Tia McGraff, described as having “a voice stolen from angels,” will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 29, in the Ray Schulz Library at the Barton County Historical Society Museum and Village, 85 South U.S. 281 (south of the Arkansas River bridge).
Seats are $10 and may be purchased at the door. “However, a head count would be appreciated, since seating is limited,” said Karen Neuforth, executive director of the Barton County Arts Council. “So if you plan on attending please call 620-792-4221 weekday afternoons or e-mail bartonarts@gmail.com.”
McGraff first stepped into the international spotlight on a CBC TV special with Johnny Cash and June Carter. Johnny was so impressed with Tia, he invited her into June’s dressing room to introduce the two.
McGraff was born and raised in the small Lake Erie town of Port Dover, Ontario, Canada, and grew up working on her family’s 18-hole golf course. After winning the Canadian Open Country Singing Contest at the age of 18, she entered into the world of the recording music industry. Johnny Cash wasn’t the only one who recognized a shining star. Soon heavyweights in rock and country music were inviting her to write and record with them.
After moving to Nashville, Tenn., McGraff  met Colorado native Tommy Parham. The two began collaborating as musicians and also married.
The Barton County Arts Council is a non-profit charitable and educational organization supported by individuals, businesses and organizations and also receives funding from The City of Great Bend and Barton County.