The CJM

RadioCJM presents the Sonoma folk and bluegrass–tinged music of Ismay—the singer/songwriter otherwise known as Avery Hellman. Ismay was introduced to the musical world through the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, and learned to write and play by listening to the songs of Emmylou Harris, Hazel Dickens, Mississippi John Hurt, and Leonard Cohen. Based in California, Ismay’s music seeks to uncover ways in which places change us and how the natural world provides us with deeper meaning. For Ismay, a life lived in rural California connects them with the landscape, providing a freedom to express their gender identity and the space to create music. Mystical lyricism, ethereal vocals, and dynamic guitar fingerpicking are the defining features of their music. With works covering wild horses to wildfire, Ismay’s sound is unmistakably connected to the landscape in which they live.

This performance was originally presented via Zoom on August 7, 2020.

RadioCJM is a virtual series that brings you the sounds of musicians influenced by Jewish musical heritage. Gather online with us to listen and envision a better world together.

Named after a town with a population of nineteen in the Northern Great Plains, Ismay represents the work of singer/songwriter Avery Hellman. Ismay performs as both a solo artist, duo, and a full band, with a combination of electric fingerpicking guitar drums, bass, cello, and violin. Ismay also plays a unique set combining storytelling and songs, which debuted at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in October 2019. Ismay has appeared throughout the West Coast at music festivals such as Hardly Strictly Bluegrass and Strawberry Music Festival; at renowned venues such as the Great American Music Hall, Slim’s, the Golden State Theater, and the Mystic Theater; and as an opening act for acclaimed artists including Steve Earle, Mandolin Orange, Justin Townes Earle, Robert Earl Keen, Chuck Prophet and the Mission Express, The Mother Hips, and the Brothers Comatose. Ismay is based in the rural area outside of Petaluma, California, and was raised in San Francisco and Marin County.

Public Programs at The CJM are made possible thanks to generous support from Grants for the Arts and the Walter & Elise Haas Fund.

RadioCJM Presents Ismay