Catch rising musical star Ivory Layne with Catawba College's own talented popular music student Emma Stoneberg in an evening of original song. The free concert is open to the public and will be held on Friday, September 20 in Catawba's Hedrick Little Theatre beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Layne's appearance comes fresh on the heels of her musical debut, an EP entitled "Volume One." Its five original songs reveal a fresh new voice and perspective that transcend specific genres but also reveal her potential to emerge as a major artist in the world of popular music. She even served as co-producer of the EP along with veteran songwriter and Gospel Music Association Producer of the Year Ed Cash.
Cash was one the first to recognize Layne's ability and has emerged as musical mentor for her. According to Layne, "Being around and collaborating with him as not only help me be a better artist. He's been like my teacher, and I have been like his apprentice. That's how it's felt to me."
Growing up, Ivory Layne says she would scribble lyrics on any piece of paper she could find. She had dreams of recording those songs and performing them on stage, just not a way to turn those hopes into reality. Her life took a dramatic turn when she met Cash. Together, they have produced a compilation of songs that showcases Layne's fresh and diverse creativity.
Layne's debut EP is appropriately named because this is only the beginning; Layne continues to scribble lyrics on countless pieces of papers with song ideas she hopes to later share with the world. "Volume One" is available for digital download on iTunes.
Emma Stoneberg, a senior honors student majoring in popular music and music business, came to Catawba from Asheville, by way of Nanjing, China, Colorado, and Minnesota. She is a familiar voice and face to those concert-goers who support the college's Artist Development Program in Popular Music, sponsor of the Layne/Stoneberg concert. She hits a delicate balance between sweet and strong with her diverse vocal ability. A jazz and pop singer-songwriter, she has been performing for over a decade.
Stoneberg offers a witty songwriting style filled with memorable melodies and stories that strike a chord with audience members. She is attentive to emotions conveyed through the lyrics and her versatile handling of these holds the attention of listeners even after her notes leave the air. While approachable, her songs also convey profound emotions. "I'm singing my diary," Stoneberg says.
She has recently performed at the Bluebird Café, Douglas Corner Café, the Nashville Palace and the Hard Rock Café, all in Nashville, the Hard Rock Café in Atlanta, and at a variety of venues throughout Asheville and western North Carolina.
An ensemble of some of Catawba's best popular music students will back both Layne and Stoneberg. They will include Silas Boyle of Louisville, Ky., on guitar, Olivia Albertson of Thomasville on keyboard, Tevin Carr of Statesville on drums, and Cole McDonnell of Waverly, Pa., on bass.
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