We think Lea is a delight to hear. She's a great singer, with a strong, supple voice and a soulful, emotive delivery. She's also a fine guitarist, drawing lively and interesting grooves from the six strings and working out sinuous, sometimes jazzy chord changes. She grew up surrounded by gospel and R&B, but clearly counts some serious folkies (including 333 fave Peter Mayer) among her songwriting heroes, and all of those threads are audible in her music.
Lea has shared concert bills with some pretty big names - Odetta, Mavis Staples, Dar Williams - and performed around the region and in Europe. She's a steady presence on the DC songwriting scene, and she's won several awards for her songs. In both her original songs and the covers she chooses, she explores personal, political and spiritual topics and finds common threads. She generally reaches for a positive vibe, even when she touches on serious subjects. To us, she gives the impression of a person trying to get to the best answers by seeking the best questions.
We are pretty sure Lea played 333 once or twice back at our old venue, but this will be her first show for us in quite a few years. It's probably overdue! If you want a taste, here's a
playlist of some LEA performances. But we all know the real thing is better - so we hope you'll come and enjoy the show with us!
Doors open by 7 pm. Refreshments are available at the show.