By Brandon Shields
Managing editor
Lauren Pritchard grew up in Jackson and grew up developing her love for singing and writing songs.
In middle school, she moved to Los Angeles and began professional training to hone her talents in the musical industry before eventually moving to New York and working with notable names in music and on Broadway and in the process became known by her stage name: LOLO.
She moved back home in recent years, gotten married and become a mother.
“I’m so glad to be back in Jackson, to be home,” LOLO said. “It’s just always good to be back home, to be around family and to be where your roots are.
“I’ve been around the world and lived the life through my 20s of touring and performing 300 nights a year, and being back home is the priority for myself and my family now.”
In her time at home, local leaders at The Greater Jackson Chamber and others have utilized LOLO talents for different events and public relations efforts, and the City of Jackson can officially be added to that list.
In January when Mayor Scott Conger gave his State of the City Address, he mentioned the hiring of LOLO as the City’s first creative arts coordinator.
During an interview on The Shields Report on WBFG-FM 96.5, LOLO said she’s signed on to serve Conger’s administration in a part-time role for two years with plans of having a permanent coordinator hired by the end of 2025.
“I believe art is vital in every community because it speaks a language that transcends regular communication, opening our minds to different perspectives,” LOLO said in a press release from the City. “Prioritizing art offers people the gift of expression, fostering fellowship and understanding, and I aim to ensure that our art programs benefit all ages and capabilities, including those with disabilities or special needs, as well as building more creative art stability within our education systems.”
While the Jackson Arts Council is designed to aid artists in Jackson and connect them with grant funding and connect them with spaces to display or perform their art, LOLO’s job will be to foster Jackson’s art community, enhance its economic sustainability, and install public art work to help Jackson’s Arts District become publicly recognized.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lauren to the City of Jackson team,” said Alex Reed, Chief of Staff, in the press release. “With her passion and background in the arts, we anticipate a more coordinated effort to enhance our city’s cultural landscape.”
Brandon Shields, brandon@jacksonpost.news
