I'm a musician and writer from the western US. I'm a student of history and religion and also blog about addiction recovery at healthyplace.com. My favorite color is green, I love both cats and dogs, I have a serious sweet tooth and I watch a lot of television.
As the horrific invasion of Ukraine drags on, I would like to share with you a song that held great meaning for my grandparents, Peter and Helen (Sochansky) Stavrakis. “Dark Night” or “Dark is the Night” was a very popular and widely-known song in the countries of the former Soviet Union, although it is largely … More Dark Night in Ukraine
Let me be clear: my life and DMX’s life could not have been more different. But we did share something important: addiction, and spiritual longing. … More RIP DMX
I study history for many reasons–to understand the present, to see what has been tried and what has succeeded, and because it makes me feel spiritually connected to my fellow human travelers, past, present and future. Sadly, I do not study history to ensure it does not repeat itself. Much as I wish it could, … More El Paso, Dayton and American History
This is a New Year’s post that’s long overdue. When I was a kid, I occasionally wrote in a journal. But my compulsion to write everything I could possibly think of that had happened since my last entry, and everything I wanted to say, kept me from actually saying it. That has been the case … More My (belated) Resolution
I had the pleasure of seeing Janelle Monae on her Dirty Computer tour this past Wednesday at the Edgefield McMenamins. This was my first time seeing her live and it was awesome. Just getting to hear her do Jidenna’s part from “Yoga” was worth the cost of admission. But if you didn’t get to attend, … More Janelle Monae Dirty Computer Tour–Pride Edition
I recorded a few Leonard Cohen songs after he passed away. In looking back, it appears I only posted them to my youtube and facebook, but not this, my official site. So, I am belatedly posting them here. I chose three of my favorites: Sisters of Mercy, Winter Lady, and Stories of the Street. The … More Leonard Cohen Songs
In the week following the election of Donald Trump, I have found myself pulled toward the former protest music of the white working class. How did we get from Hazel Dickens to Donald Trump? Hazel Dickens spoke out against the elites, gave a voice to working class (whether they themselves were wage-earners or not) women … More Rebel Girl (Joe Hill, Hazel Dickens)
If you missed my shows at Artichoke Music and Park Place Cafe, here’s a few selections for you. Both performances were a blast with great, engaged participatory audiences. Hope to see you next time! How Can I Go Back to Boston (When I’ve Been to Tennessee)? (written by Kira Lesley) Ontario (written by Kira … More New Videos from Recent Shows
Come enjoy the sunny weather tomorrow, April 2nd, at the Vancouver Farmers Market at Esther Short Park. Special guest Maia Pillott and I (Kira Lesley) will be providing the live music from 12:30-2:30. It’s family-friendly and DOG-FRIENDLY. Over 200 vendors!
Hello everyone, happy Friday. This is the video I submitted for the NPR Tiny Desk contest. It’s one of my favorites, written about alcoholism, despondency, and rural Oregon. Gee, that sounds cheery when I write it down. Watching this video makes me realize how much I furrow my eyebrows, even when I try not to. … More My Submission to NPR Tiny Desk contest
Kira Lesley Music 