SINGER/SONGWRITER ANDREW BEST TO PERFORM AT INDEPENDENCE COUNTY LIBRARY
(Batesville, AR) Andrew Best, recognized for his captivating music tailored for families, will be performing live at the Independence County Library on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 2 p.m. The event, aimed at both children and parents, includes engaging tunes that are as whimsical and entertaining as they are educational.
Andrew Best’s musical journey began in his small East Texas hometown where he sang in church and played in the school marching band. His passion for music led him to Nashville, TN, where he pursued a degree in Songwriting at Belmont University. It was during his time at Belmont that Best discovered his talent for crafting songs that resonate with children, eventually releasing his debut album “Emerson the Moose and Other Songs for Children” in 2012 upon moving to Memphis, TN.
“Emerson the Moose and Other Songs for Children” showcases Best’s eclectic musical influences, ranging from children’s favorite Raffi to the melodic styles of Paul McCartney and the European pop/funk group Jamiroquai. The album features enchanting stories such as “Chico Santiaga”, a tale of a chihuahua with dreams of becoming a luchador, and “The Name Iz Lizard”, about a self-assured lizard spreading confidence. The titular track, “Emerson the Moose”, follows the adventures of a curious moose exploring the United States.
In 2017, Best delighted audiences with the release of the “Outside EP”, a collection of summer-themed songs celebrating the joy of outdoor exploration from a child’s perspective. The EP’s third track, “Rollercoaster Ride”, became a hit on children’s radio shows like “Radio Active Kids” and “Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl”, resonating with its theme of overcoming fears and embracing adventure.
Continuing to charm listeners, Best released a “Deluxe Edition” of his debut album in April 2018, featuring new bonus tracks including the popular “Memphis Moose”, expanding on Emerson’s adventures in Memphis, TN.
Andrew’s latest initiative involves creating exclusive monthly songs for his email subscribers, such as “Billy Bub’s Pickup Truck” and “Green Bean Casserole”, enriching family experiences with music that celebrates everyday moments.
Admission to the event is free. This event was made possible by the generosity of the Independence County Library Friends Foundation.
Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late ’60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit.
Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000.
After Drew became director, she took the region to the next level by helping the tourism organization create a new website and moved it from the old newspaper paper tabloid publication to a color magazine format. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Over the years, Drew has helped the organization meet new marketing goals, such as in- and out-of-state marketing, assuring that all 100,000 copies of their magazines are distributed each year.
In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Drew stays busy at Ozark Gateway as the ad sales manager, magazine editor, day-to-day office operations, trade show representative, and magazine distribution representative, all while ensuring that the region is represented all over Arkansas and southern Missouri.
Drew was featured in several local and statewide publications over the years, as well as the 1997 cover of the Ozark Gateway Region tabloid, along with her then 4-year-old son, Jon. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow.
She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. She now serves as their co-election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and poll worker training.
Drew is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs’ current membership chair.
In March of 2018, Drew was honored with induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame for her many years of dedicated service to the tourism industry.
