Michelle Lewis

Saturday, March 9, 2013 - Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli with Michelle Lewis
7 pm, doors open 6:30 pm
BYOB & food allowed
$15 advance, $18 at the door
ADVANCE Tickets AT
Bostonian Lori Diamond and New Yorker Fred Abatelli have been creating and performing music together in New England since 2007. Lori, an award-winning songwriter (finalist, Great American Songwriting Contest 2010, Best Female Vocalist, Pulse Magazine 2011), combines alluring, soulful vocals and seasoned piano playing that are a perfect… Show more match for Fred's solid finger work and clever phrasing on both bass and guitar. Fans of Norah Jones, Sarah McLachlan, and Joni Mitchell will quickly become fans of Lori and Fred.
Lori and Fred explore jazz, acoustic, folk, pop, gospel and blues influences and then gently infuse them with a flavorful contemporary style that's all their own. Their latest collection of original songs,"True", is receiving high praise from audiences, peers, and industry professionals alike. In July 2011 this talented duo performed on the main stage of the legendary Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. They have also headlined at the Wachusett Valley Folk Festival along with David Wilcox, Mary Gauthier, and Madison Violet. Peter Yarrow, Tracy Grammer, Jimmy LaFave, Dala, David Roth, John Gorka, Ellis Paul, and Mustard's Retreat are just a few of the national acts these two rapidly ascending musicians have shared the stage with.
Lori and Fred perform at intimate coffeehouses, house concerts and various festivals and benefits throughout the year. This is their first appearance at Sandywoods, an intimate venue perfectly suited for them.
If you meet Michelle Lewis before you hear her music, you might be surprised to find out she plays folk. She doesn't fit the profile. She quotes Homer Simpson before Paul Simon. She prefers Mardi Gras to Earth Day. She drives fast. She throws snowballs. She talks loud, she eats meat, and if you leave the mayonnaise off her sandwich she might try to fight you. If you hear Michelle's music before you meet her, you might be surprised at her exuberance. Her songs throw you against a wall. They kick you out of the house and walk around naked. They call up to heaven. They crumble at your feet.
At first, it doesn't add up. But then you get to know her better and you begin to notice that she always tells the truth. You notice that she's been listening the whole time. You realize how much she values sincerity and that, even when she's clowning around, she's just being herself.
Then you listen to her lyrics and you hear the triumph. You understand that she finds as much exhilaration in performing her music as she does in the rest of her life. More, even. You realize that when she performs, she is living the life to which her songs aspire.
Michelle's music is caring, vivacious and completely authentic. Watch her perform and you will understand. Her fingers articulate every note. Her voice picks out every word. But you don't hear notes and you don't hear words. When Michelle plays, all you hear is music, and it all makes sense.

Show less