A veteran of the Chicago folk and country music scenes, singer-songwriter Jodee Lewis is releasing her first solo album, Whiskey Halo, with a concert at Old Town School of Folk Music on Sunday, March 2. Described by the website BabySue as “a breathe of fresh air” and “genuine and personal,” the 13-track record incorporates elements of country, pop and bluegrass that bring to life some of the challenges and joys Lewis has faced as a daughter, wife and mother. “Stepping out as a solo artist was liberating and allowed me to really share an intimate view of my experiences and emotions through the stories created with each song,” said Lewis. “This was deeply personal for me, and I hope to really connect with listeners through this album.” With a voice considered “hauntingly gorgeous” by Maverick Magazine and "simple, aching and hearty" by NewCity Chicago, Lewis is also an accomplished classical pianist. She is joined on Whiskey Halo by a number of talented Chicago-based musicians, including Robbie Fulks and Jonas Friddle. Fulks, a leader in the Chicago country music community, and Friddle, 2013 winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, will perform with Lewis at the March 2 concert. Lewis was raised in the Missouri Ozarks on folk songs and honky-tonk, and her music reflects the best of both worlds. She grew-up singing in her church gospel choir and with her grandfather’s country band. Her collaboration on the original song Mexico was featured in season four of the HBO series True Blood. Columbia Daily Tribune declared her music "a little bit celestial, a little bit world- weary...portraying strength and vulnerability equally well, often times in a single phrase or note.”