Folk and Roots Presents: Lara Eidi (Matinée Show)

About this event

FOLK AND ROOTS PRESENTS - LARA EIDI: Award-winning independent artist Lara Eidi returns to Green Note for an intimate solo show that brings together the many strands of her musical world — original songs and compositions, folk, jazz, improvisation and music carried across cultures and generations — with special guest James Riley opening the afternoon. Born in Athens to Lebanese-Canadian parents and having just relocated to London , Lara is a well loved fiercely independent singer, songwriter, pianist and composer whose work has always moved freely between musical worlds. She has performed across the UK, Europe and Lebanon, from the Royal Albert Hall , the 606, and Union Chapel to intimate stages and independent venues, with her music featured on BBC Radio, France 24 and international media. But genre has never really been the thread. The voice is. Whether singing one of her own compositions, finding new freedom inside a jazz song, or inhabiting music passed down through folk and Mediterranean traditions, Lara is drawn to what happens when a song becomes personal — and to the connection created between the person singing and the people listening. Her own songs sit at the heart of the show. Her critically acclaimed album Sun, nominated for Best Album of the Year at the Orpheus Music Awards, brought together folk, acoustic, jazz and chamber influences; since then, those songs — and the newer ones that have followed — have continued to change with her. A composition can be stripped back to voice and piano, reshaped on guitar, opened up through improvisation, or simply reveal something different years after it was first written. Opening the afternoon is James Riley , a songwriter and performer whose music moves between folk, soul and acoustic pop, combining poetic, story-led lyrics with a distinctive percussive guitar style. His debut album Transatlantica was recorded in Nashville, while his North London rooftop performances during the pandemic grew into the cross-genre Rooftop Assembly project. He is currently working on his second album, written between London and the US and due for release in 2027. Returning to Green Note makes that particularly special. It is a room Lara knows and loves, and one made for hearing songs closely. Performing solo across voice, piano and guitar, she brings together old and new compositions, unexpected interpretations and the spontaneity of live performance — leaving room for the music to go somewhere neither performer nor audience quite expects. Doors open 1.30pm. Music starts 2.30pm. The venue is mixed seated and standing. Tables are limited, and available on a first come first served basis, so if you’d like a seat , we recommend arriving early!