Singer-songwriter Iris DeMent has never been afraid to speak her mind through music.

“She sings about life’s inescapable beginnings and endings: its meaning, our social fabric and our shortcomings,” says a news release.

The Grammy-nominated singer will perform two shows in Oregon: March 10 at The Shedd Institute in Eugene and March 11 at the Aladdin Theater in Portland.

The youngest of 14 children, DeMent was born in Arkansas in 1961. She grew up listening to Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. According to her official biography, DeMent began composing at the age of 25 and released her first album “Infamous Angel” in 1992 to critical acclaim.

With sparse accompaniment of piano or guitar, DeMent’s emotive voice takes center stage. Known for her straight-to-the-point country-folk ballads, DeMent’s most famous songs include “Let the Mystery Be” and “Our Town.”

She has also dabbled in the silver screen. In 2000, DeMent appeared as Rose Gentry in the film “Songcatcher.” More recently, she can be heard on the closing credits of the Oscar-nominated film “True Grit,” singing “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.”

Tickets for the Eugene performance range from $22 to $32 for adults and $11 to $16 for youth, depending on seat location. To purchase tickets, visit www.theshedd.org or contact 541-434-7000.

Tickets for the Portland performance are $25 in advance, $28 day of show. To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or contact 800-745-3000.

For more information on DeMent, visit www.irisdement.com.