Iris Dement

Iris Dement is a unique singer of Americana, with a voice like none other. She played piano, guitar, and sang for 90 minutes non-stop. And...she is funny, some great patter between songs. All in all, a wonderful evening with a great singer and a lovely human being.

This was a an odd concert: Iris was fabulous and Louden was absolutely terrible. I wish Iris would have played guitar on a song or two, rather than just playing the piano. Her time on stage felt like it zipped by. Louden has a great voice, but his 'show' was just plain raunchy. I was glad when he was done.

DeMent and Wainwright in concert. Iris' soul has connected with the soul of Russian poet Anna Akmatova whose life spanned most of the 20th Century, through the Russian Revolution to the late 1960s. Iris set the poet's words to "country," resonating with poet's strong love of country, and Iris' love of this country. Different from previous work, these beautiful renditions brought the audience to its feet with thunderous applause. The couple behind us wanted to read the words later they could not quite grasp. Loudon Wainwright III spunked the evening with his particular blend of story and song that set the house rocking! He sure plays it close to the bone in songs about those who do him wrong - including Trump. And right - songs of family and lovers. What you might think in your head but would rather not say - HE SAYS. Along with all the humor and antics, his beautiful voice soars in songs that let you know just how talented and accomplished he is, still strong at 70. He didn't sing "Dead Skunk in the Road," but you can hear that again on YouTube.

This very small venue was perfect for Iris and her very personal and friendly show. Acoustics are very good and the chairs are comfortable. Iris was typically laid back and friendly. She performed a nice selection of her old songs and new material from her latest album. She tells some stories about how she writes songs. Very good, intimate, and enjoyable.

On a rainy evening, Iris DeMent provided a wonderful experience to an appreciative audience. She sang most of the songs on her newest CD, "Sing The Delta," accompanying herself on piano and guitar. These lyrics are clearly from her heart, very personal, and her unique voice and phrasing are just amazing to hear in person. She introduced most of the songs, and was personable and funny in her own, wry way.

I've never seen her in person, and she puts on a great show.

I have been a fan for a while. Iris has a really distinctive voice, and when see her live it almost seems surreal that it is coming from her! I was not expecting a solo performance with the piano her only accompaniment! She plays beautifully too! Don't think I would sit through this again!

After about 10 minutes it became apparent that there would be little variety. Pretty much the same nasly singing throughout. She is a better pianist than singer. I am a regular at Birchmere and this was disappointing.

A very personal concert given by Iris. She recently lost her Mother and the depth of her loss was reflected in the soulful performance she gave. A great deal of new material from her upcoming album was shared in such a genuine way that I feel like I have a dear friend in her. Her husbands daughter Pietta Brown opened for her and she is a fine artist who I hope to hear more in the future. This is indeed a very musical family. It would be a blast to see Iris and Greg perform in such a venue together. Perhaps she will consider this one day. Great artist with a gift. If I could thank her in person I would.

Iris DeMent was also very good. She did a one woman show with the piano. I didn't realize that she played piano and that she's very good. I enjoyed the piano playing as much as listening to her sing. I'm not sure why but listening to her tell stories about growing up in Arkansas and her mother and father really made me think about what a nice life that must have been. Very endearing. She did many songs that I didn't know. I could have done without the political commentary.

Iris has a wonderfully strong and beautiful voice and she shared it with the audience along with her humor while sharing stories of her life. It was like spending a wonderful evening of music and conversation with a friend.

Two incredible REAL people and car about writing meaningful lyrics..huge fan of them both for a long time. Would never miss a chance to see them. Wish they would perform in KC much more often!

Iris is one of my favorite top ten female singer and it was wonderful to see her. She seemed a bit weary, tired, or fighting off a cold, but the performer in her did not disappoint those of us who have listened to her for all these years. Iris we love you. Come back soon.

An enjoyable reminder of the music of my household as a youngster. I heard Emmylou Harris once describe that type of music as 'back porch music'. I can just hear dad saying 'Iris, why don't you play something for us?' Distinctive and, at the same time, addictive. My wife and I are already looking forward to the next time we have a chance to see her live.

The concert Iris DeMent gave at the Aladdin Theatre on Friday the 11th of March was heart-fillingly good. Iris plays with such clarity of emotion, a whole range, and her piano work is most energizing on many levels. Her voice has the power to hot-wire your heart, creating a focus there that is transformative. Iris, keep writing your magic energy, and long may you sing. Thank you for the wave of heart-healing.

Thoroughly enjoyed both Rachel Harrington and Iris. What's not to like about Iris Dement? I took my 22 year old daughter to see her for the first time. When we left the venue I asked her, "what did you think of her?". She replied "I like that she looks and acts like a little librarian and then just belts out that great voice."

First let me start by saying I am an Iris Dement fan, though I have never heard her perfom live. I found Ms. Dement to be quite insultive to her New York fans, saying " I didn't think New Yorkers could think fast enough to keep up with bluegrass music." Further, she insulted a man he called out "I love you Iris." " saying something about his looks and her need for glasses." She restarted a song some three times, because, she did not seem to be happy with her own piano abilities. (She never did complete the song.) Ms. Dement seemed quite preoccupied, and, it did not appear she actually wanted to be performing, The concert seemed quite rushed lasting just over 1 hour. I doubt I would spend my money again for VIP tickets to see such a poor performance.

We got to BB Kings place at 6:00. Our seats were right up front. The service was great, and so was the food. The prices are reasonable for a club in Times Square. The show was great. Iris DeMent is a powerful but low key performer. She is uncomfortable with a big fuss, but her voice and playing don't need adornment. She sang a lot of music I had never heard before, but I wasn't disappointed. She sang without break for almost 1 1/2 hours. WOW!

Unforgetable voice and phrasing, great lyrics, diffident and engaging stage manner. She is a unique talent.

Iris has a very unusual and pleasing voice. She is an extremely talented pianist and entertainer, and the audience (which filled the entire room) was totally attentive to her every song and every little story she shared,

This is one of the best evenings I've spent in a long while.

Iris is a legend in the industry and that showed in her live proformance. Definitely one of the better shows I have been to in some time.

Great show. I'd go see them again in a heartbeat. The sound people did have some problems with the system. Sounded like a loose connection or something.

Iris DeMent and Loudon Wainwright outstanding in a beautifully renovated theater. You owe it to yourself to visit.

intimate setting..melodic voice.. Just a great experience

I have been to seen Iris Dement a number of times. She is such a talented woman. I love her music. She puts on an excellent show. Her lyrics rip right into your heart. Her backup musicians are very talented as well. Loudon Wainwright III has a very unusual presentation, which contributed to a wonderful evening. He also bares his soul within his lyrics. The background of these two entertainers couldn't be any different, but they complimented each other

I became aware of Iris Dement when I heard "The Night I Learned How Not to Pray" on Outlaw Country. I have been a fan ever since. Iris Dement is 100% human, authentic. I had high expectations for his show, as it was my first time seeing her. She did not disappoint. Every song was a gift of honesty, vulnerability, unwavering trust in the audience. Her performance did what it as supposed to: it made those of us in the audience feel connected to Iris and to each other. As she said, in effect, somehow, listening to a sad song makes you feel better. And I saw her and heard her and walked out feeling better. As for Loudon, I am grateful for his focus on his father and the mysterious experience of being a son. I wish he had played "Four Mirrors."

This was the first time I saw Iris live even though I have been listening to her music for a number of years. Had her voice changed? Has she lost her sparkle? Is she burning out, playing all her old material over and over? But Iris did not disappoint. Her voice was strong and she seemed to really be enjoying herself. She played many songs from her new album that was just released and even though I love all her older songs, and she did play quite a few, you could tell that these new songs were important to her and it was nice to see that she is still creating beautiful new melodies. She played a good long while but I could have listened to her all night long.

The show was great! Iris was great! The sound... not so great. Something about the sound made it difficult to hear/understand all the lyrics. I heard others in the audience saying this as we were leaving too.

I have been a fan of Iris DeMent since her debut album "Infamous Angel" came out in 1992. Her lyrics, her melodies, her voice all blend to produce a spiritual vibration that resonates deep within my soul. Few other artists have sung their truth so purely as Iris DeMent.

My friends and I were very disappointed in this concert. The female singer who opened for Iris (who was not included in the concert notice, and who stayed on stage far too long) was melancholy and monotonic. She did nothing to set a proper tone for Iris. The sound system and mix were poor, so Iris' singing frequently was overridden by her backup musicians, none of whom were very good. The steel guitar was much too lound and the drummer was monotonic. The best and only really good part of the evening occurred when the backups shut up and Iris played and sang by herself.

I love watching Iris Dement live. She writes great songs. Always something new!

I passed up an opportunity to see the Wizards game 6 of the second round playoffs to see Iris Dement at Birchmere in Alexandria. It was a bad decision. Dement is an excellent solo performer, but due to the acoustics at Birchmere, we were unable to understand most of the lyrics, particularly when she performed at the piano (where she did most of the songs). For her playlist she chose mostly songs with which I was unfamiliar, even though I have 3 of her albums. Apparently several of the tunes were from a new album due out later this summer. She forgot the lyrics to one of her songs. But Dement is a personable and engaging performer who talks to the audience between songs. For the price (about 40 bucks), it was not worth it. The food at Birchmere is fine, and the service is great. Overall, a disappointing evening. There is general admission at Birchmere, first come, choose your seat. This was not a sold out event, perhaps 2/3 full at best.

Iris and Pieta were both talented and nice entertainers..it was a laid back concert but enjoyable

Iris Dement''s distinctive voice and soulful presentation made for a wonderful evening inside during a rainy, messy Friday night. Her commentary between songs alone enhanced the both the songs and lyrics. Having Pieta Brown was another delightful bonus. Iris came out after the performance to meet fans. She proved just as warm and interesting as she was on stage. Wonderful performance and, hopefully, she will return again soon.

I just saw Iris Dement last night at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA and I was very moved by her performance, her personal, touching songwriting, her humility and her courage in stating her beliefs (or non-beliefs). To paraphrase she told us "I'm sick and tired of the rich getting richer in this country while poor keep getting poorer." She kinda looks like a middle-age school librarian now whom you might look right past in the grocery store without a thought. But when she opens her mouth and out come these beautiful songs in a bold quirky voice that is unmistakably and uniquely hers you certainly sit up and take notice. Like Dylan, not everyone is given the gift of appreciating her voice (like my wife) but I just love it to death. Last night she paid tribute to Jesse Winchester and sang one of his songs which was also great and credited him with being a songwriting talent that she puts on a pedestal. Some of Iris's songs bring tears to my eyes while others make me laugh out loud. Very few performers can evince that powerful a reaction in me. So I vote for her to be officially named as a national treasure.

I can speak to the depth and range of emotion she reveals in a natural way , the personal connection to her lyrics, and her straightforward, humble, charming and disarming interplay with the audience. Above all, disappointment and challenging times of her own have not demolished her sweetness, belief in an afterlife, and faith in both herself and others. I would feel honored to have her as a close friend! My sole disappointment was that she did not sing Hotter Than Mojave!

I am a big fan of Iris Dement have all of her albums and been to see her perform a couple of times prior to her appearance at the Birchmere. The Birchmere show was the best. We were reasonably close to the stage and the acoustics were great. The food at the Birchmere is good and the service staff very friendly and efficient.

Iris Dement really seemed off her game at this concert. She was clearly in a downer in her commentaries to the audience. That would have been ok, but she mumbled most of her words, especially to her own songs (not so much with those written by others), so you could barely understand her. Her piano playing was great but that didn't make up for the mumbles...and she never seemed to connect with the audience--or the audience with her. A big disappointment.

Iris is a hoot. Her vocals are an acquired taste. Vocal tone is like domeone who came out of oldtime Appalachia. She can really belt out a tine. I'm a fan from her Praire Home Companion appearances and liked. My wife liked the mucic and artist commentary, but not so much the vocal tone. She played one set, about 1-3/4 hours with encore. Great piano playing - sort of bluesy-honkytonk. A lot if music from a trio. Her sympathy for labor issues reminds one of protest folksingers from the 60s. Majority of material was her original work.

Iris Dement has proved time and time again to be a great recording artist and an even better live performer. This being the second time that I've had the privilege of seeing her didn't dull a single moment of the concert. She played tons of stuff from her newest album "Sing The Delta", and lots of old standards as well. Very few artists nowadays will play an hour and a half set with two encores. Iris is simply an amazing artist and I will recommend her again and again to anyone who cares about real, honest singer/songwriter style music; and I will buy tickets to see her whenever I have the opportunity!

A great concert. This was the first time I have seen Iris play with a backup band and concert was exceptional.....The other folks on the stage seem to make Iris more comfortable.....in her past concerts she was always very shy. Let me add , the backup band were exceptional, like Iris. This is the third concert I have attended, and Iris stayed to sign CDs. A great evening. Thanks..... I also enjoyed Jasen Wilbur...he played as backup and very talented. I was pleasantly surprised by how great his CD is!!!!! Thanks.

Backed by a larger band than I usually seen with her, Iris was really able to let the songs take front and center. She performed many old favorites and the cream of the crop from "Sing the Delta". She even performed one song for the (unfortunately) lesser known "Lifeline". She remains a charmingly modest and self-deprecating performer. It was a great show at a good venue.

played a long set - all her own songs - it was great

Dement's latest album is one solid song after another. She did not disappoint. Backed up by a tight band, Dement was better than ever!

Still my very favorite singer. Unfortunately, we like her better acoustic -- without band. Band was good, but even though we weren't far away, we couldn't hear her that well. Hope she's without band this summer at Kate Wolf festival and hope she sings at least one with Greg Brown.

I have wanted to see Iris forever but I was disappointed by her selection of songs and even though I have all of her cds, I only recognized about a half dozen that she played. Plus, Jason Wilber is terrible as an opening act and should stick to playing back up. He's bored with Iris though!!

Saw Iris last year as a solo act, and although a great night, she clearly had more energy and enthusiasm on this night. Acoustics were great at the Sinclair. Iris's voice was strong and she did a good mix of old and new. Jason Wilbur and the rest of her band did a nice job. Loved the show!

She was musically wonderful and personally charming.

She was great! With a super band, upright bass, pedal steel, guitar. Played for almost 2 hours. Great sense of humor interring songs. Small club less than 200 seats so very intimate. If this is your kind of music, go even if you have to travel.

We love Iris DeMent and thoroughly enjoyed her concert. Iris will break your heart but you'll enjoy yourself while it is happening. My family has been listening to her for years and we never thought we'd get a chance to see her live. It was a wonderful treat! As a bonus, she took the time to meet fans and sign autographs afterwards.

From the moment she stepped on stage and sat down at the piano, Iris wrapped her arms around the audience and never let go, taking us on a heart-touching and life-affirming journey through her life and ours. She sang for us, with us, and about us. We laughed, we cried, and we sang along. And we were sad for the evening to end.

Iris Dement has very little stage presence. She tries to copy various artists with her voice and it does not work. She plays a great piano but not able to understand when she talks. Very deadpan jokes. A few very nice songs but not worth staying to the end.