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January 17, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Julie Guidry, Executive Director, Upstream Arts
(612) 331-4584 julie@upstreamarts.org |
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Upstream Arts presents A Concert and Conversation with Gaelynn Lea,
Winner of the 2016 NPR Tiny Desk Contest
Minneapolis, Minnesota – Upstream Arts is proud to present an intimate concert and conversation with internationally renowned musician and disability awareness advocate Gaelynn Lea on Monday, February 20, 2017 from 6-9pm at Surly Brewing Company. Sponsored in part by The Bush Foundation and The Graham Smith Team at Keller Williams Realty, A Concert and Conversation with Gaelynn Lea is open to the general public. Tickets are $15 and sales begin on January 31, 2017 at www.upstreamarts.org. This event is fully accessible for individuals of all abilities. Gaelynn Lea is a classically trained violinist, singer, and composer based in Duluth, Minnesota. She regularly performs solo sets of experimental fiddle tunes sprinkled with her original songs, with the aim of creating a meditative, layered sound that allows the listener’s mind to drift. She also regularly plays alongside many other notable musicians, including Alan Sparhawk (with whom she collaborates under the name The Murder of Crows), Charlie Parr, and Billy McLaughlin. In March 2016, Ms. Lea was named the winner of NPR Music’s second-ever Tiny Desk Contest. Her music video entry rose to the top over 6,100 entries from around the nation and was chosen as the unanimous favorite among the contest’s six judges. In addition to performing and recording, Ms. Lea loves to do speaking engagements about disability, overcoming challenges, and the joy of music. Ms. Lea has a congenital disability called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or Brittle Bones Disease. In recent years, she has used her music as a platform to advocate for people with disabilities and to promote positive social change. Ms. Lea believes society must make accessibility a priority so people with disabilities can participate fully in their communities and use their talents and gifts without discrimination. Learn more about Gaelynn Lea at
https://violinscratches.com. Upstream Arts is a nonprofit organization in Minneapolis that uses the power of the creative arts to activate and amplify the voice and choice of individuals with disabilities. The organization draws on research and best practices to provide a structured, curriculum-based approach to creating artistic environments in which individuals of all ages and abilities can intersect and develop vital social/emotional and communication skills; and it promotes more connected and engaged communities by increasing intentional opportunities for shared creative experiences. Upstream Arts partners with 80+ school districts, disability service providers, and community organizations annually in order to serve people with disabilities in the places where they are already learning, working, and socializing. Every program is led by a team of highly accomplished local professional artists—including actors, musicians, writers, visual artists, directors, and dancers—who have been trained to engage individuals of all abilities. This year, Upstream Arts will serve more than 3,000 people of all ages and abilities through 100+ programs across the Twin Cities and beyond. Upstream Arts values the creative process as a pathway to community solutions and a framework toward a future where all individuals—regardless of ability—will be engaged, connected, and included in all aspects of society. A Concert and Conversation with Gaelynn Lea will take place in Scheid Hall at Surly Brewing Company (520 Malcolm Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414) on Monday, February 20, 2017 from 6-9pm. The event will begin with a reception from 6-7pm, during which guests can enjoy complimentary refreshments and a cash bar; mix and mingle; and learn about Gaelynn Lea, Upstream Arts, and the event’s sponsors. The program will begin at 7pm and feature two sets of music by Ms. Lea, interspersed with her personal stories about disability advocacy and the arts. Tickets are $15 and sales will begin January 31, 2017 at www.upstreamarts.org or by calling Upstream Arts at (612) 331-4584. Space is limited, so reservations are highly recommended. This event will be fully accessible for individuals of all abilities, including ASL interpretation. Throughout the evening, guests will have opportunities to purchase Gaelynn Lea merchandise and donate to Upstream Arts.
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|  | Gaelynn Lea (image courtesy of the artist) | |
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| CALENDAR LISTING
Upstream Arts presents
A Concert and Conversation with Gaelynn Lea
Monday, February 20, 2017, 6-9pm
Scheid Hall at Surly Brewing Company
520 Malcolm Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
$15 – please visit www.upstreamarts.org for ticketing information Upstream Arts is proud to present an intimate evening with National Public Radio’s 2016 Tiny Desk Concert Winner, the classically trained violinist and songwriter Gaelynn Lea! Come enjoy Gaelynn Lea’s gorgeous music, interspersed with her personal stories about disability advocacy and the arts. Reception begins at 6pm, followed by the program at 7pm. To learn more and reserve tickets, please visit www.upstreamarts.org or call (612) 331-4584. Upstream Arts uses the power of the creative arts to activate and amplify the voice and choice of individuals with disabilities. This event is made possible, in part, by generous support from The Bush Foundation and The Graham Smith Team at Keller Williams Realty.
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