Lincoln-Way Grad to Debut New Album at Free Concert

Jayme Squires met the love of her life Brad in high school, and they’ve been together ever since.

But it doesn’t stop her from finding inspiration in others’ romantic plights, often writing songs so true to experiences like a breakup, that listeners believe she must have been there.

The 23-year-old singer/songwriter from Manhattan is honored that her songs touch people so deeply.

“I write about how different situations made me feel, emotional depths,” Squires said. “Sometimes I just have a fun song to make you feel good. Then some emotional ballads from either life experiences, observations, or being empathetic to others.”

The 2010 Lincoln-Way Central grad has been writing songs and playing instruments since the third grade. She started with guitar and piano, and has now added the ukelele. As a professional, she works with a nonprofit AMTC, a company that develops artists, musicians, models and actors. Through that work, she connected with an independent record label that enjoyed her music, which previously she had written mostly for other artists or TV spots. The label gave her an opportunity to work on a personal project.

She’ll release her second album Friday, June 5, and will celebrate with a free concert at the New Lenox Commons, 101 Veterans Parkway, at 7 p.m. Squires will be joined by another local talent, John Narcissi, who will open for her with some cover songs. Squires will take the stage and perform songs from both her albums, including the new “That Kind of Heart.” CDs will be on sale at a discounted price, and she’ll stick around to sign copies.

“I haven’t performed my own music in a few years,” Squires said. “After hearing from family, other fans from online presence, I decided to put together this album release concert, to show that I’m doing my own thing.”

Check her out at JaymeSquires.com and stop by the Commons at 7 p.m. to hear her.