Ask any one about the new generation of social justice music-makers and they'll mention either Heather Mae or Crys Matthews. Mae, a powerhouse performer and earthshaking vocalist, has turned her personal struggle with mental health and body image into an empowering message of self-love, a universal light force that shines for every audience member. Matthews is a powerful lyricist whose songs of compassionate dissent reflect her lived experience as what she lightheartedly calls "the poster-child for intersectionality". These two singer-songwriters have joined forces with JJ Jones (Girlyman) and Joe Stevens (Coyote Grace) for The Singing OUT Tour.

With Jones's "kinetically charged" percussion and Stevens's multi-instrumentalist brilliance, the music will be a powerful as their collective message — stand up and sing out.

A prolific lyricist and composer, Matthews has found inspiration in her surroundings; from driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains to the compelling and heart-breaking love story of Richard and Mildred Loving. Thoughtful, realistic and emotional, Matthews’ songs speak to the voice of our generation and remind us why music indeed soothes the soul.

Heather Mae was once just a ukulele-playing folk singer but after recovering from vocal nodules – which left her unable to sing for two years – she is stretching the limits of her music and her voice. Her newest EP, entitled “I AM ENOUGH”, is a collection of five anthemic songs that encourage the listener to search for the best version of themselves, while also shaking their hips to a new wave of pop – think Tegan & Sara, meets Sara Bareilles, meets the vocal tenacity of Etta James. Dubbed “the new queer Adele” by L-Mag, Heather Mae is using her music to shed light on issues not often heard in pop music, such as body positivity, racial justice, and LGBTQ rights. Heather Mae won the 2017 Rocky Mountain Folks Fest Songwriter Showcase and has opened for acclaimed musical artists such as Emily Saliers (Indigo Girls), Holly Near, Tom Goss, and Danielle Ate the Sandwich.