Gaelynn Lea

Gaelynn Lea won NPR Music's Tiny Desk Contest in 2016, and not long after she took to the road. Since then, 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, including SXSW and Winnipeg Folk Festival. She’s also opened for well-known bands such as Wilco, The Decemberists, LOW, and the industrial rock supergroup Pigface.

Most recently, Gaelynn Lea composed the original music for a Broadway production of Macbeth starring Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga. This iconic Shakespeare play was directed by Sam Gold and was nominated for three Tony Awards, including Best Sound Design.

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, On Being with Krista Tippett, The Moth Radio Hour, NowThis, The Science of Happiness Podcast, and via two widely-viewed TEDx Talks.

Gaelynn Lea is the co-founder and Vice President of a change-making group RAMPD - Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities, which aims to amplify Disability Culture, promote inclusion, and advocate for accessibility in the music industry. She joined the Recording Academy with the class of 2021.

Gaelynn Lea is in the midst of writing a memoir about her childhood in Northern Minnesota, touring adventures, and disability advocacy that she hopes to release in 2024.

Past Shows


Sep
4
th
2022
Bayfront Festival Park
Sep
4
th
2022
Bayfront Festival Park

Water Is Life Festival

hosted by Winona LaDuke • featuring Ani DiFrancoIndigo GirlsAllison RussellTia WoodLOWDessaJoe Rainey SrKeith SecolaAnnie HumphreyDavid Huckfelt & The Unarmed ForcesCorey MedinaGaelynn Lea • emcee Thomas X
with D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai and Quannah Chasinghorse
Dec
21
st
2019
Palace Theatre
Dec
21
st
2019
Palace Theatre

The Jayhawks

with Gaelynn Lea
Nov
24
th
2019
Palace Theatre
Nov
24
th
2019
Palace Theatre

Wilco

with Gaelynn Lea
Jul
6
th
2019
Bayfront Festival Park
Jul
6
th
2019
Bayfront Festival Park

Trampled by Turtles

with Erik Koskinen, Gaelynn Lea, Early Eyes and more!
Jul
29
th
2018
Turf Club
Jul
29
th
2018
Turf Club

the Lowland Lakers

with Gaelynn Lea
Apr
7
th
2018
Palace Theatre
Apr
7
th
2018
Palace Theatre

The Decemberists

with Gaelynn Lea
Apr
6
th
2018
Palace Theatre
Apr
6
th
2018
Palace Theatre

The Decemberists

with Gaelynn Lea
Dec
17
th
2016
Mainroom
Dec
17
th
2016
Mainroom

Low

with Hippo Campus, Gaelynn Lea, ERIK BERRY Irish American and more!
Dec
3
rd
2016
Turf Club
Dec
3
rd
2016
Turf Club

Green Room Music Source 10 Year Anniversary

with The Melismatics, Ruby Isle, Gaelynn Lea and more!
Aug
17
th
2016
7th St Entry
Aug
17
th
2016
7th St Entry

Gaelynn Lea

with Minor Moon

More Shows

Jul
11
th
Surly Brewing Festival Field

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

with JJ Grey & Mofro
Sep
17
th
Palace Theatre

Viagra Boys

Jun
6
th
Fine Line

Honey Revenge

with Daisy Grenade, Vana and Nightlife
May
7
th
Fine Line

Magnolia Park

with Hot Milk, Savage Hands and South Arcade