Iris DeMent

Iris Dement is as great a songwriter as she is a singer, and is on her way to becoming an even greater force for positive social change. She speaks up for what she believes in, in every way she can, but mostly through songs that can evoke the full range of emotion, from tears to laughter.

Both the woman and her songs are straightforward in a charming, humble way that leaves each member of the audience feeling as if they've experienced a personal connection to her. Middle-aged now, her stage costumes manage to be both sedate and outrageous, featuring understated colors like beige, black, and white, but in attention grabbing forms, like skin tight dresses and large chunky shoes.

The overall effect complements her songs perfectly. Those songs include audience favorites like "Easy's Gettin' Harder Every Day," "Mama Was Always Tellin' Her Truth," and "Hotter Than Mojave." She does numbers from the beginning of her career right up to the present, most presented in a bluesy, folksy, style that speaks straight to the heart of her listeners.

Her concerts can run from anywhere between ninety minutes and two full hours, and she will usually take the time to meet and greet her fans afterward, signing autographs. So it's a full night's entertainment, but you'll still be sorry to see it end.

Iris was a great entertainer! She mixes humor and seriousness in her act with just the right balance. Her songwriting talent is evident in the lyrics of her songs and her almost too perfect exquisite voice just takes the whole experience to an ethereal level. Her piano playing varies by song and is at times exuberant, soulful, delicate, and percussive. All in all a wonderful mix of songs, stories, and banter with the audience.
Pieta Brown opened up the show and her songwriting, storytelling, guitar and vocals were soothingly relaxing, and gave me a feeling of being among the crowd I fit in with. She even had us singing along with her.
The venue is adequate and the audience was very accepting and enthusiastic.
I will consider seeing both of these fine artists again if an opportune moment comes along.

Lovely voice as always! Political temper tantrum over not having a criminal, wall-street-loving, career politician, rape supporting (husband) president was annoying to say the least. Trump is terrible I know ... but so was the alternative! But like I said no one has the Iris sound ... and it is lovely.

As seeing Iris in Concert was on my Bucket list since the eighties, I was so pleased to see her in person at this festival.
Expected to hear more of her recorded numbers, but her piano accompanient skill was more than enough to satisfy me.

Loved the show at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. First time I've seen Iris.....I will be back.
Great acoustics, and what a wonderful piano player
A great night out and a sensible price.
Haste ye back!!