A young blues/rock guitarist and singer/songwriter is coming to Albert Lea to perform on Saturday evening.

Trent Romens, 19, of Edina, is set to play a show at the Lighthouse Event Center along with a band consisting of a blues fiddle player and bass player. Romens, who’s been playing guitar since age 11, said he’s excited about the upcoming concert.

“I’m pretty young to be touring, but I love playing music in front of people,” Romens said.

Romens held a CD release concert about a year ago and has played 13 festivals in the past year. His debut album “Aware” also made it onto the Grammy Entry List for Best Blues Album in 2011.

“It’s going to be a long, hard, fun run, but eventually I hope to have some success,” Romens said.

Romens said he is interested in all kinds of music, and thinks it’s good to listen to different kinds of music to expand his tastes. He cites Wain McFarlane, The Allman Brothers Band and many more for inspiration.

“I like to make people feel happy or sad with music, to have that connection,” Romens said. “If they enjoy it that’s just really rewarding and makes you feel really good.”

His CD, as well as other merchandise, will be available to buy at the concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Lighthouse Event Center on Marshall Street in Albert Lea.

“This talented young man is bringing some friends down to put on a great show for us at the Lighthouse,” owner Celeste Krause said. “You won’t regret this great night of music.”

Romens has never played in Albert Lea before, and he hopes people come out to see him and enjoy the band’s music. He’s only been in the business for a short time but said he’s been enjoying the ride so far.

“If I could do this for a living that would be my dream,” Romens said.

Romens will next go to Memphis in February to compete in the International Blues Challenge’s Youth Showcase, which is the world’s largest gathering of blues artists and organizations.

 

Tickets, please

• What: Trent Romens in concert
• When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
• Where: Lighthouse Event Center, 621 Marshall St.
• How much: Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door and $5 for students. Tickets are available at Marshall Street Music, Hy-Vee and Stadheim Jewelers in Albert Lea and at Coffee House on Main in Austin.

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