A performance by Charlotte Kendrick at the Montevallo Arts Fest promises to be a highlight of the event. She is a noted singer/songwriter from New York who, with her husband guitarist Dan Rowe, entertains her audiences with folk songs along with some country, rock, blues and pop.

“She has a history of coming to Birmingham and has many fans in this area,” said Norman McMillan, one of the organizers of the Fest. “I really like her music and think she is extremely good.”

The award–winning Kendrick grew up in New York. She explains on her Web site that she liked to do whatever her older brother did and when he took up the guitar she followed right along. She played and sang throughout high school and college, but on graduation had not settled on a career. She, at least, wanted to do something useful, so she decided to join the Peace

Corps. For the next two years she taught health education in a small village in West Africa. In her leisure time, she wrote her first songs and gave serious thought to the direction of her life.

On returning to New York and working as a bartender, she frequently performed at the open- microphones cafes, and eventually teamed up with Rowe. They met fellow musicians and producers and released their first album, “I Get Stupid.”

Following the release of their second album, they took off on a self–booked, 40–plus date tour across the country. That proved to be the learning experience that enhanced a successful career.

Kendrick is one of several exciting musical offerings scheduled for the festival in Orr Park on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Some of them are Andy Cohen, a virtuoso guitarist/singer; Cleve Eaton and the Alabama All Stars; Chuck King and the Pineapple Skinners; Sol Azteca, a mariachi band; and Walon Smith, a folk/country singer. There will also be performances by the Montevallo High School String Band and by Drum Circle, lead by Jay Burnham.

In addition to the music, there will be more than 40 visual artists displaying and selling their work; demonstrations by Glock, Montevallo’s canine officer; a parade of decorated bicycles by I*magine; food; and many fun activities for children.

The Arts Fest is a component of the April Celebration of the Arts in Montevallo. A complete schedule of the four–day event can be found at montevalloartscouncil.com.

To learn more about Kendrick, go to charlottekendrick.com.

Catherine Legg can be reached at clegg2@bellsouth.net.