Blues Friday with Heather ‘Lil Mama’ Hardy

Heather “Lil’ Mama” Hardy began studying the piano at age six and picked up the violin at nine. In 1983 she auditioned for the Manhattan School of Music as a double major on piano and violin and was accepted on both, but was required to choose only one. She began as a piano major under Zenon Fishbein and after one year realized that though piano was her great love; she was more driven on the violin. Heather returned the following year as a violin major under Raphael Bronstein.  While at school she began to play in the subway to make money while collaborating with different blues and rock musicians. This was the turning point at which she began to explore improvisation on the violin, and her unique style emerged. 

1984 she joined The False Prophets, a Punk band, and began touring the US and Europe. She played regularly for Allen Ginsberg, and recorder with  many New York bands . 

Relocating to the SouthWest in 1990, she joined the Sam Taylor Band, originally as a featured violin soloist, but soon becoming a vocalist as well. Her ambient violin contrasted with her tasty, soulful “wah-wah” blues solos captivating audiences and helped the band win the 1995 Arizona Blues Showdown. They followed by taking second place in the International Blues Talent Competition in Memphis and a European tour. By 1996, Heather had formed her Lil’ Mama Band, taking it to New York in 1997. In 2000, she was inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame. 

Heather has been featured on over 200 albums  and has released 5 of her own.  She maintains a steady performance schedule in the New York area as well. She works with the Amity foundation to bring music to prisons and their Therapeutic Communities throughout AZ , NM and California 

“Hardy’s solos marry lightning virtuosity with melodic sophistication and unhindered soul.”  The Blues Review

Heather Hardy violin vocals
Alvin Blaine -guitar
Larry Lee Lerma Bass
Dani Ponce – drums 

$3 cover at the door.