Artist description Heather Lev is a songsmith who has written over 340 songs, on topics ranging from the environment to human rights to love. Of her anthemic song “Never Stand Alone,” Odetta said "Bravo!" and Fred Small said “That’s a great song.” A CD Review in the May 2000 NY Pinewoods Folk Music Club Newsletter said, “Reason for Rain is a wonderful recording filled with such comfortable original melodies… It reminds me of just how important and special those ringing, heartfelt and singable tunes can be in our lives. This is an exceptional recording in the great folk tradition—it’s really a keeper! These songs are very, very good and need to be heard in the world. Heather sings her songs well and presents them with enchanting harmonies and skillful arrangements. Some tell compelling stories in the folk ballad tradition… some ponder poetically the big mysteries of life… other songs are a call to action…. This is a big entertaining collection of fourteen songs that hold up with regular listening." Heather’s songs have been published songs in "Songs for Peace" and other magazines. She has had a song quoted in the New York Times, and has performed on the same bill with Pete Seeger. In 1999 she received a generous, competitive grant from the Puffin Foundation of New Jersey for her songwriting work. One of her songs, “Never Stand Alone,” has been recorded by Disabled in Action Singers for an upcoming release. Her song “Critical Mass” has been used as a soundtrack on a documentary film about the bicycle rally movement in California and worldwide. Heather has performed in California, Michigan, Israel, and New York City, and her songs have been played on several local, national, and shortwave radio stations including WBAI 99.5 F.M. in New York City and KPFA in San Francisco. She has performed at the Cathedral Arts Festival, Jersey City, New Jersey, the People's Voice Cafe, NYC, the People's Music Network "Carry it On" Concert at LaGuardia Community College, Queens, NYC, Jan. 2000, in concert with Pete Seeger, Sun Music Cafe, NYC, Protests against the World Bank and IMF, New Jersey and Washington DC, May 1 and April 16, 2000, performed live on Bob Fass's Radio Unnameable Show, Pacifica Radio WBAI FM, NYC, Jan. 2000, Clearwater Revival, 1999 and 2000, as part of Songs of the Spirit, Croton, NY Peacesmiths Coffeehouse, Amityville, Long Island, National Jobs for All Coalition Rallies, Protests Against Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant, Fundraisers for War Resister's League, held at People's Voice Cafe, Clearwater Pumpkin Festival, Westchester Coalition for Abortion Rights/ Nat'l Young Women's Day of Action, Orange Bear Cafe, NYC, among other places. She has appeared several times on Songs of Freedom, an award-winning NYC cable TV show. She recently put out a new CD called "Songs to Close Indian Point," with 2 new songs about Indian Point nuclear plant, and she also has a 14-song CD, "Reason for Rain." She also has several tapes, including "Heather Lev: Live" and "Critical Mass EP." Her influences come from traditional folk as well as the folk activist tradition (Phil Ochs, Melvina Reynolds etc.). For more information and to download MP3's, visit http://heatherlev.com or www.mp3.com/heatherlev

Music Style Folk, bluegrass, blues, folk rock, political, topical, environmental, feminist, left-wing

Musical Influences Bob Dylan, Ani DiFranco, Joan Baez, Simon and Garfunkel, World Music

Similar Artists Bob Dylan, Ani DiFranco, Joan Baez, Simon and Garfunkel, World Music

Artist History From Michigan, Heather Lev has lived in New York City for the last 7 years. She has a bachelor's degree in anthropology (with several ethnomusicology courses) and a Master's in nonprofit management. She has been playing guitar since she was 17, and has been composing music since age 12. At age 15 she composed a piece for flute and orchestra.

Group Members Heather Lev

Instruments guitar, flute, vocals, lap dulcimer, ukelin, pennywhistle, and other unusual turn-of-the century instruments

Albums Reason for Rain, Songs to Close Indian Point, Heather Lev: Live

Press Reviews Excellent review in Pinewoods New York Folksong Society newsletter.

Additional Info http://heatherlev.com

Location New York, NY - USA

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