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 and banjo. 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 sang at the Red Herring in Urbana, Illinois. 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 duo The Lively Fish (with Mike Frisch), in the duo Ol’ Paint (with Phil Knoerzer), and in The 198 String Band.
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
Third Saturday of every month starting November 18, 2023 -Old Time Acoustic Jam
3:30-5:30 PM- Crane Branch Library, 633 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY (2nd floor, elevator available)
We’re inviting anyone who plays traditional old-time music, or who would enjoy hearing more of it, to join in this monthly Old Time Acoustic Jam at the Crane Branch Library!
Old Time music means traditional string band music –often Southern tunes, steeped in the styles of the Appalachian Mountains but also found throughout North America. The traditional styles we play in—led by fiddle with banjo, guitar, and sometimes mandolin and bass–are what evolved into bluegrass and country music. Old Time music can be heard at square or contra dances, and in jams in the kitchen, on the porch, or anywhere musicians gather. In the new movie “Killers of the Flower Moon,” the music in the wedding dance scene is old time.
Come join our monthly acoustic old time jam or pull up a chair to listen! Musicians at all levels are welcome.[map]
Past Gigs
August 26 – Elmwood Village Art Festival
August 26, 11:00 to 11:30 AM- Elmwood Village Art Festival, Buffalo, NY
Neia Lively Solo Set
I’ll be playing on the main stage on Bidwell Parkway at Potomac Avenue [map].
August 6 – Private Party, Buffalo, NY
Ol’ Paint (Phil Knoerzer & Neia Lively)
July 1, 9:30 to 11 AM – Elmwood Village Farmers Market
Neia Lively
I’ll be the one with a guitar or banjo singing under a tree.
Bidwell Parkway at Elmwood Avenue [map]