As a solo act, LuAnn Arena has traveled the US extensively, opening for well-known acts such as Martin Sexton, Tracy Bonham, Tower of Power, Melissa Ferrick, Erica Wheeler, John & Mary (10,000 Maniacs duo), and many more. She has played hundreds of shows at legendary venues from coast to coast, such as The Grey Eagle, Asheville, NC, Fast Folk Cafe, NYC, Corn Hill Arts Festival, Rochester NY, The Saint, Asbury Park, NJ, Hotel Utah and Mick’s Lounge, San Francisco, CA and a slew of others in between.
LuAnn also placed as a finalist in the famed Eddie’s Attic songwriter shootout in Atlanta and has been a recipient of ASCAPʼs Popular Awards panel distributions for independent writer members.
“…influences that are elusive and mysterious…complexities abound…
never ventures into expected territory”
Ellen Geisel, Art Times, NY
“the seasoned muscle of a pro….and the seductive lilt of a fallen angel…”
Frank DeBlase, City Newspaper, Rochester, NY
bands:
In Rochester, NY, LuAnn formed the band Velocity Mirror with guitarist Keith Silliman and drummer Kevin Stewart. She was also the bassist for the all-girl garage rock band White Cotton Panties. The band opened for Southern Culture on the Skids, Joydrop, Citizen King, The Woggles and many more.
After relocating to Woodstock, NY LuAnn joined forces with guitarist Tom Desisto and drummer Steve Olenski, who coined the band’s name, LuLu’s Ascent. Together they have played throughout the Hudson Valley and NYC, at venues such as The Bearsville Theater, Revolution Hall, The Knitting Factory, CB’s Gallery, Arlene’s Grocery, Utopia Studios and more. More at: lulusascent.com
little known facts:
LuAnn was a touring member of the Parents’ Choice Award winning group The Dinner Dogs for over 4 years. She donned a chef’s outfit, singing 3-part harmony with the groups’ originators, Tim Clark and Dick Leschhorn. The trio criss-crossed the US entertaining kids and families with high energy, original music and interactive stage shows. They played at festivals and performing arts centers such as Bele Cher, (Asheville NC) The Taste of Chicago, Chautauqua
Institute, Caroline’s Comedy Club (NYC), Milwaukee Summerfest, Jam on the River (Philadelphia) to name a few.
Originally from Rochester, NY – land of Onöndowa’ga:’ (Seneca)
Also lived in:
Woodstock, NY – land of Munsee Lenape
Beacon, NY – land of Munsee Lenape , Mohican , and Wappinger Asheville, NC – land of ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East)