Iris DeMent

Iris DeMent was rather surprised at the attention she received when she played her first festival here in Edmonton in '93. In fact, she drew enough interest from the media that a news conference had to be called to handle the interview requests-some 20 journalists attended. At the time, she mentioned it was her first news conference and even asked if she'd done a good job.

The media interest stemmed largely from her first album of country-rooted, introspective songs, Infamous Angel. Since then, she's proved worthy of all the interest. My Life came out a year later, and the song "Our Town" has been used as a staple for CKUA's pledge requests.

DeMent returns after having completed an album produced by Randy Scruggs and featuring Mark Knopfler, Chuck Leavell, Earl Scruggs and Delbert McClinton. She also co-wrote a song with Merle Haggard. Her new sound should generate lots of interest.

Joining Iris are: Fran Breen on drums, Don Johnson on bass and Richard McLaurin on guitar and lap steel.