Michelle Lee On Air Ava Rowland – February Artist Spotlight
Artist Spotlight – February 2024
By now, I hope you are in the habit of writing 2024 now instead of like me and having to re-write the date every time. I am kicking February off with an artist spotlight on an Ohio native, Ava Rowland. Ava is an up-and-coming artist in the country music world. Ava is known for saying, “I’m not much of a talker…but when I sing, you can finally see me…no act…no hiding…just me, my song, and you.”
Before we dive into learning about Ava, lets cover a few fun facts about the town of Wellington, Ohio where Ava is from. Archibald Willard, the painter, of the famous painting Spirit of ’76, originally titled Yankee Doodle, lived in Wellington, OH during the 19th century. After serving in the Civil War, Willard was inspired to paint the Spirit of ’76 after watching a parade that was commemorating the American Revolution. To refresh your memory or learning for the first time, the Spirit of ’76 depicts a fifer (similar to a flute), a drummer and a drummer boy with an American Flag flying in the background. There is also a Spirit of ’76 Museum that is dedicated to Willard and history of Wellington there in town.
If you are not as into history as much as others, you can also have fun at one of the biggest county fairs in the state of Ohio – the Lorain County Fair which takes place on the west side of town on St Route 18 at the fairgrounds. Similar to other counties large in farming, you will be able to experience all the farm animals you can in one place – sheep, cows, horse, chickens, bunnies, and many more. Along with all the great animal smells, you will experience the great smells of all those favorite fair foods and even catch some great music acts. Last year I had the honor of introducing Collin Raye and Aaron Tippin prior to their awesome shows on the fairgrounds.
As Lorain County is full of history, so is the family of Ava Rowland. Watching and listening to her uncle and grandpa play guitar inspired Ava to pick up the guitar herself and learn how to play. Learning how to play allowed her to join in on those family gatherings along with beginning her journey as a musician. From the first time in front of an audience at nine years of age, Ava started singing full time after graduating high school.
While Ava’s wish is to be in Nashville with other writers bouncing ideas and thoughts off each other she has learned over the years that she finds writing slow songs is easier than writing fast-paced songs. Ava loves to write Christian songs as well as Country songs. One thing that is a must for her while writing is a great cup of Starbucks coffee – it definitely keeps her going.
The most memorable moment to Ava was when she performed at the CMA Fest in 2019. As having that moment of playing on a big stage, Ava would love to be able to speak with her grandma again and share that experience with her. Her grandma, Nannie, was the person that showed her what a true woman of God looked like. Ava would love that one extra chance to tell her thanks and that she loves her VERY MUCH.
Having the memory strong of her Nannie in her heart, Ava found another woman that inspired her in many ways. Selena Gomez has inspired her by showing how a strong woman can be successful when one doesn’t give up when going through so much. Ava admires Selena for how she speaks about how girls should be treated in relationships. Ava, herself, hopes to team up with Rachel’s Challenge someday to raise money and awareness for bullying and school violence prevention.
Having amazing women in Ava’s life, she would tell an up-and-coming artist, “Always be yourself! People will come along and try to make you the person they want you to be, but you have to be strong and stay true to yourself. I would also tell them to always make sure to keep God close.”
Rapid fire questions –
What is your favorite Holiday? Christmas because I love all the lights, spending time with family and celebrating Jesus’ birth.
What is your favorite saying/quote? “Do it afraid”
What is your dream destination? Bora Bora
What state has been your favorite to do a concert/event in? I loved to play shows in Oregon because the state is beautiful, and I got to play a couple shows with a full band which taught me a lot!
What is your favorite type of car? Volkswagen Beetle
Do you have a hobby outside of music? I enjoy working out.
What is your favorite kind of Ice Cream? Cotton Candy
What is your favorite junk food? Potato Chips
Do you have any pet(s) and what are their names? Two Mini Golden Doodles who are brothers and their names are Patches and Rollo and one Toy Poodle whose name is Izzy.
What is your favorite book that you read or author that you like to read? I really enjoy reading books that are true, but I don’t have a favorite book or author.
Who is your favorite Actor/Actress? Leonardo Dicaprio
What is your favorite movie line? I don’t have a favorite line, but my favorite movie is The Notebook.
Announcements:
Ava has been in the studio a lot this past year working on her next songs that will soon be coming out. She started singing in church, so the next song is very much faith based. The title is “Forever Amen”. Once a release date is set, it will be announced on all Ava Rowland Music social media pages.
The songs I’ve been working on in the studio are very special to me and I’m so excited to see how God will use these songs. Ava mentioned, “When you have been given a voice by God, it drives you to make music that changes people.” Stay tuned for new music and shows!
Make sure to head over to www.avarowland.com for all up-to-date information and merch.