Avery Anna will be making the penultimate stop in her “Girl of Constant Sorrow Tour” at The Lyric on Friday, April 17. The Flagstaff, Ariz., musician will bring her blend of country, rock and acoustic pop to offer a performance that can appeal to everyone.
This will be the first time she has performed in Oxford, with another college-town performance at the Texas Club in Baton Rouge, La., to follow as the last stop of her tour stop on April 18. The show is an 18+ event, but minors are allowed if accompanied by a parent or guardian over 21 years old. A cash-only $5 underage fee is also required for each person under 21.
“I’m super excited for Oxford, and being in a college town is really fun because I feel like my music really connects with college kids,” Anna said in an interview with The Daily Mississippian.
Anna is a 22-year-old singer-songwriter who quickly made her way into the music scene since her debut release, “Just Cause I Love You,” on Jan. 13, 2021. In 2023, she was nominated for the “Breakthrough Female Video of the Year” award for her song “Narcissist” at the Country Music Television Music Awards. Her 2025 album, “let go letters” was recognized by Billboard as one of the 50 best albums in 2025.
Anna said her audience in Oxford should expect amazing musical performances with a whirlwind of emotions that accompany her songs.
“They can expect a good cry, … a good rage and … to be completely welcomed,” Anna said. “I think everybody kind of just lets it all out.”
Her most recent release, an EP titled “forgive, forget,” stemmed from a desire to process her life experiences through music. These songs, many of which will be performed at The Lyric, felt so urgent that she decided to release them on March 13 despite actively being on tour.
“I had some life experiences that I really felt like I needed to write about and process, and I process through music,” Anna said. “I wrote those songs and decided to release them very quickly within like two months. Honestly, it’s probably my favorite project I’ve ever done.”
Faith is a major inspiration for Anna. She makes an effort to incorporate her faith into every aspect of her life and career — even her pre-show routine.
“I always try to do a little bit of Scripture study in the day, and we always pray before the show,” Anna said. “We pray for everyone to connect with the music and walk out feeling a little bit better and a little bit understood.”
This faith-based inspiration is very present in many of the songs that Anna has written, in both subtle and obvious ways.
“A lot of my songs are very faith-based, Scripture-based, but people wouldn’t know it,” Anna said. “‘Fear in God’ is a big one that’s very loud about my faith, but songs like ‘Girl of Constant Sorrow,’ ‘forgive, forget’ and ‘Man Downstairs’ (also reference my faith). It’s just intertwined in everything that I do, and I don’t know what my writing would be like without it.”
Anna said the connection she makes with the audience is one of her favorite parts of performing, as it gives her the chance to share her passion with others.
“I love the connection that I have with other people,” Anna said. “I love watching people react to the songs, and sing along and maybe feel something.”
Anna finds joy in being able to impact others with her talents, driving the importance of musical performance in her life.
“Music is so healing … and it’s how I process everything in my life,” Anna said. “Watching that in real time happen for other people with songs that I’ve written, it’s the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever experienced in my life.”
