12 October 2018

Crys Matthews & Heather Mae

Crys Matthews and Heather Mae, two of the most talked about singer-song­writers on the scene, will be appearing together at the me&thee on Friday, October 12. Their songs are passionate, sincere, and relevant to all audiences; their lyrics and music combine for an evening of inspiration and hope.

Concert starts at 8:00 pm

Crys Matthews

Southeastern North Carolina native who now calls Herndon, Virginia home, Crys Matthews blends Americana, folk, jazz, blues, bluegrass and funk into a bold, complex performance steeped in traditional melodies and punctuated by honest, original lyrics. Having been compared to everyone from Toshi Reagon to Tracy Chapman to Ruthie Foster, Matthews’ eclectic infusion of genres has won her many awards and many devoted fans.

Crys Matthews is nothing if not ambitious. In August 2017, she simultaneously released both a new full-length album, The Imagineers and an EP, Battle Hymn For An Army of Lovers. These collections showcase two sides of Matthews’ dynamic songwriting: The Imagineers is a selection of thoughtful songs about love and life while Battle Hymn For An Army of Lovers tackles social justice themes. Songs from both projects have already won her recognition and awards. She was one of ten finalists (from a pool of 5,000) in this year’s NewSong Music Competition and, after performing at Lincoln Center on November 30th, she was named grand-prize winner. Matthews also won the People Music Network’s Social Justice Songs contest at the 2017 Northeast Regional Folk Alliance.

. . .

Heather Mae is a unique performer. She startles the senses of her audiences on many levels; she engages her audiences to shake their hips and raise their fists in solidarity. Her honesty, authenticity and ability to connect to people are special gifts and her music is an extra added bonus on top or that.

Heather Mae is an imaginative lyricist with a powerhouse voice. She has broken new ground with her album I Am Enough. The collection was dubbed a KickStarter Staff Pick within its first week, smashing through its $15,000 fundraising goal and on its official release date. She is known for her interesting indie-pop sound, but also for her musical take on touchy subjects ranging from LGBTQ discrimination, gender stereotypes, body image, and mental health issues. This is what sets Mae apart — she seeks to write music for those that need an anthem and doesn’t shy away from tackling topics not often heard in pop music.

photo by Sarah Stuart Walters

  • Crys Matthews is a necessary voice. Her depth coupled with her openness and approachability was unmatched. She has a spark that is contagious and shares music that unites us and makes us think. Viviana Benitez, Associate Producer at Lincoln Center and 2017 NewSong judge
  • While each and every day, on each and every media platform, we’re reminded of the division, alienation, marginalization, and divisiveness rampant in our country (and our world), we’re not often enough met with people like Matthews who exist as reminders of what beauty can occur when we bridge those divides. Justin Hiltner, The Bluegrass Situation
  • Crys Matthews is a songwriter with a powerful message and voice to match. YabYum Music + Arts
  • . . .
  • Heather Mae is the new queer Adele. L-MAG, Germany
  • Plus-size pop-singer, Mae, has no use for old-fashioned stereotypes about what a protest singer should look like. NPR, All Things Considered
  • Mae seeks to write music for those in need of an anthem and doesn’t shy away from covering topics not often heard in pop music. CURVE Magazine

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