The Strand welcomes Iris DeMent, with opener Ava Egge, Friday, Oct. 4.

Iris DeMent is an acclaimed singer/songwriter whose 1992 debut “Infamous Angel” was hailed by Rolling Stone as “an essential album of the 90s,” Combining elements of folk, gospel and country, her rich lyrical landscapes and captivating music have earned two Grammy nominations. and the respect of many of her peers such as John Prine, Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell.

Considered “one of the great voices in contemporary popular music” (NPR), Iris DeMent has returned with an album unlike any other in her illustrious career. Featuring original music and melodies by Iris, “The Trackless Woods” sets 18 poems by acclaimed 20th century Russian poet Anna Akhmatova to life.

Opener Ana Egge  is a Brooklyn-based-by-way-of North Dakota singer and songwriter who has recorded 10 albums of original music. Ana grabbed hold of her life as a musician early on — as a teenager, she built her own guitar and moved to Austin, TX to observe, absorb and take risks. The striking depth and unusual maturity of her singing, playing, and songwriting got her noticed, and she recorded her first album, River Under the Road (1997), with the legendary western swing band Asleep At The Wheel. The Austin Music Awards named her “Best Singer/Songwriter” and “Best Folk Artist.” 

In 2019, she has released “Is It the Kiss,” her 11th album, a new batch of Egge originals of such singularly articulate and affecting honesty and sensitivity, as to once again deserve USA Today’s accolade, “[Ana] can write and sing rings around” her contemporaries.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. concert: $25/advance, $30/day of show. Lobby and balcony bars are open for all live shows for 21+. For more information: (207) 594-0070  www.RocklandStrand.com. The Strand Theater is at 345 Main St., Rockland.