Neia Lively has been performing folk and traditional music since the 1970’s. Drawn to music from the United States and the British Isles, she sings a cappella or accompanies herself on guitar, banjo, and ukulele. Her influences include the “high and lonesome sound” of the music of the Appalachian Mountains and the work of singer/songwriters who paint vivid pictures of ordinary people’s lives.
Early in her career as a special educator, Neia played children’s songs in a variety of venues. Moving on to music for adults, she played at PeopleArt Coffeehouse in its early days on Lexington Avenue and performed for Buffalo Friends of Folk Music. In Charlottesville, Virginia she appeared at the Prism Coffeehouse and in Urbana, Illinois she sang at the Red Herring.
For many years she was a guitarist and vocalist in a contradance band in Texas, Squirrelheads in Gravy, along with twin fiddles, banjo, and upright bass.
Neia returned to her hometown of Buffalo in 2018 and is thrilled to be back. In addition to her solo work, she performs in the trio Ol’ Paint with Phil Knoerzer and Tom Naples. From 2023 to 2024, she was in The 198 String Band that played historical music in Buffalo and New York City. She also played in The Lively Fish throughout that time in the greater Buffalo area.
Neia presents her songs with a rich, strong contralto voice while exploring a wide range of topics pertaining to life’s struggles and joys. Audiences find her concerts to be unique and engaging.
Upcoming Gigs
Watch this space for upcoming solo performances.
Past Gigs
October 19, 2024, 2:00 PM- Celebration of Life
Neia Lively
I will be performing in a program of remembrances and celebration of life for June Evon Licence along with other musicians, poets, and folks who will talk of June’s impact on their lives. This will be part of an annual Labor Sunday Gathering at the home of June Licence and Roger Cook.
1515 West River Road, Grand Island NY 14072.
August 25, 2024, 1:00-1:30 PM- Tonawanda PorchFest
Neia Lively
Opening for Chuck Abell and the June Bugs at a location overlooking the Niagara River. Stop on by! Free Admission.
423 Niagara Street, Tonawanda NY 14150 [map].
August 25, 2024, 1:00-1:30 PM- Tonawanda PorchFest
Neia Lively
Opening for Chuck Abell and the June Bugs at the Tonawanda PorchFest. Bring a chair and come sit in view of the Niagara River to listen to some music!
423 Niagara Street, Tonawanda NY 14150 [map].
August 15, 2024, 1:00-1:30 PM- Burdick Blueberry Farm
Neia Lively
Opening for Chuck Abell and the June Bugs at a blueberry farm in E. Otto. It is a lovely setting. Music starts at 5:30 PM. Stop on by! Bring a picnic supper and a chair and partake in the goods from the farm and from the visiting ice cream vendor.
8267 Thompson Rd, E. Otto NY 14719 [map].
May 26, 2024, 1:00-4:00 PM- Daily Planet Coffee Shop
Neia Lively
Stop by to have some coffee or tea, a sandwich or snacks and listen to my solo set in this comfortable space on the corner of Parker and Hertel Avenues. Free admission, tips appreciated.
Daily Planet Coffee Shop, 1862 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo NY 14216 [map].
March 2, 2024, 7:00-7:20 PM- Buffalo Friends of Folk Music
Neia Lively
Opening for Garnet Rogers. I will be the opening act for Canadian Singer/Songwriter Garnet Rogers. $25 general admission/$20 for members.
Buffalo Friends of Folk Music , Village Meeting House, 5658 Main St, Williamsville NY 14221 [map]
February 16, 2024, 6:00-8:00 PM- The Buffalo History Museum
The 198 String Band
Music of the Civil War Era: $5 general admission/free for members.
The Buffalo History Museum, 1 Museum Court, Buffalo NY 14216 [map]
November 7, 2023, 2:30 to 3:45 PM – Baruch College City University of New York
The 198 String Band
Music of the Civil War Era: A Baruch College History Department Friedman Seminar Event
Engelman Recital Hall, Baruch Performing Arts Center,55 Lexington Avenue, New York NY 10010 [map]
August 26, 2023, 11:00 to 11:30 AM – Elmwood Village Art Festival
Elmwood Village Art Festival, Buffalo, NY
Neia Lively
I’ll be playing on the main stage on Bidwell Parkway at Potomac Avenue [map].
Old Time Music Acoustic Jam
Crane Library, 633 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY
The inaugural monthly jam I hosted was in November 2023 and I discontinued them in July 2024. Keep on playing!