Franklin County Arts Council presents 9th annual Young Performing Artist concert

It may have been a cold evening for singing, but it was still a grand night as the Franklin County Arts Council presented the 9th annual Young Performing Artist & Scholarship Benefit Concert at Faith Baptist Church on Saturday, March 2.

Every year the concert invites two vocal professionals to visit Hampton, presenting the area with a musical entertainment opportunity rarely offered in rural Iowa.

This year’s performers were Katelyn Lee and Craig Irvin. As usual, the performers were accompanied on piano by Jodi Goble, who recruits the artists and puts together their arrangement of songs every year.

“I had such a wonderful experience,” said Lee, a professional soprano from Chicago. “Everyone has been so warm and delightful. I can’t say enough great things about Hampton.”

Originally from Springfield, MO, Lee grew up singing and never stopped, earning two degrees in music after high school and starting a professional career in opera that has taken her around the world. She currently tours with Opera for the Young and gives voice lessons to underprivileged Chicago high school students.

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