The Office of Student Services for Ohio University Southern began a new season of its “Brown Bag Concert Series” this past Wednesday in the Riffe Center Mains Rotunda.

The featured artist for the first concert of the season was Catherine “Cat” Cirner. Born in Manila, Philippines, Cirner grew up in Steubenville and began piano lessons at age 11. Her musical influences range from the acoustic sound of the Indigo Girls, Tracy Chapman and Sheryl Crow to the soulful tones of India Arie and Lauryn Hill.

Cirner also taught herself to play the acoustic guitar, and by age 15 she began composing songs and performing.

Her blend of music and vocal talents provides glimpses of folk, blues, pop, bluegrass and some jazzy undertones.

The Brown Bag Concerts and special performances are held each Wednesday at noon in the Riffe Center Mains Rotunda in Ironton throughout September, October and November.

All events for the series are free and open to the public.

Upcoming performances include Gloria Smith on Sept. 10; Songbird on Sept. 17; Michelle Dotts on Sept. 24; Brian Kelley on Oct. 1; Creative Writing Reading on Oct. 8; Ironton High School Varsity Singers on Oct. 15; Two of Us on Oct. 22; Kentucky Memories on Nov. 5; and Blue Vine on Nov. 12.

For additional information on the Brown Bag Concert Series, contact concert coordinator Nina Queen at 740-533-4548 or queenn@ohio.edu.