Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 1h

Gaelynn's time in Virginia continues! After an exciting residency at Virginia Tech, she is moving on to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

Gaelynn Lea will be giving a Colloquium at Old Cabell Hall on Friday, October 24, at 1-2:30 pm ET

Details here: music.virginia.edu/gaelynn-lea-...

Image description: a poster with a dark blue background and gold and white text. In the center is a photograph of Gaelynn Lea playing a violin. She is sitting in her wheelchair and holding the violin bow. The top of the poster reads: UVA Department of Music.:" UVA Gaelynn Lea Colloquium" Violinist, Singer–songwriter, Broadway composer. Below her picture reads: Friday, October 24, 1 PM - Old Caball Hall - FREE. Following this are highlights of her accomplishments: Winner of NPR's Tiny Desk Contest, Passionate advocate for disability inclusion. Composed the Broadway score for Macbeth. A QR code is located in the bottom left corner of this poster.

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Leah Roseman @leahroseman.bsky.social · 23h

Full episode with @gaelynnlea.bsky.social here: www.leahroseman.com/episodes/gae...
We begin with a look at her upcoming memoir—It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect— a warm, funny and deeply-felt exploration of disability, music, and the messy creativity of an artist’s life.

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 22h

Gaelynn is SO excited to announce her very first book-related event, a panel discussion for @libraryjournal.bsky.social Day of Dialog Fall 2025!

“Living to Tell the Tale:...” on Thurs, Oct 23rd at 10:05 – 10:55 AM ET!

Register here: www.libraryjournal.com/event/librar...

Image description: a promotional poster for the "LJ Day of Dialog".
The image features a colorful, abstract background with shapes in green, yellow, and red. The top of the poster has the title "LJ DAY OF DIALOG". Below this, the text "FREE VIRTUAL EVENT" and the date "OCTOBER 23, 2025" are prominently displayed. The bottom half of the poster shows five diverse individuals in a group, facing each other in conversation. Above them are several speech bubbles of different colors and sizes, containing various symbols such as an equal sign, a question mark with an exclamation mark, and an ellipsis, representing a sense of discussion and communication.

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 1d

I've had a great time so far during my residency at Virginia Tech... But the big event is yet to come! ✨🪩✨

Join us TOMORROW NIGHT (Oct 20) at Center for the Performing Arts at VT—The Music Inclusion Ensemble & Yours Truly will be performing a delightful repertoire!

Info: violinscratches.com/shows

Gaelynn is set up to play on the gymnatorium stage at Falling Branch Elementary. She is holding her violin and smiling at the camera.

Gaelynn is performing for the strings students at Virginia Tech tech, who are seated in a large semi circle around Gaelynn as she plays in front of a large glass window of the orchestra classroom

Gaelynn is talking to two students after the presentation in the Strings Class at Virginia Tech.

A picture of the Duck Pond in Blacksburg Virginia that was a pretty stop on Gaelynn and Paul's walk yesterday.

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Reposted by Gaelynn Lea

Leah Roseman @leahroseman.bsky.social · 3d

A powerful message for educators from Gaelynn Lea.
Listen the podcast, watch the video or read the transcript Tiny Desk to Broadway: The Creative World of Gaelynn Lea
Violinist, Songwriter, and Disability Rights Advocate:
www.leahroseman.com/episodes/gae...
@gaelynnlea.bsky.social

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Reposted by Gaelynn Lea

Leah Roseman @leahroseman.bsky.social · 3d

photo of @gaelynnlea.bsky.social Visit Duluth
Tiny Desk to Broadway: The Creative World of Gaelynn Lea
Violinist, Songwriter, and Disability Rights Advocate
Listen, watch or read this inspiring interview:
www.leahroseman.com/episodes/gae...

Gaelynn Lea Tiny Desk to Broadway: Musician, Author, Disability Rights Activist Conversations with Musicians with Leah Roseman Photo of Gaelynn playing violin near the lake, photo Visit Duluth

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 1d

Another article about Gaelynn's show at Virginia Tech!

Experience classical music reinvented when the Music Inclusion Ensemble - Monday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m. in the Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre at the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech. Admission is $5.

news.vt.edu/articles/202...

Experience artistic innovation with the Music Inclusion Ensemble

The Music Inclusion Ensemble centers disability narratives and performs a diverse repertoire by disabled composers. The concert is on Oct. 20 at the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech..

news.vt.edu

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 3d

News about Gaelynn!

She has a show in Blacksburg, VA, at Virginia Tech on Monday evening, October 20. She is then in Charlottesville, VA, on October 24 at @wtjuradio.bsky.social's 'Offbeat Roadhouse' with Molly Joyce.

See more details in this article from WVTF:
www.wvtf.org/news/2025-10...

Musician and disability rights activist Gaelynn Lea to perform in Blacksburg and Charlottesville next week

Musician and disability rights activist Gaelynn Lea will perform in Blacksburg on Monday evening, along with a group of classical musicians called the Music Inclusion Ensemble.

www.wvtf.org

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 4d

Gaelynn is excited to share news of this event. She will perform with Adrian Anantawan, Molly Joyce, and Connor Valcy as the Music Inclusion Ensemble at the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech on Monday, October 20, at 7:30 PM.

For more information: sopa.vt.edu/events/perfo...

Oct.20 Gaelynn Lea and the Music Inclusion Ensemble

sopa.vt.edu

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 7d

Thank you to Lake Superior Magazine for highlighting my forthcoming memoir on their website!

Check out their latest article, “Around the Circle This Week”, here: www.lakesuperior.com/lakeblogs/ar...

Image description: a graphic with two images. On the left is a picture of Gaelynn. This picture is taken outside in front of a building with large windows. She is wearing a Blue dress and a brown and blue flower in her hair. On the right is an image of the book cover of Gaelynn's soon-to-be-released memoir. The cover is a black and white photo of Gaelynn playing the violin, and the bottom half of the cover consists of pink and orange swirls that surround the words: “Gaelynn Lea - a Memoir - It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect”. Above these two images reads: Lake Superior Magazine.

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 7d

Paul and I are an hour away from Blacksburg, VA! We took a little detour to visit Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, OH. 🌲🏞️😍

We'll be at Virginia Tech for a weeklong residency culminating in a performance with the Music Inclusion Ensemble on October 20! 🎶🎻🎶

Details here:
violinscratches.com/shows

Gaelynn and Paul pose by a rock face that's covered in ferns by Conckles Hollow.

The absolutely enormous rock face and overhang at Ash Cave.

Gaelynn and Paul pose under a huge rock overhang at Ash Cave.

A rock wall with ferns growing in the cracks that is bathed in light on Conckles Hollow Trail.

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Reposted by Gaelynn Lea

Kate Sattler | Sweet Freeze @katesattler.bsky.social · 8d

I was so lucky to interview Gaelynn Lea! Loved hearing her talk about her writing, activism, four songs that influenced her, and her own gorgeous music. Can't wait to read her memoir!

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Reposted by Gaelynn Lea

Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 11d

It was a big week for my memoir! 📖📚 I’m so excited pre-orders have officially begun… Thank you to everyone who has already purchased a copy of my book! ❤️

My latest newsletter is below—including a Halloween-themed story that was cut from the memoir! 🎃

Find it here:
open.substack.com/pub/gaelynnl...

This is the cover reveal for Gaelynn’s new book, against the backdrop of a violin and some sheet music. The cover is a black and white photo of Gaelynn playing the violin, and the bottom half of the cover consists of pink and orange swirls that surround the words: “Gaelynn Lea - a Memoir - It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect”.

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 8d

So excited about this! The official release date is April 14, 2026 but it will be here in no time!! :)

P.S. It's available for Pre-Order here: www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/gaely...

And there are signed copies here: premierecollectibles.com/perfect

It Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect: A Memoir

This First Edition of It Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect has been personally signed by Gaelynn Lea. It includes a COA from Premiere Collectibles.

premierecollectibles.com

Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 8d

Awww, there's a little piece of my heart in Leeds, UK! ❤️🇬🇧❤️ My friend Sarah Stratham submitted a few gig posters to the @leedscitycouncil.bsky.social "Music Leeds Us" Exhibit, and apparently my show poster from 2019 is now on display! 🥰

Details here: museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/music-leeds-...

a large version of gaelynn's 2019 show at the Brudenell Social Club is on the wall of the museum. It features a black and white picture of Gaelynn playing the violin, with blue swirls for decoration.

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 8d

Thanks SO MUCH to Jackson Symphony Orchestra for hosting me in Jackson, MI last night! ❤️ Everyone there was absolutely delightful, and it supported DisAbility Connect, the area Center for Independent Living, which provides important services to help disabled people maintain their independence.

Gaelynn poses with three audience members after the show. She's wearing a blue paisley dress and has ladybug wings on the back of her wheelchair. Everyone is smiling.

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 8d

👋 Hello, Recording Academy Members!

🎶 GRAMMYs® Season is almost here!

🗳️ I voted... Did you?

⌛ First round voting closes October 15th!

👂 For Your GRAMMY® Consideration: I submitted my album Music From Macbeth (Contemporary Inst. & Inst. Composition) & my song Perfect (American Roots Performance)!

Left Side: Brown background that reads: YOUR VOTE, YOUR VOICE! I VOTED! FIRST ROUND VOTING FOR GRAMMYS ОСТ. 3 - ОСТ. 15, 2025 GRAMMY AWARDS Right Side: Blue background that reads “FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: Music From Macbeth BY GAELYNN LEA with a picture of the orange album cover at the bottom, which features an illustrated lantern and a dark blue border of thistles and swords and moons and skulls.

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Reposted by Gaelynn Lea

Lee Zimmerman @zim2918.bsky.social · 11d

people.com/gaelynn-lea-...

Two Kids Stuffed Their Sister in a Backpack — And Then Mom Came Home. Read an Excerpt from Gaelynn Lea's New Memoir (Exclusive)

'It Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect' by folk musician, Broadway composer and disability advocate Gaelynn Lea details the hilarious incident and much more. The book hit shelves on April 14. See the cover an...

people.com

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 8d

Aww thanks, Lee!! 💖

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Reposted by Gaelynn Lea

Lee Zimmerman @zim2918.bsky.social · 10d

Gaelynn Lea

She has her new memoir out

youtu.be/JAhaPsafo3E

"Your Battle" performed by the Murder of Crows on 11-4-2011

YouTube video by Ben Barneveld (Little Shooters Armory)

youtu.be

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 11d

Gaelynn Lea just arrived in Jackson, Michigan, for the Music on Tap series, co-hosted by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and Disability Connection! Join us tomorrow night, October 11, 2025 - 7:00 pm at Weatherwax Hall for an evening of music with Gaelynn Lea.

Details here: violinscratches.com/shows

Image description: an announcement with a background shaded with brown and gray and a picture of Gaelynn sitting in her wheelchair. She has brown hair with a red flower barrette and is wearing a white dress with a yolk of circular Black and white flowers. She is holding her violin and bow. The announcement reads: ‘Experimental Folk 10/11/25 featuring Gaelynn Lea in partnership with disAbility Connections’

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 11d

It was a big week for my memoir! 📖📚 I’m so excited pre-orders have officially begun… Thank you to everyone who has already purchased a copy of my book! ❤️

My latest newsletter is below—including a Halloween-themed story that was cut from the memoir! 🎃

Find it here:
open.substack.com/pub/gaelynnl...