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Are You Ex-Speer-ienced?
Friday, 8 p.m. at Mandala Ethnic Arts
May 19, 2005
[MUSIC] I don't exactly know what soul-folk/rock is. But if I had to define it, I would definitely consult Jillian Speer. An environmental activist, yoga instructor, artist, poet and songstress who has opened for the likes of Jewel, Michael Franti and Spearhead, 25-year-old Speer is a well-rounded bohemian queen with a voice that recalls her Joni Mitchell/Joan Armatrading/Nina Simone influences. Plus, she ain't bad-looking. That might be part of the reason why she has such a loyal following. And why her beautific mug appeared on the cover of
Music Connection
magazine, as well as on an exclusive entertainment segment on Oxygen cable network. But, to be fair, last year the LA Music Awards nominated her for "Best Folk/Rock Album of the Year" and she performed at the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York City a couple years ago, so you know she's got the stuff to back it up. Beauty, talent AND a social conscience? I suddenly feel like a female Howard Stern by comparison. Mandala Ethnic Arts is located at 29 Baldwin Ave. in Paia. Tickets: $10. For more info on her, check out www.JillianSpeer.com or call Mandala at 579-9555.