Concert at Orange Street Theatre

Hello! It has been a busy couple of weeks since I last posted an entry. Actually, for about a week and a half, I battled a nasty cold/flu. Both my mom and I had the same symptoms and we think we might have picked something up on our trip to Peru. Accordingly, I called our illness the “Revenge of the Incas”. I’m back up to 100% now, though, and celebrated my good health with a busy week of pageant activities.

Wednesday, April 6th I had my headshots for Miss Iowa taken with Ben Shirk of Shirk Photography in Wilton, IA. In addition to the traditional headshots, we also went into the construction site of his new studio where I posed on a ladder and against exposed brick using only construction lighting, all while in a cocktail dress. Ben is so creative with his photographs and I can’t wait to see how they turn out! Take a look at his website (you’ll see a few photos of me under the “model” heading): http://www.shirkphotography.com/mp_includes/body.asp. Before the photos, I had my hair done by Ashlie Burroughs of AnewU Salon. Ashlie and her business partner Heather actually just opened this salon last month and it looks amazing! It is very professional and modern and the two owners are magicians with hair. Check out the photos of their studio on their Facebook page.

On Saturday, April 9th, I performed a concert with Miss Muscatine, Jessica Pray, and classical guitarist Dana Starkell at the Orange Street Theatre in Muscatine. The event was a huge success! The atmosphere was really informal with an intimate and supportive audience. I performed six pieces on the harp, including my Miss Iowa talent selection, Debussy’s “Girl with the Flaxen Hair”, and the third movement of Hindemith’s Sonata for Harp. Jessica and Dana performed wonderfully and the audience seemed to really enjoy the show. Artists are brought to the Orange Street Theatre every month by Performing Arts Muscatine and I would highly suggest attending one of their shows in the future. I’ve included a couple of photographs from the events.


The advertisement for the concert.


Posing with my harp.


Explaining the harp to some interested audience members during intermission.


With my executive directors, Ashley and Kindra, and Miss Muscatine, Jessica.


My lovely Miss Pearl City Outstanding Teen sister, Jessica.

Sunday was the Spring Bridal Extravaganza, the annual bridal show hosted by the Miss Iowa Scholarship Pageant in Davenport. A great showing of guests were able to talk and meet with over 20 bridal vendors. I was able to talk to some of my Miss Iowa sisters at the event, including Miss Iowa 2010 Pauli Mayfield. I always get excited and impatient for Miss Iowa whenever I’m around the other contestants! The finals are two months and one day from today…not that I’m counting down the days.


With Miss Northeast Iowa, Emily, and Red Hot Brian Scott from the B100 radio station.

I’ve got another busy couple of weeks coming up, but I’ll do my best to post entries when I’m able. Until next time!