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 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 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-Old Time Music Acoustic Jam
3:30-5:30 PM- Crane Branch Library, 633 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY (second floor, elevator available; free parking on Elmwood and Highland Avenues)
The innaugural jam was on November 18, 2023. For further information see this link (note: date may not be updated in link–we meet every month on the third Saturday): Old Time Jam at Crane Library
Come join the jam or pull up a chair to listen! Musicians at all levels are welcome.[map]
January 14, 2024 – Private Party and Concert, Buffalo, NY
Ol’ Paint (Phil Knoerzer & Neia Lively)
March 2, 2024, 7:00-7:20 PM – Opening for Garnet Rogers at Buffalo Friends of Folk Music
Neia Lively
I will be the opening act for Canadian singer/songwriter Garnet Rogers, brother of the late Stan Rogers. This will be a great concert. Come early to hear me open to start out the night.
Village Meeting House, 5658 Main Street, Williamsville NY [map]. Ample free parking on Main Street and side streets, limited parking in lot behind Meeting House.
Past Gigs
August 26, 2023 – Elmwood Village Art Festival
August 26, 11:00 to 11:30 AM- Elmwood Village Art Festival, Buffalo, NY
Neia Lively
I’ll be playing on the main stage on Bidwell Parkway at Potomac Avenue [map].
August 6, 2023 – Private Party, Buffalo, NY
Ol’ Paint (Phil Knoerzer & Neia Lively)
July 1, 2023- 9:30 to 11 AM – Elmwood Village Farmers Market
Neia Lively
I will be the one playing under a tree.