Jenny Conlee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jenny Conlee
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Conlee performing with the Decemberists (2009)
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| Background information | |
| Born | December 12, 1971 Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | |
| Associated acts | The Decemberists, Black Prairie, From Words to Blows, Casey Neill & The Norway Rats, Reclinerland, Calobo, Sparkle Pony |
Jennifer Lynn Conlee-Drizos (born December 12, 1971) is an American musician. She is best known for playing the accordion, piano, organ, and other keyboards for the indie rock band the Decemberists. She also sometimes sings backup and plays the harmonica or melodica.
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Jenny Conlee's Music Journey
Jenny Conlee has played music with many different artists. Besides her main work with the Decemberists, she has appeared on albums for other musicians. These include artists like Reclinerland, Lewi Longmire, and Jerry Joseph.
Early Bands and Projects
Before joining the Decemberists, Jenny played piano for a band called Calobo in the 1990s. She is also a member of a band from Portland, Oregon, called Casey Neill & The Norway Rats. In this group, she plays keyboards, accordion, and glockenspiel.
Her most recent project is an acoustic band named Black Prairie. She plays with several other talented musicians from Portland in this group. Jenny also started a band that covers songs by the Pogues. This band was called Kiss My Royal Irish ... (KMRIA).
Her Instruments
Jenny Conlee uses different accordions for her music. One of her accordions, a Paolo Soprani, was even shown at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She also uses a Petosa Futura accordion, which she calls her "regular axe."
Solo Album Release
In 2023, Jenny released her first solo album. It is called Tides: Pieces for Accordion and Piano. This album features her playing both the accordion and the piano.
Jenny Conlee on Television
Jenny Conlee has also appeared on television shows.
Portlandia Appearances
In 2011, she was on the TV show Portlandia. She acted in funny skits with Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein. In one skit, she played a musician in a band called Sparkle Pony. Her character tried to play at many different places during a big festival in Portland but was always turned away because her band wasn't scheduled to perform.
Parks and Recreation Performance
Jenny also appeared on the TV show Parks and Recreation. This happened when the Decemberists, her band, performed at a special event called the Unity Concert on the show.
Jenny Conlee's Personal Life
Jenny Conlee is married to a drummer named Steve Drizos.
Health and Recovery
In May 2011, Jenny was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her bandmate, Colin Meloy, shared that she was expected to make a full recovery. She did miss some concerts while she was getting treatment. By October 20, 2011, Colin Meloy announced that Jenny's cancer was in remission, meaning it was under control.
External Links
- Casey Neill & The Norway Rats website
