Iris DeMent made a splash on the newly unfolding Americana scene with the release of her first album Infamous Angel in 1992 at the relatively advanced age of 31. Reflecting her southern Pentacostal upbringing, her songs resonated with fans of the genre for their heartfelt authenticity. Her second album, 1994’s My Life, and her third, 1996’s The Way I Should, both snagged Grammy nominations.
That she’s not better known may be due in large part to the fact that she’s not terribly prolific. She’s only released five albums in 22 years, and one of those, 2004’s Lifeline, featured only one original among a batch of traditional tunes. 2012’s Sing The Delta was her first album of self-penned material since The Way I Should.
While she remained active as a performer, she says, “I didn’t know when or if I’d make another record. I gave up on trying to steer it or force it and decided to just make myself available in my heart and mind as much as I could and leave the rest up to fate.”
She’ll be performing at the Music Box Supper Club. Singer/songwriter Pieta Brown — who happens to be DeMent’s stepdaughter, the daughter of her husband, respected folksinger Greg Brown — opens.
Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. The doors open for dining at 6pm.
Cleveland, OH 44113