Get to know me

How long have you been performing?

I have been performing in various capacities for right around 20 years. I started taking violin

lessons when I was 11 years old. That’s when my love for performing began. Throughout my

middle school and high school years I played violin in school ensembles and at church. It wasn’t

until I was attending Iowa State University for Music Education that I began working my way into

the country music scene. That is also when I worked my guitar, keys and vocal abilities up to a

level that I felt comfortable performing. During my college years I played fiddle and sang

harmony in the Royce Johns Band. I moved back to Denison after graduating college to pursue

my teaching career and my own performance life took a back seat for a few years. In the winter

of 2022 I came across the opportunity to audition for the female vocalist role in Salty View’s

Acoustic Review. I was asked to join the band and made my debut in the spring of 2023. That

spring, Renegade Soul evolved. In addition to the band gigs, I have launched my solo

performance career in the spring of 2023.

What do you enjoy about performing?

I truly enjoy every aspect of performing. Whether it’s singing lead and delivering a favorite song,

or adding supplemental elements such as harmony or fiddle to a song in a band setting. Making

music and watching an audience take it in never gets old.

What’s the most challenging thing about performing live?

The most challenging part of performing live is reading the crowd and delivering a performance

that speaks to them. My primary goal is to tailor my performances to the audience in front of me.

Figuring out exactly what a specific crowd wants to hear on the fly can be challenging at times.

What are some of your most memorable gigs?

By far my most memorable gig was opening for Josh Turner at the Downtown Country Jam in

Fort Dodge with Renegade Soul last September. The crowd was amazing and we had the

opportunity to spend time with Josh’s bandmates throughout the day. The whole experience was

out of this world. A close second was my first solo show last year that took place at Shiny Top

Brewing in Fort Dodge. I had such a wonderful group of supporters come out, including other

members of the Fort Dodge music scene. The support that fellow musicians show other

musicians in the Iowa Music Scene is really something special.

How would you describe your sound?

My sound is a mix of traditional and contemporary country with a hint of rock. Heavily influenced

by the likes of Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert and Alison Krauss.

When not making music, how do you like to spend your time?

Most of my life revolves around music, whether I am teaching, performing, leading worship at

my church or working on a musical project. But if I am not working on music, you will probably

catch me working on a Real Estate Transaction for a client, doing a project in my house or

spending time with friends and family.

Were you involved in music/arts growing up?

I started taking violin lessons at the age of 11. A few years later I started taking piano lessons.

Throughout my highschool years I played violin in school musicals and on the worship team at

my church.