Island music will fill the streets of Athens this week as Erin Hart performs and records new music in the area.
Although Court Street has a unique mix of musical performers at night, island music is not usually a style heard resonating through the lively, upbeat town.
On Wednesday, however, IslandGirlMusic — Erin Hart — will bring her not-so-typical island music to Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery, 24 W. Union St., to provide Athens’ locals with a midweek getaway to the tropics.
Erin Hart grew up in Virginia with her mother and father who were both actively involved in music. Her mother played piano and her father played guitar. Music of all genres including folk, classic rock, hip-hop and even jazz, could always be heard throughout her house.
Naturally she began to pick up instruments and sing. Some of her current influences stem from Bob Marley to Jack Johnson and recently a new band called Nahko Bear.
“I like music with a powerful message that leaves you uplifted,” Hart said. “You feel like you walk away with something.”
Island music became a natural escape for Hart, as she lives on the breezy island of St. John in the Virgin Islands.
“I love to play folk music, but it has kind of an island feel to it,” she chuckled. “I guess it could be a new genre called ‘Island Folk.’ ”
IslandGirlMusic represents much more than a normal band name to Hart; rather, it represents a brand she hopes to create. She doesn’t always play with the same members and eventually she wants to expand this brand into photography, which can be found on her website erinhartmusic.com. And, at some point she wants to raise money for charity.
Erin Hart is bringing her talents to Athens for an opportunity to record 10 original tracks for her first CD with Bernie Nau at Peachfork Studio in Pomeroy, Ohio.
Her album, Living. Loving. Growing., will be accompanied by a number of Athens musicians.
“I have been able to play as a career and make a living, but now it’s time to get music out,” she said.
She describes the atmosphere of her shows to be, “casual and fun with a laid back vibe.” Wednesday’s show begins at 10 p.m. at Jackie O’s with a follow-up performance Thursday at West End Cider House starting at 6 p.m.
my019213@ohio.edu
