GAELYNN LEA
Musician & Public Speaker
“Velvet Underground meets Little House on the Prairie.”
Gaelynn Lea won NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2016, and not long after she hit the road with her husband Paul. So far she has toured in 45 states and 9 countries, captivating audiences around the world with her unique mix of haunting original songs and traditional fiddle tunes. Gaelynn Lea has appeared in several major festivals over the years, including SXSW, Winnipeg Folk Festival, and Reykjavik Arts Festival. She has also opened for well-known bands such as Wilco, The Decemberists, LOW, The Jayhawks, and the industrial rock supergroup Pigface.
In addition to performing and recording, Gaelynn also does speaking engagements about Disability Rights, finding inner freedom, and accessibility in the arts. She uses her music as a platform to advocate for disabled people and to promote positive social change. In recent years, she has shared her perspective on PBS NewsHour, The Moth Radio Hour, The Science of Happiness Podcast, and through two widely-viewed TEDx Talks. Gaelynn Lea is currently working on a memoir about her touring adventures and disability advocacy that she plans to release in 2022.
WATCH GAELYNN’S RECENT LIVE-STREAMED CONCERT (WITH CAPTIONS!) FROM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH:
TIP JAR FOR THE ARTIST:
Due to the Coronavirus, Gaelynn Lea is unable to tour for the foreseeable future. Instead, she is holding virtual concerts on YouTube every Sunday afternoon until she can get back on the road. These shows feature improvisational live-looped violin, original tunes, and occasional remote special guests. Captions are provided for Deaf and hard of hearing audience members. Any tips you’re able to send her way are very much appreciated… But ONLY if you are able to afford it! Please make sure you’re taking care of yourself, your family & your community first and foremost. If you’d like to support Gaelynn’s work on a monthly basis, consider joining her Patreon Team. Sending you light & love in these unusual times!
Watch all of Gaelynn Lea’s previous live-stream concerts at this YouTube Playlist!
ALBUMS
Classically trained violinist and songwriter Gaelynn Lea has been bewitching scores of fans with her haunting original songs and experimental takes on traditional fiddle music; her approach incorporates live looping, thoughtful lyrics and sonic exploration. Gaelynn has released three full-length solo albums to date…
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Gaelynn is passionate about disability education and awareness-building through public speaking engagements. She gives informative, entertaining and thought-provoking presentations on a number of topics, including disability rights, accessibility in the arts, finding inner freedom and living an enriching life. So far Gaelynn has been able…
PATREON
Thank you to the generous folks who have joined Gaelynn’s team on Patreon! Their monthly donations are making it possible for her to create new music, hire a team of assistants, and WRITE HER FIRST BOOK! Gaelynn is currently crafting a memoir about her…
Governor Walz: It’s time for a Statewide Mask Ordinance
Dear Governor Walz, My name is Gaelynn Lea and I am a lifelong Minnesotan, musician, and Disability Rights advocate. I know that you care about Minnesotans from every walk of life, which is why I am urging you to enact a statewide mandatory mask…
An Open Letter to Governor Tim Walz Requesting a Statewide Mandatory Mask Policy
Dear Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan, We all know that masks are scientifically proven to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and that unfortunately it has become a topic of great debate and division. With a different approach initially from the Federal government, I…
Letter to the Editor about Proposed Mask Ordinance
Hello! I am so glad that Duluth News Tribune reporter Brady Slater decided to cover the discussion about making masks required indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope his article will motivate others to contact Mayor Emily Larson (heck, even Governor Tim Walz!) if…
