Garnering comparisons to Ben Folds and Regina Spektor as well as Laura Nyro and Rickie Lee Jones, pianist/singer/songwriter DIANA LAWRENCE delivers a high-energy recipe of pop, folk, soul, sharp songwriting and a sense of fun. The debut album from her band, Diana & the Dishes, was listed in Music Connection Magazine’s Hot 100 for 2011, and her 2012 debut musical theatre piece, NEXT STOP, was lauded by Time Out Chicago and the Chicago Sun-Times. Her second solo EP, “To: Aging Children,” will be released in August of 2012. Instead of speaking to the tried-and-true themes of romantic love, this EP meditates on issues of growing up and coming to terms with the bittersweet nature of life, at any age. For this release, Diana chose to look specifically to the modern roots and Americana tradition, drawing on performers such as Alison Krauss, the Wailin’ Jennys, Nina Nastasia and Feist. The EP is a solo endeavor (vocals, piano, organ and vibraphone) but includes support from singers Kara Kesselring (Sugarcreek Road) and Amanda Crumley (Mandy and the Bandits) as well as from guitarist Dave Saenger of Diana & the Dishes. Producer Mike Przygoda (Rego, Devin and the Straights) adds evocative ambient sounds (a rain storm, a tea kettle boiling) to place tracks in specific realms of daily life and memory. To accompany the audio, Diana has created packaging that is both alternative and interactive. Each CD will be “delivered” in a designed mailing envelope, and will include a letter with credits, lyrics, and an invitation to write Diana back (via P.O. box) with a story from the listener’s life. Diana will then use these stories as the inspiration for a responsorial release, “From: Aging Children.” “…young, multi-talented musician… easily calls to mind Regina Spektor.” Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times “…drop-dead show-stopper…” Music Connection Magazine