About Me
Listen to Merna Heersink fiddle and you will hear the singular passion of a woman doing what she loves. You will know the power of dedication and persistence, just as audiences did when the upstart 14 year-old first took the stage. "I basically jumped up on stage and started playing with a band. When Aunt Bettie fell ill with cancer, I was asked to fill in for her and I learned to love the music. From that very moment I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Bettie's passing two years later made me realize just how precious my talent was and gave me initiative to fulfill my dreams," says Merna, now 26.This is her story.In 2000, Merna graduated from Monte Vista high school and moved to Levelland, Texas to advance her abilities at South Plains College. She performed in the Thursday Night Live, western swing, bluegrass, jazz, and Saturday Night Special ensembles. On weekends she performed with several Texas bands including Copperhead and Wade Bowen. After graduating with an Associate Degree in Commercial Music, Merna moved to Fort Worth where she worked full-time with songwriter Dan Roberts, and the well-known Dave Alexander and the Legends of Western Swing. Being a part of these bands put Merna onstage in high-scale performances with musicians Tommy Nash, Randy ..Snuffy.. Elmore, Cindy Cashdollar, Bobby Boatright, Rich O..Brien, and Billy English, among many others.While in Fort Worth, Merna was featured as ..Santa..s Barefoot Fiddler.. for Granbury Live..s ..A Blue Suede Christmas.. production in 2003. While getting a good taste of theatre performance, Nashville was still beckoning Merna. So, in April 2004, Merna packed up and made the move. Not long after arriving, Merna became one of ..Lower Broadway..s.. first call fiddlers. Her name began to spread like wildfire. At a weekly western swing jam, new artist, Trent Willmon hired Merna on his tour. She traveled to New York City to play on ..Emeril Live.., then to Canada for 2 shows. Merna earned her keep when she left her instruments on the bus; luckily she had some friends in Dallas, where the plane was to lay over, who came to her rescue with their instruments on loan. Whew! Soon after a short time with Willmon, Merna committed full-time with up-and-coming artist Derryl Perry. This gave her time to work on technique and skill and the opportunity to see much of the United States.After 3 years in Nashville, Merna has shared the stage with well-known artists, songwriters, and musicians. She worked onstage with 3D Records flagship artist Billy Arnold, up and coming talents Emma Mae Jacob, The Roys, Chelsea Lena, Sara Haze, and all time legend, Tanya Tucker, just to name a few.Merna will continue performing with some of the world's best musicians, groups and artists while showcasing her talents and personality. She will truly one day make all of her dreams come true.
