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A Songbird Preview
Get a feel for the night before you step into the room. This playlist features some of the artists joining us this Fall, offering a preview of the songs, voices, and stories you’ll hear in the round. Take a listen, find a few favorites, and come ready for a night that always sounds a little different live.
Meet the October Musicians
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Tim McAvin
ST. LOUIS, MO
Tim McAvin is a multi-instrumentalists, singer-songwriter from Saint Louis. Since 1989 he’s been a sideman in many original acts: The Heebie Jeebies, Lydia’s Trumpet, Tight Pants Syndrome to name a few. Over the years, contributing songs to bands, the songs added up. In 2009, Tim formed Karate Bikini and over the next decade released five recordings. His songs range from folk to punk. He’s a recently retired teacher spending his time working on a solo acoustic set, painting, and watching old movies. -
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Lo Stone
ST. LOUIS, MO
Lo Stone is a St. Louis-based singer-songwriter whose music blends indie folk and pop with warm, reflective lyrics. She weaves acoustic and piano textures while exploring musings on resilience, hope, and the emotional depth of everyday life. Lo released her debut album “With a Long Arc” in 2023, followed by her second album “Only a Sound” in 2025. -
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Lefty Daytona
ST. LOUIS, MO
A self-described “collector of songs,” Lefty Daytona has been a fixture of the St. Louis music scene since (2008? I have no idea). His YouTube channel, Songs from the Desk. features over 100 performances of tunes from his eclectic repertoire, with some videos racking up tens of thousands of views.While Lefty has gained an online audience with interpretations of songs from influences like Bruce Springsteen, Hayes Carll, and Robert Earl Keen, his own songs are the most valuable pieces of his collection. He builds grounded and often-stunning portraits of world-worn characters, tinged with dry humor and alt-country grit.
Daytona’s performances are understated yet emotionally charged, prioritizing storytelling over spectacle. He’s the kind of artist who feels just as at home in a dimly lit bar as he does in the studio, capturing the soul of the Midwest one verse at a time.
Lefty Daytona is based in Granite City, Illinois, where he and his wife have raised two daughters and two Golden Retrievers. He’s currently working on his first collection of all-original music.
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Vanessa Lively
AUSTIN, TX
Vanessa Lively is a bilingual songwriter and nonprofit founder whose music blends folk traditions with worldly rhythms and a distinct Latin influence. Known for her soulful, expressive vocals and poetic songwriting, her latest release Truth Is reflects both resilience and an unshakable sense of joy. Beyond the stage, her work is rooted in compassion and advocacy, including founding Home Street Music, a nonprofit that brings music to individuals experiencing homelessness. Through both her artistry and her impact, Lively creates music that is as heartfelt as it is powerful.
