Gaelynn Lea, the winner of NPR's 2016 Tiny Desk Contest, performed Monday at the North Florida School of Special Education’s 25th anniversary celebration. The private concert was at Christ Church Academy before an audience of students.
As NPR Music’s Bob Boilen wrote last year, Lea “makes music like nobody else. Her sounds are steeped in the deep melodies of great Irish fiddle tunes, but her performance and singing style aren't traditional.”
She won the 2016 contest as the judges’ overwhelming favorite among more than 6,000 entrants.
She has since released a six-track EP titled “The Songs We Sing Along The Way” with a blend of original songs, traditional fiddle tunes and her poetry.
Performing since 2006, Lea has used her music as a platform to advocate for people with disabilities and to promote social change. She has a congenital disability called osteogenesis imperfecta or Brittle Bones Disease. She 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.
Watch a live performance of "Let It Go"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqJjXEXr988
Watch a performance of "South Wind"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6nMqvYAtzI
Videos produced by WJCT's Carlos Bouvier.
Contact Jessica Palombo at 904-358-6315, jpalombo@wjct.org or on Twitter at @JessicaPubRadio.
