Live music, theatre, video, social media, observational humor, social satire, improvisation, storytelling.
What is your core inspiration for your art?
I have no other marketable skills. All I wanted to do since I was about 6 was sing. I started singing in clubs when I was 15, and have managed to make a living in music, comedy and theater since then. Core inspiration early on was “I HAVE TO DO THIS”. Core inspiration later on— I hope to inspire and motivate and recharge folks by helping them laugh hard and sing loud.
What do you think your role as an artist is in the community?
I think Artists have a responsibility to share their gifts, to shake things up, to inspire, to make people tilt their heads and go “Huh”. Comedians are so important now, pointing a finger at the current regime. When you point a finger and laugh at something fearful, it takes all the power away. Again, laugh hard, sing loud, peaceful protest.
What would you like to see happen in the art world to include the LGBTQ+ community more?
I love that artists are out, fluid and proud. Queer artists are very mainstream. The current regime is trying to take us backwards in every way, so queer artists may not feel safe. Go forth and conquer.
How has art impacted your life?
How has it NOT impacted my life? Opens the heart and mind and soul. The universe is gray without art.
Who are your favorite artists?
Carole Burnett, Monty Python, Lily Tomlin, Firesign Theatre, Tig Notaro, Joni Mitchell, Karla Bonoff, The Carpenters, The Beatles, Ella Fitzgerald, Laura Nyro, Chappell Roan, Theolonius Monk, Antonio Jobim, Pink Floyd, Kathy and Mo, Kids in the Hall, Baroness Von Sketch, Randy Rainbow, Stephen Colbert, Stephen Sondheim. Off the top of my head.
Where can people see your art?
Live gigs, my YouTube channel, my recordings. www.heylisa.com.
What does it mean to be a Queer artist to you?
I’m proud to be a queer artist. I’m a Generation Jones, so it wasn’t terribly easy to come out and have a career. I’ve worked hard, and out and proud since I was 19.
