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As a child and also as an adult, Ann Nivens has always set goals for herself and tenaciously reached for her dreams. Deeply rooted in her foundation and embedded in her heart . . . teaching, helping children and MUSIC.
Ann Nivens spent the majority of her career in Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Iredell-Statesville Schools. Many locals remember her as a teacher, an assistant principal and also a principal. In the Mooresville area — she was the principal of Lake Norman Elementary and Langtree Charter. She was also the interim principal of Davidson Elementary, Cornelius Elementary and Torrence Creek Elementary.
“I adore children and strive to ensure that they have opportunities to reach their full potential,” Ann says.
Although children and education are paramount in her life, MUSIC has always been at her core. Now that she is fully retired, music lovers can find her singing and playing the drums in numerous popular bars and restaurants in the Lake Norman area.
Among the numerous gigs in the Mooresville area, Ann Nivens – also known as Annablue — has recently played at The Charles Mack Center for Richard’s Coffee Shop Christmas party, Boondogglers Brewing Company and The Barrel. She draws big crowds and loud applause.
At The Barrel – on December 1st — music lovers enjoyed a glass of wine as they listened to Ann blend Christmas songs with traditional Rock & Roll classics. Those who were present could actually FEEL her love of music.
“Music touches my heart and makes me feel alive,” exclaims Ann. She truly believes . . .“Music heals the soul and brings comfort and happiness.”
During her performances, Ann often plays drums while she sings. “When I hear music, I want to dance and move to the rhythm. I don’t just hear music, I feel it.”
Beer + Music = A Wonderful Time
During December, Ann Nivens is booked with private parties; however, if you wish to see this talented singer/drummer in person, she will be playing again at The Barrel on January 19th. Mark Your Calendars!
“As a little girl,” Ann remembers, “I loved climbing on top of the pump house and beating pots with sticks.”
While still in single digits, Ann’s parents got a divorce and her mother moved the five kids from Augusta, Georgia to Manning, South Carolina. At nine-years-old, Ann was entering the fifth grade in a new town and elected to join the school band. Mr. Olin – the band director – encouraged her to play the flute; however, Ann’s dream was to play the drums.
Photo Courtesy of Ann Nivens — The Early Years
Her determination paid off. Even though — at 11-years-old — she was quite small to be harnessed to a drum set, she was good enough to play in a marching band. In fact, she became the top timpani player in the state! This inspired her to play a stationary drum set and join a rock & roll band at age 13.
“We played in front of the large screen at the town theater between movies, at the teen center, in store parking lots and for private parties,” says Ann.
When she turned 18, Ann married her childhood sweetheart, Pressley. Together they played with an established professional band called The Knights until they decided to form their own band called PARR IV. The name was created from an acronym of the four band members: Pressley, Ann, Rick and Randy. “We played all over the state – almost every weekend,” Ann exclaims as she remembers the fun, musical memories.
Even after they moved to Charlotte in 1980, they continued to play. Sadly – after their divorce – the band broke up. Ann sang periodically including as a duo – Lattice and Lace — and also as a percussionist and singer in the contemporary service at her church: Williamson’s Chapel . “Both were beautiful experiences for me,” states Ann.
However, during this time in her life, she spent more time focusing on her 33-year career in education serving as a teacher, assistant principal and principal for Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Iredell-Statesville Schools.
“During my career as an educator, I completed two master’s degrees and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. “ Even after she retired in 2010, she continued to work for an additional 10 years as the interim principal of CMS schools.
“I was inspired to begin preforming again after Greg – my sweetheart — gave me an electronic drum set for Christmas,” Ann says with a smile.
“Thanks to Annamarie and Max Gunter, my first gig was at Shoals on March 24, 2023. They gave me a chance to see if the old gal still had it!” Ann says with a coquettish smile. “Although I was scared to death, I loved every minute!”
Friends and family — especially her wonderful kids — have been her support group and have inspired her to continue reaching for her dream. Since that first gig, she has performed at other venues – and for private parties. “Because children are my heart,” Ann states, “all tips that I receive are donated to children’s charities.”
Check this link to hear her sing “Fire” (The Pointer Sisters & Bruce Springsteen song) at The Barrel
https://www.facebook.com/reel/197460816750989
“My sweetheart, Greg, is the one who helps me load, unload, reload and unload all of my equipment,” says Ann Nivens. “He is so good to me.”
The following link will direct you to a video of Ann Nivens singing Mustang Sally at Boondoggler’s Brewing Company.
https://www.facebook.com/1177897846/videos/pcb.10232958305518029/667502152030164
“My hope is that I can continue to sing, play the drums, and dance for years to come. It gives me renewed passion; and I’m so happy to raise money for children’s charities.”
ALWAYS REMEMBER . . . You are never too young or too old to set a GOAL for yourself . . . and make YOUR dreams come true!
If you wish to book Ann Nivens at your business or for a private party, you can reach her at 704-962-8684 or you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.nivens
Ann Nivens – photo taken by Tesa Jones at the Mooresville Lake Norman Rotary Club Meeting
Article and Pictures by Tesa Jones
Tesa Jones is a graduate of Elon College, now Elon University, a mother of two, a grandmother of five, and she currently resides in Mooresville with her husband. She is a published author, an avid blogger, and a passionate photographer. Learn more about Tesa Jones at www.booksbytesajones.com/book and contact her via:
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