Never too late for inspiration: Barb Ryman live at Loplops

It has been said that navigating the music industry is a young persons' game. Texas songwriter Barb Ryman is living proof that this doesn't have to be so.

Inspired by a "too early" midlife crisis, Ryman first took the stage as a songwriter at the age of 40. After her debut performance, she found herself a finalist in the nationally endorsed Fine Line Songwriter Competition.

Three years later she was nominated for the 1994 Minnesota Music Award, Songwriter of the Year, and again in 1996 for her CD, Lay Me Open, which was recognized as exceptional by the Minneapolis Star Tribune and called a “heart-on-sleeve triumph”.

The accolades continued with Ryman’s latest release, Falling Down To Heaven which earned her five more nominations from the Minnesota Music Academy including 2002 Songwriter Of the Year, Recording Of the Year, Song Of the Year, and Female Vocalist.

Ryman lays insightful, witty lyrics into a rich mosaic of contemporary folk, gentle rock, and country blues, delivering it all with a clear, compelling voice. She gently charms every audience she meets with her sincerity and playful stage banter.

Ryman will take the stage at Loplops on Wednesday, February 2nd at 9:30 pm. Loplops Lounge is located at 651 Queen Street East (next to the Duke of Windsor). For more information, visit www.loplops.com