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 duo Ol’ Paint. 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
Third Saturday of every month-Old Time Music Acoustic Jam
NO APRIL JAM DUE TO ANOTHER LIBRARY EVENT– Crane Branch Library, 633 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY (second floor, elevator available; free parking on Elmwood and Highland Avenues)
The inaugural jam was on November 18, 2023. For further information see this link: Old Time Jam at Crane Library (note: date may not be updated in link–we meet every month on the third Saturday). Free admission.
Come join the jam or pull up a chair to listen! Musicians at all levels are welcome.[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].
June 8 and June 9, 2024, Times TBA – Allentown Art Festival/Trinity Episcopal Church
Ol’ Paint (Neia Lively & Phil Knoerzer)
Times TBA. Get away from the hubbub of the Art Festival to tour the beautiful Tiffany and La Farge stained glass windows in the peaceful main sanctuary while listening to our band as it alternates sets with Paul Cena, organist extraordinaire. Free admission, tips appreciated.
Trinity Episcopal Church, 371 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo NY 14202 [map].
July 27, 2024, 12:00-2:00 PM-Clarence Hollow Farmers’ Market
Ol’ Paint (Neia Lively & Phil Knoerzer)
Shop, munch and listen. Free admission, tips appreciated.
Clarence Hollow Farmers’ Market, 10717 Main Street, Clarence NY 14031 [map].
Past Gigs
March 24, 2024, 12:00 PM Musical Sunday Brunch-Congregation Beth Abraham Registration closed/waitlist only: you will be informed if a spot opens up if you get on the waitlist.
Ol’ Paint (Neia Lively & Phil Knoerzer)
In this inaugural Sunday Brunch Music Series at Congregation Beth Abraham, we will play an ~ 45 minute set after attendees have a chance to visit for a bit. Grab a bagel, grab a book and kick back to enjoy folk and traditional music in the CBA library/social hall.
Advanced Registration required by emailing: info@congregationbethabraham.net See note above re: registration closed/waitlist only.
Congregation Beth Abraham, 1073 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo NY 14222 [map]. Parking available on side streets and Elmwood Avenue. Free admission, tips appreciated.
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 (Mike Frisch, Phil Knoerzer & Neia Lively)
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 (Mike Frisch, Phil Knoerzer & Neia Lively)
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].
August 6, 2023 – Private Party, Buffalo, NY
Ol’ Paint (Neia Lively & Phil Knoerzer)
July 1, 2023- 9:30 to 11 AM – Elmwood Village Farmers Market
Neia Lively
I will be the one playing under a tree.