iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Up next, I am doing a book event at Blacksburg Books on Saturday, October 3rd at 7pm, then on October 8th I'm heading out for a Tiny Mountain Tour with Wheelchair Sports Camp! 🎶🤟🎶 Show details here: violinscratches.com/shows

violinscratches.com

Discover Gaelynn Lea's Calendar of Upcoming Events and Performances

Follow Gaelynn Lea's calendar of concerts and keynote speeches, from performances in 42 states to her live events on Substack. Book her for your next event!

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Thanks so much to @virginiatech.bsky.social's STS Department for bringing me in today for "Disabled Stories and Songs"... I loved talking with Professor @ashleyshoo.bsky.social about music, access, creativity & technology! m.youtube.com/watch?v=LLAK...

m.youtube.com

Fall 2026/STS@VTSeminar Series: "Disabled Stories and Songs with Gaelynn Lea” at Virginia Tech

YouTube video by Virginia Tech - Science, Technology, and Society

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

@professorberry.bsky.social Hello! Looks like you have some adaptive violin questions for a student - can you please look me up and send me an email? Would love to be of assistance! I know other folks with limb differences who have found a way to play: gaelynn@gaelynnlea.com

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Also please contact me! Gaelynn@gaelynnlea.com Just for moral support and ideas. This should not be an impenetrable barrier!

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Look up violinist Adrian Anantawan and reach out to him! He should have ideas and perhaps suggestions on who to contact as well

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

But once we're home I intend to gather up my loose ends, rest, and plant the seeds for my new Creativity Coaching program. I am so excited about getting certified as a coach and working with disabled creatives & aging artists on their creative visions and their goals! Much more to come... ❤️

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

For me, the end of Fall is going to be quite a whirlwind touring with Wheelchair Sports Camp and playing at Midwest Arts Xpo, FARM Folk Gathering, The Ordway with Kevin Kling & Gabriel Rodreick, and at xBk Live with DĒA EX MACHINĀ! 🎶🌪️🎶

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Hello, Friends! 🌻 Fall Equinox is tomorrow!!! ❤️🍁🍂🌾🍃🌬️ How are you celebrating this seasonal transition? What are you grateful for this year so far, and what else needs tending and releasing in the months ahead? What are you hoping to nurture as the year draws to its close?

A watercolor painting by Gaelynn Lea of an autumn tree with a dark reddish-brown trunk, one side of the canopy still deep green and the other turned vivid orange-red. Blue watercolor sky background. Text reads "Happy Fall" in decorative script. Signed "gaelynn lea ♡" in the lower right corner. There is a yellow and purple gradient border around the edge of the painting

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Paul & I hit the road today! 🛣️🚐💞🎵📚🎻🎉 For the next 43 days we'll be doing conferences, residencies, concerts and book events in seven different states! First up is Midwest Arts Xpo in Milwaukee! Hope to see you at a show near you: violinscratches.com/shows

A one sheet for Gaelynn Lea's booth at MAX. It lists her booking availability, a few quotes from music reviews, and shows a picture of her playing violin in the bottom right corner.

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Gregory Daurer aka Gregory Ego @gregoryego.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Wheelchair Sports Camp opening for Peaches. Then touring with Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social... wheelchairsportscamp.co/shows

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The Tonearm @thetonearm.com · 05/09/2026

“I realized I wanted to zero in on a particular aspect of the intersection between disability aesthetics and music, and to highlight the ingenuity that viewing and executing musical performance through a disability lens can bring.” ListN Up Playlist — Molly Joyce:

icareifyoulisten.com

ListN Up Playlist: Molly Joyce (Sept. 3, 2026)

Molly Joyce shows the many ways disability feeds creative ingenuity, featuring music by John Kelly, Gaelynn Lea, Adrian Anantawan, and more.

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Can't wait for this @farmfolkfai.bsky.social Conference in October! 🎶💖🎶

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Awww thanks for writing this review of Music From Macbeth, @bluesbunnyreviews.bsky.social! 🎶🎻🎶

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

📣🚨🎉 BIG NEWS! I am putting on a music & storytelling showcase at The Ordway with fellow Minnesotan + disabled artists Kevin Kling & Gabriel Rodreick on November 15th!!! 💖 🎟️🎫 GET TICKETS: violinscratches.com/shows 🎫🎟️ 🤟 ASL & Captioning ♿ Wheelchair Accessible Venue 💸 Flexible Pricing 🫶 PCA Tickets

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Can't wait to hit the road with #WheelchairSportsCamp in October! After years of dreaming, the Tiny Mountain Tour is finally coming to life! 💖🤘🎵 Nashville & ATL tickets are on sale now & the college shows are free and open to the public! Check Out the Full Tour Schedule: violinscratches.com/shows

Tour poster for The Kalyn & Gaelynn Tiny Mountain Tour, a co-headline run featuring Wheelchair Sports Camp and Gaelynn Lea in October 2026. The background is crinkled light blue paper evoking a bright sky. Crumpled white paper pieces form fluffy clouds at the top, with the hand-lettered title "The kalyn & Gaelynn tiny mountain tour" in a playful, slightly wobbly font. At the center of the image, a torn cardboard triangle represents a mountain. Three whimsical collage figures are arranged around it: on the left, Kalyn in a power wheelchair, with an oversized real photo of her face — wide-eyed and expressive, wearing an orange top; in the center, a small figure in a pink beanie playing a red drum kit; and on the right, Gaelynn Lea in a manual wheelchair holding a violin, with an oversized real photo of her face, smiling warmly with a blue flower in her hair. Below the illustration, bold black text reads "Wheelchair Sports Camp + Gaelynn Lea." A cardboard-textured box lists the tour dates: Oct. 5–7, Blacksburg, VA (Virginia Tech); Oct. 8, Davidson, NC (Davidson College); Oct. 9, Asheville, NC (UNC Asheville); Oct. 10, Atlanta, GA (Eyedrum); Oct. 11, Nashville, TN (The Basement); Oct. 13, Salem, VA (Roanoke College); Oct. 14, Greensboro, NC (UNC Greensboro); Oct. 18, Ann Arbor, MI (TBA). Website at bottom: www.wheelchairsportscamp.co

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Folk Alliance Region Midwest FARM @farmfolkfai.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

We are beyond thrilled to have violinist, songwriter, and activist Gaelynn Lea delivering the keynote address at FARM 2026. Get ready to be inspired, challenge your perspectives, and connect with the heart of the Midwest folk scene. Early Bird closes Sunday—don't wait! 🎟️ www.farmfolk.org #FolkMusic

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Yay, thanks so much to Greg and his pals for inviting me over for "Geek Tea Time" this afternoon! 🫖 We had a fun conversation about my book, disability advocacy, Creative Living Coaching, and of course #DoctorWho (@bbcdoctorwhoecho.bsky.social)!!! 💙 Watch the replay: www.youtube.com/live/q6c88Fk...

youtube.com

Geek Tea Time: Hanging Out With Gaelynn Lea: Live

YouTube video by Geek Tea Time

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

I had such a fun time tonight at Two Harbors Public Library talking about my new memoir & playing music! 📚 Thank you to Above & Beyond with U, the library staff, and everyone who came! ❤️♿❤️ I can't wait to play at Silver Bay Public Library on Friday afternoon! Details here: violinscratches.com/shows

Paul and Gaelynn are sitting with Jenna Udenberg, the founder of Above and Beyond with U, as well as four of her board members, outside after the event at the library. Everyone is smiling.

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Attention, Disabled Classical Musicians! 🎶🎻🎶 Lily Carmichael at the Royal College of Music is doing a research project on accessibility and inclusion in U.S. classical music organizations. Please fill out this survey if you have anything to share: tinyurl.com/3bj58f4a Closing date: August 20th!

Promotional flyer on a purple background from the Royal College of Music calling for participants in an "Accessibility in Classical Music Organizations Survey." Header text reads: "Researcher: Lily Carmichael, lily.carmichael@rcm.ac.uk." Large white text in the center reads "CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS." A QR code appears in the upper right corner. Below the header, a white section contains bold text reading "RESEARCH" followed by: "Experiences of U.S. classical music performers with access differences (physical or mental differences, conditions, impairments, or other circumstances) in their places of work."

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Now we're getting ready for quite a few book events, coming up in the next few weeks! * August 18th from 5-7pm at Two Harbors Public Library * August 21st from 1:30-3:30pm at Silver Bay Public Library * September 11th from 5:30-6:30 at Cloquet Public Library Info here: violinscratches.com/shows

violinscratches.com

Discover Gaelynn Lea's Calendar of Upcoming Events and Performances

Follow Gaelynn Lea's calendar of concerts and keynote speeches, from performances in 42 states to her live events on Substack. Book her for your next event!

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Hello there! 👋 Hope everyone has a great Monday! This weekend we celebrated Paul's 45th birthday with both sets of parents, which was really wonderful!! I am so grateful for Paul's loving presence and deep insight. ❤️

A birthday celebration photo taken in Gaelynn's parents' kitchen. On the left, Paul, a bearded man in a blue t-shirt and baseball cap wears oversized novelty "Happy Birthday" glasses — pink glittery frames shaped like cupcakes with the words "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" across the top. He holds a rectangular pan with a white-frosted cake topped with two lit green number candles reading "45." On the right, a disabled woman seated in a power wheelchair leans her head warmly against the man's shoulder. She wears glasses, a colorful tie-dye strapless dress in blues, greens, and yellows, and a blue ruffled flower hair clip. Both are smiling. In the background, a home kitchen with wooden cabinets, a white stove and microwave, cluttered countertops, and a vintage D.M. Ferry & Co. Seeds sign on the wall.

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

This means so much to read - thanks for being a true ally & open to learning and DOING THE WORK! Everyone would benefit from a less ableist society, in the workplace and beyond. I'm so grateful that stories from folks like me and @emilyladau.bsky.social cause you to want to make positive change! 💖♿💖

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

So grateful that the fabulous @emilyladau.bsky.social and I got to spend the afternoon chatting about my memoir, our disability identity, and how to choose what kinds of stories we share with the world. 📖✍️❤️🌈♿🎉 Watch the replay (and read the transcript!) here: gaelynnlea.substack.com/p/post-51-re...

A screenshot of a video call between Gaelynn Lea and Emily Ladau, bordered at the top and bottom by a bold decorative pattern in black, orange, and hot pink. In the top panel, Gaelynn Lea, a white woman with dark hair pulled back and a light blue floral hair accessory, looks upward with a slight smile; she wears a necklace and a sleeveless top, with a home interior — vertical blinds, string lights, wooden chairs, and shelving — visible behind her. In the bottom panel, Emily Ladau, a white woman with dark hair braided back and round wire-framed glasses, smiles and appears to be speaking; she wears a dark floral-patterned top against a softly lit neutral background.

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Hello, Friends! 🌻 My online book talk with author + disability activist @emilyladau.bsky.social is THIS SUNDAY (August 9) at 2pm Central! We'll be discussing Disability Culture & my new book, IT WASN'T MEANT TO BE PERFECT! FREE EVENT, live on Zoom! Register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/it-wasnt-m...

Event poster with a black background and decorative baroque-style floral scroll designs in pink, red, and orange along the top and bottom edges. At the top, "Online Book Talk" appears in pink neon-style script. Below that, "IT WASN'T MEANT TO BE PERFECT" is written in gold italic text, followed by "August 9th @ 2pm CT with Gaelynn Lea & Emily Ladau" in light green. Two headshots are displayed side by side: on the left, Gaelynn Lea, a disabled woman smiling warmly, seated in a power wheelchair and wearing a blue strapless top with a blue and yellow flower in her hair; on the right, Emily Ladau, a woman with curly dark brown hair and glasses, wearing a purple ribbed sweater and smiling at the camera. In the upper right corner is a small image of the memoir cover, showing an ornate colorful design alongside a black-and-white photo of Gaelynn Lea playing violin. At the bottom, yellow text reads: "Get the Link to Join: violinscratches.com/shows"

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Disability Community For Democracy, Inc. @disco4democracy.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

This is the July 2026 episode of Disability Conversations: A Monthly Audio Series. Gaelynn Lea was interviewed for this episode. To listen to the interview, visit Nothing About Us Without Us on Substack. disabilitycommunityfordemocracy.substack.com/p/disability... #Disability #DisabilitySky

disabilitycommunityfordemocracy.substack.com

Disability Conversations: July 2026

A conversation with Gaelynn Lea about the state of the disability justice movement in the United States and about her new book "It Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect."

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Kate Sattler | Sweet Freeze @katesattler.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

I got to interview these brilliant artists about 3 songs that shaped them ✨ Gonna highlight one every few weeks. Dig in! www.sweetfreezemusic.com/radio-show

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

"The flower cannot be by herself alone. The flower has to inter-be with the sunshine, the cloud and everything in the cosmos. If we understand being in terms of inter-being, then we are much closer to the truth." -Thich Nhat Hanh

A bunch of purple echinesia flowers and black-eyed susans in a summer garden in Duluth. There is a monarch butterfly sitting on one of the purple flowers.

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

DULUTH YOU SHOULD GO to this AWESOME event at @zeitgeistduluth.bsky.social! If you haven't seen Crip Camp yet, or if you just wanna party for Disability Pride Month + 36th Anniversary of the ADA, this is the place to hang in Duluth this weekend!!! 🎉♿🌈❤️ Tix: tickets.zeitgeistarts.com/websales/pag...

Movie poster for Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution. A vintage photograph shows a young Black man pushing a white teenage wheelchair user along a camp road, both smiling, with cabin buildings and trees in the background. Bold black text at the top reads "CRIP CAMP: A DISABILITY REVOLUTION."

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

EEEEK and SQUEEEE!!! 🥳 I just discovered that my Substack is currently ranking #98 in Music! Thank you to everyone who subscribes and who has shared my newsletter… Top 100 feels pretty epic, indeed! 🥰 Share it with a friend if you care about Disability Culture + creativity: gaelynnlea.substack.com

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Live on Zoom! Join Gaelynn Lea and @emilyladau.bsky.social for a spirited discussion of Gaelynn's new memoir, It Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect! Followed by an audience Q&A. Need ASL? Email press@gaelynnlea.com by July 24, 2026. To get the link, join the mailing list here: gaelynnlea.substack.com

ID: A graphic set against a black background with orange and pink swirls, framing the top and bottom. A small image of the book cover is shown on the upper right side, which shows a black-and-white photo of Gaelynn playing a violin above the title, IT WASN'T MEANT TO BE PERFECT.
In the center, the text reads:’ Online Book Talk - IT WASN'T MEANT TO BE PERFECT - August 9th at 2 pm CT with Gaelynn Lea & Emily Ladau
Below this text are two portraits. On the left is a photo of Gaelynn Lea wearing a blue strap dress. On the right is a photo of Emily Ladau wearing a purple sweater.
Below these portraits, the text reads: Get the Link to Join: gaelynnlea.substack.com

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

I am excited and honored to announce that I am one of the 2026-2027 @knightfoundation.org Fund Awardees! 😁 I will be doing an event at the Ordway Center this fall with fellow disabled artists Kevin Kling and Gabriel Rodreick... More details coming very soon: www.redlakenationnews.com/story/2026/0...

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Thank you to Rochelle Smith for reviewing my new book on the River Boise! “It Wasn’t Meant To Be Perfect is an inspiring book. Gaelynn Lea addresses fears and challenges like a warrior, and encourages you to do the same.” —Rochelle’s Session Chatter on 94.9 The River Read here: riverboise.com

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Join Creative Living Coaching for Seed to Sprout, which starts August 1st! 🌱 Plant your creative project's seed, water it with support, root it in a plan, and watch it sprout into real momentum — learn more here: creativelivingcoaching.mn.co/users/onboar...

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Creativity, wellness + personal development spaces are often steeped in ableist language and negative stereotypes about disability. At Creative Living Coaching, I want disabled creatives to feel encouraged, supported, planned for and celebrated from Day One! 🎨♿🎵🌈💖 Info: violinscratches.com/coaching

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Hello! 😁 I am VERY pumped to announce my new endeavor: Creative Living Coaching! This an online platform for disabled creatives and other artists who have felt sidelined by mainstream creative culture. Join our first cohort: Seed to Sprout starts August 1st! Info here: creativelivingcoaching.mn.co

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Hello, Friends! 👋 I just sent a new Substack post! I wrote about my recent lull in energy after the book launch, and I also pondered about how focusing on what we want to *create* can help shift culture toward compassion and shared resources. Read it here: gaelynnlea.substack.com/p/as-the-wor...

gaelynnlea.substack.com

Post 48: As the World Turns: The Second Half of the Year 🛞

On gaining momentum after an energy pothole - and on getting excited for my next creative project! What do YOU want to manifest in the last half of the year?

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MPR News @mprnews.org · 16/06/2026

This week on Ask a Bookseller: Eric Plumb of Amazing Alonzo Bookstore in Duluth recommends the memoir "It Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect" by fellow Duluthian Gaelynn Lea. If you can, Plumb says, listen to the audiobook, which incorporates some of her music interspersed with her story.

mprnews.org

Ask a Bookseller: ‘It Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect’ by Gaelynn Lea

The memoir "It Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect" was written by Duluth author Gaelynn Lea.

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Folk Alliance Region Midwest FARM @farmfolkfai.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

FARM is so excited to present Gaelynn Lea as the 2026 FARM Gathering + Presenter Summit's Keynote speaker. In this TEDx Talk, Gaelynn "recounts the epiphany that empowered her to pursue ... a musical career on her own terms." #folkmusic #folkalliance youtu.be/akGYugciSVw

A web banner promoting the FARM Gathering and Presenter Summit reading "Register Now" with details such as the October 22-25 dates and Minneapolis location; also featuring an inset photo of Gaelynn Lea in the lower right corner playing her violin.

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City Cast Twin Cities @citycasttwincities.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Today: We're all about doing Duluth like a local. Find out why the city is becoming an arts "mecca," and make room in your schedule for the smelt parade and music festivals. Plus, the incomparable @gaelynnlea.bsky.social talks about her new memoir. twincities.citycast.fm/podcasts/don...

twincities.citycast.fm

Don't Sleep On Duluth's Art Scene. Plus, Gaelynn Lea On Her New Memoir - City Cast Twin Cities

What makes Duluth punch so far above its weight in music and arts? Today we head north with Kristi Olson, publisher of the biweekly print zine On t...

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

gaelynnlea.substack.com

Post 48: As the World Turns: The Second Half of the Year 🛞

On gaining momentum after an energy pothole - and on getting excited for my next creative project! What do YOU want to manifest in the last half of the year?

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Gaelynn Lea @gaelynnlea.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

I was a guest on That Show With That Midwestern Mom with the fabulous Amber Estenson! It was so much fun… They interviewed me about music, my new memoir, 😂 Learn more and watch the show here: www.startribune.com/that-show-wi... 📸 P.S. Photo by Elizabeth Flores of The Minnesota Star Tribune.

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A picture of Amber Estenon with a surprised look on her face. Her hair is curled in retro hair rollers and covered with a blue-patterned headband. She’s wearing a light pink floral housecoat and a pearl necklace. She is talking on a black rotary telephone while sitting next to a nightstand.

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