GREENEVILLE – Rising musician Ashley Hess, who competed in the most recent season of “American Idol,” will showcase her soulful style blending pop with rhythm and blues during a dynamic concert at Tusculum University.
Ashley Hess
Hess will entertain with a collection of her own music and cover tunes when she takes the stage Thursday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m. in the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center Auditorium. Playing guitar, piano and keyboard, she will demonstrate the talent that nearly landed her in the top 10 on the popular national show. The Nashville-based artist will be accompanied by a fellow musician on an acoustic guitar.
“We are pleased to support a young musician who has achieved hard-earned success as she pursues the next step in her career,” said Jennifer Hollowell, coordinator of Tusculum’s Arts Outreach. “Her pure and beautiful vocal style and authentic personality will draw in the audience and provide an excellent start to another academic year.”
Hess’ website describes Hess as driven by heartfelt lyrics, which are evident in her songs, such as “Running,” “Time” and “Into You.”
“There is no better feeling than going through the process of creating a song, performing that song, and having people connect with the song that I created,” she explains on her site. “Those are the moments I live for getting out there, playing my music and establishing a connection.”
The California-born artist is a late-comer to the music scene, developing her passion for that profession when she lived in Utah and started writing and performing. Hess has quickly progressed, leading her to share a stage with national artists such as Andy Grammer and Us the Duo.
While she has made her mark primarily with pop and rhythm and blues, Hess has demonstrated her flexibility by performing contemporary Christian music as well.
Tusculum has a limited number of tickets for the community. They are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 60 and older and $5 for children 12 and younger. Interested community members can contact Hollowell at 423-798-1620 or jhollowell@tusculum.edu.