artist support
lindsey kraft
Lindsey is a pianist, songwriter, and storyteller whose work blends sharp wit, emotional candor, and theatrical flair. After more than 20 years as a television and film actress known for her comedic timing and grounded performances, Kraft began a bold creative reinvention—learning piano from scratch at age 38 in order to tell her own stories through music. In just over four years, Kraft has emerged as a compelling live performer and musical creator, opening for Ben Folds on multiple tours and developing her first musical, We've Been Here Before. The musical comes to NYC in August after a successful run at Adelaide Fringe in the spring of 2026. She is is stepping fully into her role as a storyteller—one song at a time.
Photo by Ben Folds
nest of singing birds
Fronted by folk legend and icon Sheila Kay Adams, 7th generation ballad singer and 2026 United States Artists Fellow, the Nest of Singing Birds is North Carolina’s most unique sound. Donna Ray Norton, 8th gen ballad singer and South Arts 2026 Emerging Artist, leads the group and is joined by William Ritter, South Arts 2021 Emerging Artist, and over ten singers. Ballad singing is the oldest non-indigenous oral tradition in the country and the Nest of Singing Birds is preserving that tradition through performance, education, and meaningful outreach. Their album, The Marshall Sessions, releases to streaming services everywhere on June 7 and is celebrated at Records in the RAD in Asheville with a release party. Details here.
Photos by Zack Welch