Fans of D.C.’s own Junior League Band and front woman Lissy Rosemont should fear not. Although the Atlanta-born Rosemont and her husband Mike Melia are soon expecting their first child (a girl), Rosemont swears she will be back recording and touring in the not-too-distant future. This week, the Junior League Band will play the “Farewell for Now and Happy 30th Birthday Show” in celebration of the baby, Rosemont’s 30th birthday (on August 17) and all things Junior League.
“It will be really cool to do the show,” said Rosemont with a bit of a laugh talking about how she’ll position her banjo in front of her stomach during the show. “Some of the bookers were a little worried because I’m so pregnant but that was kind of fun. D.C. fans are almost like an extended family so I figured I’d just embrace it, have fun with it.”
| ONSTAGE |
| Junior League Band |
| » When: 8 p.m. Saturday |
| » Where: 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW |
| » Info: $15; 9:30.com; 800-955-5566 |
Fans know that Rosemont is always one to follow her heart. She passed on medical school to follow her passion for bluegrass. As a solo artist and front woman of the Junior League Band, she built a solid fan base for her sound that she likens more to Hank Williams than Alison Krauss.
In the weeks left that lead up to the birth of her daughter, Rosemont is already planning for life with a baby, including returning to the stage at the beginning of next year. She also has a recording in the works with Jim Avett, father of the Avett brothers.
“Honestly I am thinking spring, February or March … maybe late January,” said Rosemont of her return. “For the southern shows, if I can swing it, I might try to take [our new daughter] with me.”
For now, though, she’s focused on this upcoming show with the Junior League Band that will include openers Typefighter and Kingsley Flood.
“I’m excited to play the show because we’ve been neglecting [some of the songs] from our first album,” she said. “This will be a nice, solid Junior League Band show with trombone, fiddle, and electric guitars.”
She’s also releasing an album of her father’s music on September 21. The record will be free or “donate what you like” and all proceeds will go to the Alzheimer’s Association.
The project is one Rosemont started in 2006, soon after her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Suffice to say, Rosemont has plenty of projects in the works.
“Well, I’m still working out and feeling good,” said Rosemont of her energy level. “I think the worst case [for this show] will be that I may have to sit on a stool during part of it. I don’t think that will make a difference.”
Although her music, especially the project to benefit charity, certainly will.
