Dynamic Singer, Songwriter Kristen Merlin to Perform in AMU

Energetic singer, songwriter and guitarist Kristen Merlin, who made it to the final five on the sixth season of NBC’s “The Voice,” will perform in the Alumni Memorial Union on Feb. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of the University of Findlay’s Music Bach’s Concert Series. The concert will be free and open to the public.
The Hanson, Massachusetts native has been singing since elementary school, and began playing guitar in high school, when her mother brought home her first acoustic guitar. She continued to pursue her musical dreams by graduating in 2007 from the University of New Haven in Connecticut, where she received a bachelor of arts in music and sound recording. During college, she also participated in open mic “Bean House” nights, where she performed her original pieces. After graduation, she continuously returned to the stage, including as a duo, called Circling Straight, with Kristin Pimental.
As a soloist, Merlin was named by Boston Nightlife Awards as South Shore’s Best Acoustic Solo Act in 2009. She later became the lead singer for cover band Arctic Playground, and joined forces with the cover band Six Foot Sunday. Some of her other accomplishments have included singing the National Anthem for a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park in 2011 and for Reebok’s World Championship Spartan Race in 2014; placing second in Boston’s Pride Idol singing competition in 2008; singing with multi-platinum country band Sugarland at Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas in 2012; and touring 31 U.S. cities on “The Voice Tour” in 2014.
Today, she rocks the stage with her self-titled band, which frequently contributes to the New England music scene. She released her first EP, “Boomerang,” in January 2015. She is currently collaborating with other songwriters, touring colleges and festivals across the country and has performed internationally for thousands of her #MerlinNation fans. She hopes to release her second album this year.
Her enthusiastic performances, punctuated by her vocal ability and stage presence, are memorable attention grabbers. Known for her bar-top performances, Merlin loves to get her audience involved in her shows as much as possible. Her playful demeanor and bouncing dance moves will make anyone want to get up and join in the fun!
For more information on Kristen Merlin, visit her website at www.kristenmerlin.com.
Music Bach’s Concert Series is a free concert series presented by UF’s Student Activities Board, an extension of the Office of Student Activities, Commuter Services and Leadership Development. Student Activities Board is a student board that strives to bring diverse entertainment to campus. Call 419-434-4606 for more information.