Singer-songwriter-storyteller Caroline Herring, described as “one of the American South’s most unique and resonant voices,” will give a free concert Thursday, Feb. 9, at Wartburg College.

Herring, who will perform at 7 p.m. in the Wartburg Chapel, is a Mississippi native now living in Atlanta. She has appeared on National Public Radio’s “Prairie Home Companion” and “All Things Considered,” created her own syndicated Mississippi Public Radio show, “Thacker Mountain Radio,” and developed an international following.

A one-time folklore scholar, Herring sings about the struggle for justice, the complexity of faith and the beauty of the human spirit. Her songs tell tales ranging from “Fair and Tender Ladies,” celebrating the courage of three Mississippi women — a poet, a nun, and an anti-lynching activist — to “Paper Gown,” about Susan Smith, a 23-year-old South Carolinian who drowned her two sons.

The music magazine No Depression, calls Herring “among our very best contemporary songwriters, because she is the quintessential storyteller.”

“We hope to offer a great show by one of the best contemporary singer/songwriters of our time, while providing an opportunity for the audience to think through and experience how music can foster our ethical and spiritual formation,” said Dr. Jennifer McBride, assistant professor of religion and Regents Chair in Ethics, the concert sponsor. 

“Caroline’s songs fit perfectly with our college theme this year: ‘Telling Our Stories.’ Her songs tell her stories and other people’s stories that are too often left untold.”