LEXINGTON — “She was a star, right from day one.”
Anne Kurtzman, The Pioneer Career and Technology School’s performing arts instructor, knew from her audition that 19-year-old Lexington-native Alexandria (Ali) Loughery was a huge vocal talent.
“We knew when she auditioned that she was one of the most talented kids we had ever seen,” Kurtzman recalled. “I instantly drew a comparison between her and Adele.”
Loughery began singing at a very young age, inspired by her uncle and his many instruments. But it wasn’t until she auditioned for the Pioneer Career and Technology School that she was given the opportunity to expand on that passion.
At the school, Loughery not only furthered her vocal training in classes as well as public performances, but also was encouraged to expand into songwriting.
Songwriting, however, was never something she did too much of before attending Pioneer, and Loughery felt she was not too good at it. Yet, English teacher Mary Bosker disagreed with Loughery’s modesty.
“She’s a great writer and poet.”
Loughery even wrote an original song about Mansfield, eponymously named. “It was based off something my mom said, about her experience in Mansfield,” she said.
Just as is the music that inspires her, primarily, Loughery’s covers and her original compositions are indie or folk. But certainly her talent is not constrained to a single genre, as is apparent in her pop or soul music.
Recently, Loughery went to New York to audition for “The Voice.” While she didn’t make it, Loughery was very positive about the experience. “I met a lot of great people during the event.”
And Loughery won’t be shied away by her audition for “The Voice;” she is still pursuing a career as a musician. She wants to be able to support her family and make a living from her passion. And, more than that, she wants “to give back to the performing arts.”
Out of high school now, Loughery is, at least for the moment, not planning on attending college. However, she is keeping her music alive by continuing to produce new covers and original music. Also, Loughery still does last minute performances for Kurtzman.
Check out Loughery’s music here.
