On August 18 and 21, 2026, the Two Harbors and Silver Bay Public Libraries hosted an inspiring “Meet the Author” series featuring acclaimed musician, Broadway composer, and disability advocate Gaelynn Lea.
Sponsored by Above & Beyond With U in partnership with both public libraries, these free, all-ages events brought the community together for an unforgettable experience. Gaelynn Lea discussed her new memoir, It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect, shared stories, signed books, and captivated attendees with a touching live musical performance. There were even copies available on site for purchase.
Gaelynn Lea’s memoir is a heartfelt love letter to music, self-acceptance, and resilience. It invites readers to embrace all of life’s experiences with determination and heart. The book chronicles her journey of growing up in Duluth, Minnesota, with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), winning the prestigious 2016 NPR Music Tiny Desk Contest, navigating the music industry, and becoming a leading voice for disability culture and accessibility.
Gaelynn was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic condition affecting bone and limb development. Lea developed a passion for classical music early in life. After a teacher noticed her perfect score on a fourth-grade music listening test, she was encouraged to pursue her talent. To adapt to her physical stature, Lea developed a unique violin technique: she holds her bow “like a bassist” while placing the body of the instrument in front of her like a cello, anchored to her foot to prevent slipping. Because her bow strikes the lower strings first, this approach creates a rich, hauntingly distinct sound.
Her music combines classical, Celtic, and traditional folk styles, using looping pedals to layer orchestrated violin melodies under her ethereal vocal performance.
She has had many successes throughout her career.
• NPR’s 2016 Tiny Desk Contest Winner: Selected out of 6,000 submissions for her song “Someday We’ll Linger in the Sun.” Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach praised her performance, saying it felt like “Karen Dalton and Joanna Newsom melt together in the form of Gaelynn Lea and set about absolutely obliterating your heart.”
• Broadway Composer: Gaelynn Lea made her Broadway debut in 2022, composing original music for Sam Gold’s revival of Macbeth, starring Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga.
• Global Advocate: She delivered a popular TEDxTalk at Yale University on sexuality, disability, and art. She also performed in a video feature for the 2024 Summer Paralympics closing ceremony.
• Collaborator: Gaelynn Lea has recorded and performed with artists such as Alan Sparhawk (in their duo The Murder of Crows), Charlie Parr, and Billy McLaughlin.
The event was made possible thanks to Above & Beyond With U (A&BWU), an organization dedicated to going past basic ADA compliance to foster true inclusion, accessibility, and belonging.
Founded in 2023 by Two Harbors native Jenna Udenberg, A&BWU provides consulting, training, and educational resources to businesses and local community programs across Northern Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin. The volunteer-run board works to ensure that public spaces are safe, practical, and welcoming for everyone, regardless of mobility.
Above and Beyond With U offers a wide variety of services.
Consulting: On-site walk-throughs, physical space review, and inclusive policy development.
Training: Customized workshops covering accessibility best practices, inclusive communication, and practical DEIA implementation. Speaking Engagements: Story-driven presentations on accessibility, Universal Design, and disability culture.
All funds raised for A&BWU directly support community initiatives, training materials, professional networking, and financial assistance for Minnesota businesses upgrading their accessibility features. Their efforts don’t go unnoticed. If you would like to donate to help further their cause, go to www.aboveandbeyondwithu.org/ and click on Give to the Max.
If you enjoyed meeting Gaelynn Lea, consider picking up both featured memoirs, available at major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Walmart:
It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect by Gaelynn Lea — A moving exploration of music, disability culture, and finding beauty in life’s unpredictable moments.
Within My Spokes by Jenna Udenberg. An inspiring coming-of-age memoir detailing Udenberg’s journey after being diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis at age 7. It shares her personal story of fighting through medical battles, navigating systemic obstacles, and discovering her purpose and self-worth through unexpected relationships.
