a diversity and wealth of talent among singer-songwriters in Iredell County few other communities can claim.

The venue at the current Arts Council Headquarters, at 203 S. Meeting St, in Statesville, is small and intimate and as the site of the historic Old Jail has character. The Arts Council has done great work to include excellent lighting and sound that highlights the performers well.

Seats in the already small venue were limited, and spaced to keep,some separation due to COVID-19. but the performances were also shown on Facebook Live and You Tube, where a group engaged safely from home.

Artists are encouraged to play their own music and this night they did just that.

Walter Finley and April Dawn led off the show. Their easy chemistry and sense of fun was a good way to get folks in the mood for an evening of music.

The Donner Deads were up next. This duo shares singing duties and each carries their weight well. They describe their music as “neo psychodelic rock”.

17-year old singer-songwriter Makenzie Loudermilt

Makenzie Loudermilt is a seasoned musician, so if she didn't let you know she was 17-years old up-front you may not be aware. She's an Iredell County girl and proud of it. She writes of both her real life and stories she creates because she says they are fun to write and sing.

Statesville native Jordan Darty just graduated from law school and returned home to practice law with his dad and sister in our community. His music is an easy, laid-back rap with lyrics that speak of justice, prejudice, and family, strongly revealing his own stories and thoughts at this interesting time of his life.One incorporated a loving voice mail from his mom Lea Ann Darty, who is well-known in the area for the amazing work she does for the Rainbow Kidz program for Hospice of Iredell County, to the delight of many.

Bryan Olsen removed himself from the soundboard to end the show with an easygoing style. His first song was written at the request of his brother, a truck driver. His brother gave him a line and challenged him to write a song, including the hashtag used by his trucker buddies (#ModernDayOutlawz). Olsen took it all and ran with it. His album Hemlock Ridge is available for purchase at online outlets.

One thing that particularly struck me was the graciousness of all of the performers. There are a lot of musicians in this area and while a live of music and generally a lack of ego pervades, those who just live to play no matter the side of the crowd are my personal favorites, and support others who do the same, I'll be looking out for each of these performers again as they play around town.

If you missed the show last night and want to watch, it is available here on the Art’s Council’s YouTube channel. The Arts Council also has a Facebook page you can follow to keep up with local events.

Musicians who are interested in being featured in the monthly shows can email the Arts Council at mail@iredellartscouncil.org or text Executive Director John Kopplemeyer at 704-880-2101.

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