Amy Andrews, acclaimed singer/songwriter from Decatur, Ga., has found a second “home on the range.” And, she is thrilled at the prospect of returning to Kansas for a free prime-time concert event – “Sing into Spring” -- at 7 p.m. March 30 in the Spencer/Rounds Performing Arts Theatre on the campus of Coffeyville Community College.
“I absolutely love Kansas,” said Andrews, a native of Baltimore who performed at CCC as part of the humanities series last fall and the previous spring, “and feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend over two full weeks in the Coffeyville region last year – being part of the humanities program has been one of the great highlights of being a professional touring musician, and I mention it nearly every time I am on stage.
“I certainly mentioned it, and my eagerness to get back to the region, at all my past gigs in recent memory.”
Andrews, who has a degree in operatic vocal performance, mixes classics with current hits and has proven to be one of the most popular performers on the humanities circuit.
“Audience members regularly come up to me after performances to ask more about the humanities program, and several school program directors have asked me for more information in hopes of creating a similar program at their institutions,” said Andrews. “It has been an absolutely incredible experience for me to feel like an artist in residence in Coffeyville and Caney -- if I could do it full time, I would certainly make a go for it.”
Named one of Atlanta’s “rising stars” in 2012, Andrews was initially scheduled to return to Coffeyville for a winter/holiday concert in December, but was forced to cancel because of illness.
“I cannot express how upset I was to be sick that day -- I was so looking forward to that evening's performance,” she said. “I really … wanted to be part of the holiday celebrations. At any rate, I am thrilled to be coming back in a few (days) and I look forward to seeing familiar faces, meeting new folks, and singing some new music of my own, in addition to popular songs of old, and plenty of music that will have listeners wanting to sing along.
“I'm always listening to a lot of early soul music, and intend to play at least a few Motown hits that will hopefully have people harmonizing from their seats.”
There is no admission charge for “Sing into Spring” or for any of the remaining Tuesday-morning humanities programs this semester. A full slate of performers is available in both the north and west lobbies of the theatre.