Gaelynn Lea to Perform, Speak at FAU in January
Gaelynn Lea, photographed by Mark Brown, will present a concert and lecture in January at Florida Atlantic University’s Wimberly Library, Boca Raton campus.
Gaelynn Lea, the 2016 winner of the National Public Radio Music Tiny Desk Concert and an advocate for people with disabilities, will present a concert and lecture in January at Florida Atlantic University’s Wimberly Library, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus.
The Minnesota native will perform an intimate gallery concert for 50 people on Sunday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Arthur and Mata Jaffe Center for Book Arts. Lea, who has a congenital disability known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta or Brittle Bones Disease, uses her music as a platform to speak on disabilities. She also will present a lecture on Monday, Jan. 22 at 3 p.m. on the Wimberly Library’s fifth floor.
“The FAU Libraries are strongly committed to diversity and inclusion and we are delighted to host this concert and lecture as one more manifestation of our commitment,” said Carol Hixson, dean of University Libraries.
Lea has been playing violin for more than 20 years and learned traditional Celtic and American fiddle tunes when she was 18. “All the Roads that Lead Us Home,” her first solo album, was released in 2015.
The “NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert Series” features intimate video performances recorded live at the desk of Bob Boilen, the host of the “ALL Songs Considered” podcast. Since its launch in January 2000, the weekly online multimedia program has turned into a source of discovery for new music of all genres.
“Her music is ethereal, full of hope and beauty, and yes, sublime,” said John Cutrone, director of the Arthur and Mata Jaffe Center for Book Arts. “She’s also an engaging speaker who wants us to acknowledge and understand everyone around us, particularly those with disabilities.”
South Florida singer/songwriter Ella Herrera will open the concert for Lea. Concert tickets are $20 and can be reserved by contacting John Cutrone at jcutrone@fau.edu or 561-297-0455.
The FAU Student Government is co-sponsoring her lecture, which is free and open to the public. For updates on the events, go to jaffecollection.org.
-FAU-
Tags: wimberly library