Besides being a singer, Hannah Kirby is also a violinist and often includes her violin in her performances.
She began her singing career at the age of 12.
Courtesy of Dr. Randell Settoon

For the first time ever, a student-run event called “The Last Roar” will feature the music of Southeastern faculty member band Impaired Faculties along with a performance from “The Voice” season eight contestant Hannah Kirby. 

The event is scheduled to happen at Warehouse 140 in Ponchatoula, Louisiana on Thursday, December 10 at 9:00 p.m. Tickets will be 12 dollars, but will be discounted at 10 dollars if attendees present a student ID or donate a coat for Pat’s Coats for Kids or a toy for Toys for Tots. Toys must be new and not gift-wrapped and coats can be new or gently used. Attendees must be 18 years old or older. 

What began as projects every semester in Management and Business Administration professor Randall Settoon’s Management 478 class turned into something more large scale this semester. 

“Every semester in my leadership class, students are required to do a ‘real-world ready’ project,” said Settoon. “This semester, there was an opportunity to bring Hannah Kirby to town for a performance. The Impaired Faculties, who I’m a member of, and who just completed an album, were also available.”

In order to make the project feel more “real-world ready,” the students were required to organize the entire event on their own. 

“I’ve assigned students real-world projects before, but this is the first major project I’ve done,” said Settoon. “Students have had to partner and manage relationships with venues, entertainers, sponsors and charities as well as organize all of the promotion required of such an event. It’s been a challenge, but this is the kind of ‘business chaos’ that I believe students should get experience with before they graduate.”

Settoon believes and hopes this kind of project can have a positive effect on students when it comes to facing real-world situations.

“I believe it’s a confidence builder as students discover that chaos can be organized, if principles are applied, and a successful outcome can be obtained,” said Settoon. “I hope students learn some important skills from the experience, such as decision-making and communication. I also hope to see strengthened partnerships with charities and businesses in the community.”

One of the performers that will be present at the event is a band composed of Southeastern faculty members.

Impaired Faculties is composed of: Department of History and Political Science Department Head and professor William Robison, guitarist and vocalist; Department of Languages and Communication professor Joseph Burns, guitarist and vocalist; Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies professor Ralph Wood, drummer; Department of Management and Business Administration professor Randall Settoon, bassist and vocalist; and Dean of the College of Science and Technology Daniel McCarthy, keyboard and vocalist. 

When it came to convincing Kirby to perform at this event, Settoon already had one foot in the door since he knew her from previous relationships.

“Hannah’s mom, Nancy, and my sister-in-law, Cheryl Settoon, are best friends from way back,” said Settoon. “I met Nancy through Cheryl. She and Hannah are wonderful people. I’ve been helping Hannah with her career since her appearance on ‘The Voice.’ Recently, I took my family to see her play at an event near Dallas. While we were there, I asked Hannah and Nancy if they were available to play in Hammond at some point. They said ‘yes’ and are thrilled to come down here.”

According to Kirby’s website, hannahkirby.com, Hannah Kirby, is a 21-year-old musician, violinist, songwriter and performer from Texas that plays in many difficult styles. She also made it to the Top Eight on season eight of “The Voice.”

Kirby describes her experience on “The Voice” as what has broadened her fan base and has also changed her life. 

“I had a great time on the show,” said Kirby. “There was only one spot left when I auditioned, and when I discovered that, it made being there even more special. It was incredible to be there in the first place; the farther I went, the more thankful I felt. I have gained so many wonderful fans, and my life has changed in such a positive way. I feel like I am a part of the music industry and have a chance to share my music with the world.”

When it came to deciding to do the event, Settoon had an influence on Kirby. 

“Randy Settoon is an awesome music promoter,” said Kirby. “His enthusiasm and the fact that I have loved to visit this area since I was a child made the decision an easy one.”

Settoon and his students hope that students, local businesses and residents will be able to participate in and attend The Last Roar.

“It’s going to be killer,” said Settoon. “Hannah Kirby puts on a terrific show. She will have a fantastic band backing her. The Impaired Faculties, a rock and roll band whose members are university faculty, put on quite a show as well. Both Hannah and the Impaired Faculties will be playing some original songs. It’s going to be good fun and a great way to celebrate the semester’s end.” 

For more information on The Last Roar, visit The Last Roar page on Facebook or roomierecords.com.

Impaired Faculties band  will be performing out The Last Roar on Thursday,  December 10 at Warehouse 140.
Courtesy of Dr. Randell Settoon 

Hannah Kirby will be performing out The Last Roar on Thursday,  December 10 at Warehouse 140. 
                                                          Courtesy of Dr. Randell Settoon