Julia Rush & Denise Baxter Yoder
Hickory Arts House Concert
May 18th, 2012 from 7:30 pm at Hickory Arts

HICKORY – What do Julia Rush and Denise Baxter Yoder have in common? Class, charm, talent, skill, and a lifetime of experience. These Hickory legends will be performing an intimate house concert together, hosted by Hickory Arts on May 18th from 7:30 pm. Seating is limited to the first 40 tickets sold and the evening will include the performance, free food, drinks, and an opportunity to spend quality time and be photographed with these Hickory icons.

Julia Rush has been singing on stage since the first grade in Fort Wayne, IN.

“My parents both had fine voices and passed their God-given talent to me and my sister.”

During college at Indiana University, Julia traveled with the “Belles of Indiana” to Germany where they entertained at 45 Army bases in six weeks for the USO. Rush left Fort Wayne and moved to Atlanta, GA where she had a son and daughter, and found her passion as a potter. She moved to Hickory in 1978, during which time she married Beemer Harrell and opened -julia rush- Fine Crafts in 1980. Beemer passed away in 2007. Thirty years later Rush closed the business, retired, and is now still doing some singing and making jewelry as another creative outlet.

“I also have a wonderful new friend, Don Irmiger, and have a great time with him riding through the North Carolina Mountains on his three-wheeled Honda Gold Wing motorcycle. Shortly after moving to Hickory, I read an article in the paper about a man who had graduated from Juilliard and returned to Lenoir. He was looking for a ‘girl singer.’ I was looking for a ‘piano man!’ Off and on for over 30 years, John and I have had what we call a ‘musical marriage.’ Our friendship has grown and I am ecstatic about working with him again. Denise Baxter Yoder and I were in the first ‘Streets of Hickory’ together in 1987 and have been close friends since both musically and with a close personal friendship. What fun I had with Hickory Community Theatre in both 1987 and in the 20-year revival of ‘SOH.’ I also participated in HCT’s ‘Dueling Divas’ in 2011 and became Hickory’s first Diva! My personal feeling about singing is that I love to perform and bring beautiful words and music into others’ lives. My parents both sang and I inherited my talent from each of them, for which I am extremely grateful. I’m proud of the Cultural Arts in Hickory! There is so much to do here and so much talent. I love being a part of it."

Born to military parents, Denise Baxter Yoder adapted to the lifestyle of constant movement.

“Living in over nine states during my youngest years, I discovered great variety in the places where we were stationed but was always sad to leave somewhere I had grown to love. As an adult, I promised myself to find a location where I could put down roots and thrive; North Carolina provided the fulfillment of that promise.”

Throughout her geographic relationship with NC, Baxter lived in Boone, Lenoir, Hickory, and Lincolnton.

“I love the rich heritage of the arts community in our region.”

As a theatre enthusiast, Denise participated in community theatre at Foothills Performing Arts and Hickory Community Theatre for 15 or so years.

“Very fond of those memories as that is where I met my husband, cast opposite of each other in a play. As a wife, I am married to Chuck Yoder and will have been married for 30 years this coming July!”

As a teacher, Denise taught in the public school systems of Caldwell County and Catawba County for 30 years. As a musician, she’s made music with Puddingstone, a Celtic/Americana band for over 20 years. As a harpist, she plays with Tapestry, a harp/flute duo that was formed three years ago. As a lyricist, she writes with Cindy Kleinstuber Blevins from Colorado for Misty Morning Music. As a decorative folk artist, she creates whimsical designs on old furniture to give them new life. As a painter, she paints walls.

Hickory Arts is a teaching and production studio dedicated to responding in an intimate, personal way to the needs of up-and-coming artists of all types and ages. The studio is located at 720 Second Avenue SW, Hickory 28602 across from Hickory Optimist Park and behind ITP. For more information about tickets and Hickory Arts, please explore the website or call 828-270-9801.

Hickory Arts House Concerts are very intimate. Volunteers to provide food (“pot luck,” if you prefer) for the performer(s) and guests is strongly encouraged. All proceeds always go directly to the artist(s).