GAELYNN LEA WITH JERUSHA ROBINSON

Classically-trained violinist and songwriter Gaelynn Lea has been bewitching scores of fans with her contemporary takes on fiddle music, an approach that incorporates her love of traditional music, songcraft, poetry, and sonic exploration. Many were introduced to Gaelynn’s music when she was named winner of NPR Music’s 2016 Tiny Desk Contest and have been taken by her distinctive voice, ethereal violin-playing, individual technique and appearance. Gaelynn has a congenital disability called Osteogenesis Imperfecta (also known as Brittle Bones Disease). She plays violin in a self-developed method similar to traditional cello technique, while embracing artful electronics and looping effects. She’s been performing for over a decade, and has collaborated withLow’s Alan Sparhawk (whom she also recorded a duo album with in 2012), country legend Charlie Parr, and others. Her powerful performances have found Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, Jess Wolfe of Lucius, and other lauded musicians singing her praises. Of Gaelynn’s moving Tiny Desk Concert performance, host Bob Boilen said “there was hardly a dry eye.” 

​Gaelynn will do a post-concert Q&A, moderated by Disability Rights Maine executive director Kim Moody, and will take audience questions about her singular music, technique, disability in the arts, and more. 

Opening the show is cello, banjo, and guitar-weidling songstress Jerusha Robinson, current & former member of South China, Plains, brown bird, The Huntress & Holder of Hands,and others.