Gaelynn Lea
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gaelynnlea.bsky.social
Gaelynn Lea
@gaelynnlea.bsky.social
560 followers 340 following 230 posts
she/her
🎻 + 🎙️ + 📕+ ♿ + 🌞 + 💖
★ Musician
★ Author of IT WASN'T MEANT TO BE PERFECT – Out 4/14 on Algonquin Books
★ Co-Founder of RAMPD.org
★ Disability Culture Enthusiast

Learn more: linktr.ee/gaelynnlea
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gaelynnlea.bsky.social
Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · Oct 7
In case you missed it, last week People published an excerpt from my memoir! You can read it at the link below. I can't wait to share the rest of the book with you when it comes out in April! 🥳📖❤️

Read the excerpt: people.com/gaelynn-lea-...

Pre-order here: www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/gaely...
Screenshot of the people article. The picture at the bottom on the left is of Gaelynn Lea smiling in a dark blue dress, and on the right there is a picture of her book cover. A black and white photo of her playing the violin with some pink and orange swirls at the bottom half with the title "It Wasn't Meant to be Perfect" written within the swirls.
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
My memoir is coming out on April 14, 2026! I've signed a limited number of copies, and I'd love for you to have one.

Pre-order today at premierecollectibles.com/perfect
November 26, 2025 at 12:17 AM
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
I wrote a Substack essay recently expressing my gratitude for the loving connections that activists like Alice Wong and Judy Heumann forged in the disability community during their lifetimes. May we continue to connect and support each other. ❤️

Read it here: gaelynnlea.substack.com/p/grateful-f...
A four photo collage. Top left: Gaelynn Lea is smiling with the late disability activist Alice Wong at their first meeting in San Francisco back in 2018. They are both seated in their electric wheelchairs. Top right: Gaelynn is smiling with the late disability activist Judy Heumann at their first meeting in Washington, DC back in 2017. They are both seated in their electric wheelchairs, and Gaelynn holding her violin in her chair. Bottom left: Gaelynn Lea is smiling with the disabled singer-songwriter Amy Abts at their show together last weekend. Amy is standing next to Gaelynn’s wheelchair, and Gaelynn holding her violin in her chair. Bottom right: Gaelynn Lea is smiling with the disabled pastor, Laura Cannata, after speaking and playing at Laura’s church last weekend. Laura is wearing a white minister’s robe and has a blue sash around her next with disability symbols.
November 25, 2025 at 2:00 AM
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
Somehow, Gaelynn missed the release of this article in Strings Magazine. She wanted to share the review of her Music from Macbeth album. It was fun to talk to Greg Cahill about the making of this experimental recording.

Read it here or at the link in her bio:
stringsmagazine.com/on-music-fro...
On ‘Music from Macbeth,’ Gaelynn Lea Turns a King’s Tragedy into Personal Triumph | Strings Magazine
Lea’s first album in five years blends droning rock-violins, electronics, traditional fiddling, twangy guitars, whistling, and rock drums.
stringsmagazine.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:04 PM
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
My heart is heavy as I reflect on the passing of Alice Wong. She was bold, unapologetic & unflinchingly honest—yet compassionate, kind & fiercely loving + supportive of the disability community. I'm grateful to have met her briefly & for her writing, advocacy & example for living. Shine on, Alice. 🕯️
Alice Wong, an Asian-American woman with dark hair sitting in an electric wheelchair, wearing a biPap machine and a camo jacket, is posed next to Gaelynn Lea, a white woman with brown hair sitting in an electric wheelchair wearing a bright pink dress. This was the first time they met, at an event at the San Francisco library.
November 17, 2025 at 1:55 AM
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
Tonight! Gaelynn is playing at The Ripple Center with Amy Abts. A big thanks to KAXE for promoting this show!

www.kaxe.org/minnesota-mu...
Alt Text: a poster announcing an event with Gaelynn Lea. Gaelynn is pictured sitting in front of a microphone in her wheelchair, holding a bow and violin as she plays. In her dark hair is a flower barrette. The following words overlay this picture: Gaelynn Lea w/special guest Amy Abts FRI NOV 14 7 -9 PM DOORS 6 PM THE RIPPLE CENTER OPERA HOUSE AITKIN, MN TICKETS: FOTA.TICKETLEAP.COM ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR DAY OF SHOW AITKIN COUNTY Friends of the Arts
November 14, 2025 at 4:06 PM
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
Artists with Disabilities Showcase – Gaelynn Lea w/special guest Amy Abts

Gaelynn will be playing with @aabts.bsky.social Friday, November 14, at The Ripple Center from 7 to 9 PM.

Ticket price – General $15/VIP $30. More information about tickets here:
www.ticketleap.events/tickets/fota...
Alt Text: a poster announcing the event with Gaelynn Lea and Amy Abts. On the left, Amy is pictured sitting in front of a microphone. She is playing a guitar and singing. She has long dark hair and is wearing a dark shirt. On the right, Gaelynn is pictured sitting in front of a microphone, holding a bow and violin as she plays. She is wearing a blue and purple dress. There is a flower barrette in her dark hair. The following words are below these pictures: THE RIPPLE CENTER The Ripple Center and Aitkin County Friends of the Arts invite you to an evening with Gaelynn Lea and Amy Abts. Join them on Friday, November 14. Music begins at 6 PM.
November 13, 2025 at 10:17 PM
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
Gaelynn was excited to see Amy Abts featured on MPR!

www.mprnews.org/story/2025/1...
Rochester musician Amy Abts on online dating, performing with Low and trusting herself after hearing loss
Amy Abts is a Rochester musician who has been performing for more than three decades. But her impact stretches across the state.
www.mprnews.org
November 11, 2025 at 11:26 PM
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
Had to share this article... Gotta say, with all the bad news these days, this victory for Labor made me get a little teary-eyed. 🥹 Way to go, Minnesota Teamsters and Willie Nelson and Bobby-D and the truckers and all the rest! 💗

labornotes.org/2025/09/team...
Teamsters Win University of Minnesota Strike, With Help from Farm Aid
Some 1,400 Teamster service workers at the University of Minnesota won a resounding victory in a five-day walkout that showcased their militancy and underscored the power of solidarity. “This is what ...
labornotes.org
November 11, 2025 at 3:03 AM
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
No snow in Duluth yet, but was just a wee bit delighted as we drove home from Marquette, Michigan in a Winter Wonderland! ❄️🌲☃️🌲❄️

Snow: love it or hate it, it sure does make the trees look gorgeous! 😍

📆 Up next, a show with @aabts.bsky.social in Aitkin, MN on November 14th: violinscratches.com/shows
A blur of pine trees covered in snow, taken from the car window as we drove by
November 11, 2025 at 2:07 AM
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
"Artists with Disabilities Showcase – Gaelynn Lea and Amy Abts"

Gaelynn is excited to play with Amy Abts - Friday, November 14, at The Ripple Center, Aitkin, MN, from 7 PM to 9 PM

Tickets– General $15/VIP $30.

Information about tickets here:
www.ticketleap.events/tickets/fota...
Alt Text: a poster announcing an event with Gaelynn Lea. Gaelynn is pictured sitting in front of a microphone in her wheelchair, holding a bow and violin as she plays. Her brown hair holds a flower barrette. The following words overlay this picture: ARTISTS WITH DISABILITIES SHOWCASE Gaelynn Lea w/special guest amy abts ...Lea plays music that heals the heart. KRUI Radio, haunting vocals, stunning instrumentation and deep, piercing lyricism. Album of the Year FRI NOV 14 7-9PM DOORS 6PM general $15 VIP /$30 THE RIPPLE CENTER OPERA HOUSE 301 MINNESOTA AVE. AITKIN, MN TICKETS: FOTA.TICKETLEAP.COM ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR WHILE SUPPLIES LAST AITKIN COUNTY Friends of the Arts ARROWHEAD REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL This show is made possible by The Legacy Agreement and the Arts and Recreation Commitee (AAC) WATER MAG The activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to the legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund MLEC fiber Riverwood HEALTHCARE CENTER MLEC
November 11, 2025 at 12:05 AM
Reposted by Gaelynn Lea
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
Thank you to Revolve CC for having me speak at their fabulous conference on creativity & collaboration! My heart holds a special place for Lake Superior towns, & Marquette, MI did not disappoint! 💖

Two more events Minnesota coming up soon in Minne-snow-ta! ☃️ Get info here: violinscratches.com/shows
Gaelynn poses with all of the conference organizers and the other two keynote speakers in front of a large screen that has the logo for Revolve CC (creative collaboration). Everyone is smiling.
November 10, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Reposted by Gaelynn Lea
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
Less than six months to go until my memoir, IT WASN'T MEANT TO BE PERFECT, is finally out in the world! 🎉📕🎊

If you plan to read it, please consider ordering early... It really helps! THANK YOU for your support... I can't wait to share it with you!! 🎶💖🎻💖🎶

Pre-order link here:
linktr.ee/gaelynnlea
Pink letters at the top read New Memoir Out April 14, 2026. Below that is the book cover, which features a black and white picture of Gaelynn playing violin and pink and orange swirls around the words "Gaelynn Lea / a memoir/ It Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect". Below the book cover image are the words: pre-order now: linktr.ee/gaelynnlea. The background is gray with an orange shimmery arc in the middle of the graphic .
October 26, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Reposted by Gaelynn Lea
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
It’s November already! This month I share what has been nourishing my mind and spirit as of late, and I announce that 50% of my Bandcamp proceeds between now & the end of the year will go to Second Harvest Food Bank! Take care, Friends & thanks for reading! ❤️

gaelynnlea.substack.com/p/feed-your-...
Feed Your Brain, Feed Your Spirit, Feed Your Community  🍽️
A list of things that have been keeping my heart above water this Fall. Plus: I'm donating 50% of my Bandcamp proceeds to Second Harvest Food Bank + Upcoming Events!
open.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:22 AM
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
Thank you to Revolve CC for having me speak at their fabulous conference on creativity & collaboration! My heart holds a special place for Lake Superior towns, & Marquette, MI did not disappoint! 💖

Two more events Minnesota coming up soon in Minne-snow-ta! ☃️ Get info here: violinscratches.com/shows
Gaelynn poses with all of the conference organizers and the other two keynote speakers in front of a large screen that has the logo for Revolve CC (creative collaboration). Everyone is smiling.
November 10, 2025 at 1:22 AM
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
Had a wonderful first day of Revolve CC in Marquette, Michigan! Today I led a round table discussion on making the creative fields more accessible and welcoming to disabled people, and tomorrow afternoon I'm giving a keynote at 2pm! 💖

I have two more events coming up soon: violinscratches.com/shows
A picture of the badge each conference participants is given. It is green and says November 7th through 8th 2025 Art and design building, Northern Michigan university, revolve cc.net. below that is a picture of the three keynote speakers, including Gaelynn Lea. At the bottom it has the logos for the national endowment for the Arts and the Michigan arts and culture council
November 8, 2025 at 2:43 AM
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
It’s November already! This month I share what has been nourishing my mind and spirit as of late, and I announce that 50% of my Bandcamp proceeds between now & the end of the year will go to Second Harvest Food Bank! Take care, Friends & thanks for reading! ❤️

gaelynnlea.substack.com/p/feed-your-...
Feed Your Brain, Feed Your Spirit, Feed Your Community  🍽️
A list of things that have been keeping my heart above water this Fall. Plus: I'm donating 50% of my Bandcamp proceeds to Second Harvest Food Bank + Upcoming Events!
open.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:22 AM
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
Gaelynn is excited to join Northern Michigan University at the Revolve CC Conference this weekend!

On Friday, November 7, at 4 PM ET, she will host a roundtable discussion. Saturday, November 8, at 2 PM ET, she will be the conference's keynote speaker.

Look here for more information: revolvecc.net
ID: a promotional poster announcing the Revolve CC conference. With a blurred background of an indoor space with a staircase on the right, words in bold white lettering say, 'REVOLVE cc - Revolve Creative Collaboration Conference CREATE & COLLAB & CONNECT Northern Center, Northern Michigan University'
November 5, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Reposted by Gaelynn Lea
mplsconsoleroom.bsky.social
Register to attend CONsole Room: The Power of WHO (January 23-25, 2026) by visiting www.console-room.com/registration/
Graphic for Console Room 2026 is a black square with a round picture of David Tennant as the Tenth and the Fourteenth Doctor from Doctor Who. Beyond WHO The power of acting allows individuals to convey emotions, tell stories, and create experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. To illustrate this, let’s take a trip through time and space to explore some of the films David Tennant has been in: You Me and Him 2017 Every Seventh Wave 2013 United 2011 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 2005 Jude 1996 At the bottom is a website link to console room console-room.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:21 AM
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
In case you missed it: Leah Roseman’s interview was published on YouTube!

Tiny Desk to Broadway: The Creative World of Gaelynn Lea: Musician and Disability Rights Advocate

youtu.be/48JoWRq3KNs?...
Tiny Desk to Broadway: The Creative World of Gaelynn Lea: Musician and Disability Rights Advocate
YouTube video by Leah Roseman
youtu.be
October 27, 2025 at 8:56 PM
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
Less than six months to go until my memoir, IT WASN'T MEANT TO BE PERFECT, is finally out in the world! 🎉📕🎊

If you plan to read it, please consider ordering early... It really helps! THANK YOU for your support... I can't wait to share it with you!! 🎶💖🎻💖🎶

Pre-order link here:
linktr.ee/gaelynnlea
Pink letters at the top read New Memoir Out April 14, 2026. Below that is the book cover, which features a black and white picture of Gaelynn playing violin and pink and orange swirls around the words "Gaelynn Lea / a memoir/ It Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect". Below the book cover image are the words: pre-order now: linktr.ee/gaelynnlea. The background is gray with an orange shimmery arc in the middle of the graphic .
October 26, 2025 at 11:56 PM
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
Had a yummy breakfast at Harding's Family Restaurant near Charleston, WV before hopping on the road yet again. 🥞🍳☕ Paul and I are inching closer to Minnesota, enjoying the beautiful Fall colors along the way! 🍁🍂🍃

Can't wait to get home so I can start planning the book release: linktr.ee/gaelynnlea
A picture of the large sign for Harding's Family Restaurant and a colorful hill of trees with Fall colors
October 26, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Reposted by Gaelynn Lea
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
Thank you to Molly Joyce for bringing me to Charlottesville! 💖 I loved performing at the University of Virginia, ARC of the Piedmont, and WTJU Radio! I'm so grateful that public radio continues to support independent musicians! 🎶📻🎶

You can watch my show at WTJU here:
www.youtube.com/live/Hs4Q_Lz...
Gaelynn, Molly and Paul smile onstage at Old Cabell Hall at the University of Virginia after her Colloquium Talk. Gaelynn performs with her violin alone on the stage of Old Cabell Hall. The background lights on the stage are blue and the white spotlight creates a pool of light around her. Gaelynn performs at the ARC of the Piedmont for disabled participants in their arts program. Paul is off to her left listening, as is one of the participants. Gaelynn smiles on stage at Old Cabell Hall with Ted, a music professor at University of Virginia.
October 26, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Reposted by Gaelynn Lea
gaelynnlea.bsky.social
New Concert Video! 🎶📻🎶 You can check out the replay of my show at @wtjuradio.bsky.social here: www.youtube.com/live/Hs4Q_Lz...

Next up, I'm at Revolve CC in Marquette, MI (Nov 7 & 8), then I'm playing The Ripple Center in Aitkin, MN (Nov 14)! Get show info & ticket links: violinscratches.com/shows
Gaelynn Lea & Molly Joyce - Live on Offbeat Roadhouse at WTJU
YouTube video by WTJU Charlottesville
www.youtube.com
October 26, 2025 at 1:35 AM
Reposted by Gaelynn Lea
thehubbuk.bsky.social
Some songs just stop you in your tracks.
Gaelynn Lea – “Perfect”
Haunting, honest, and beautifully crafted.

Let this one sink in.
🎻 Listen here 👉
Perfect
Gaelynn Lea · Perfect · Song · 2025
open.spotify.com
June 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Reposted by Gaelynn Lea
kfai.fm
Now playing on Disability and Progress: "Lost in the Woods" by Gaelynn Lea
"Lost in the Woods" by Gaelynn Lea
September 25, 2025 at 11:57 PM