ARCATA PLAYHOUSE Laurie Lewis is known for powerful and emotive voice. Submitted photo
CREAMERY DISTRICT – Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands will play a concert as part of the 16th annual Family Fun Series presented by the Arcata Playhouse, on Friday, April 8 at 8 p.m.
The Family Series returns to Arcata this year in a big top circus tent, which was installed in the field on Eighth street in the Creamery District.
A singer-songwriter and fiddler playing in and beyond the bluegrass genre, for nearly four decades, Lewis has gathered fans and honors for her powerful and emotive voice and her versatile, dynamic songwriting.
She is a sought-after recording producer and an equally skilled teacher and mentor. And she is an inspiration and a ground-breaker – across genres, across geography and across gender barriers.
Lewis has twice been named Female Vocalist of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association, and won Song of the Year for her rendition of the now-standard Who Will Watch the Home Place?
She has collaborated on numerous other award-winning recordings. While steeped in the bluegrass tradition, Lewis’ songwriting demonstrates her ability to surpass the limitations of that genre.
Her works reflect her wide range of influences: from old time and country to Tin Pan Alley, jazz standards and early rock ‘n roll. Her songs have been recorded by Kathy Mattea, Patsy Montana and the First Ladies of Bluegrass, led by Missy Raines, among others.
Poet, essayist, novelist, and environmental activist Wendell Berry has asked her to set some of his poems to music. Lewis has been nominated for Grammys for her own projects and has been prominently featured on others’ Grammy winning works.
Tickets are $15. For more information and to reserve tickets go to arcataplayhouse.org. Unvaccinated guests will be required to wear masks at this event. For information, call (707) 822-1575.