Country singer Deana Carter is more than just her breakthrough hit song “Strawberry Wine" and the 1996 album from whence it came, “Did I Shave My Legs For This?"
More than a decade and a half have passed since those two works made Carter a rising star, and it’s true that commercially speaking, she has not quite reached those heights again.
But Carter is an excellent example of the kind of artist that traditionally (and inexplicably) has had trouble getting a fair shake from the mainstream-country machine because she incorporates folk, pop and rock into her country music, thanks in part to the influence of her father Fred Carter, Jr., who played guitar with everyone from Willie Nelson to Simon & Garfunkel.
Carter’s independent streak is also rooted in her own Nashville struggles. At 17, even her father’s connections couldn’t help her land a record deal, so she bailed on music and entered a career in health care. But Carter’s voice, songs and general musical acumen would not be denied, and years later, when Nelson heard her demo, it sent her on a fast track to “Strawberry Wine" and a catalog with more great songs than most artists you’ll hear on country radio.
On Wednesday, Carter will sing some of those songs at Maverick’s Country Bar in Bend, and there’ll be a collection of Christmas toys for needy children. Bring a toy, get a discounted ticket, help a kid, enjoy the music!
Deana Carter, with Aaron Benward and Brian McComas; 8 p.m. Wednesday; $20, or $15 with a donation for the toy drive, available with fees in advance at the website below; Maverick’s Country Bar & Grill, 20565 Brinson Blvd., Bend; www.maverickscountrybar.com or 541-325-1886.
