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'Talking Art' with Monica Austin

The country artist Monica Austin has been busy lately, recently releasing her first EP and opening for Wynonna Judd and the Big Noise at the Rust Belt on Feb 21, 2020. 

Growing up in Moline, IL, she was encouraged to pursue country singing by her high school choir director, Ron May.  In her 20’s, she began singing at stand-up Mic nights at the River Music Experience in Davenport, supported by her mentor Ellis Kell.  Life intervenes.  Working full-time now in marketing and raising three children, the irrepressible Monica Austin continues to write music and perform, inspired by her past experiences and surrounded by the people who love her.

Listen to our conversation here with Monica Austin about what it was like playing onstage as a solo artist at the Rust Belt, why she is inspired to create music, and how the stories of our own unique lives are often experiences shared exquisitely by others.

Her next performance is at the River Music Experience on Wed, March 4th at 5PM and is free of charge, as part of RME’s winter “Live @ Five” series. You can view her additional performance schedule here or on her Facebook page.

Carolyn Martin joined WVIK as a host of Talking Art in 2017. A long-time fan of NPR programming with a love of storytelling and all art forms, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with creative people who beautify our community and make the Quad Cities region an even better place to live.