Bio

Big Wide Grin

This bi-coastal trio of Elaine Dempsey, Lawrence Lambert & Karl Werne, hailing from California and Virginia, bring such diverse backgrounds of experience, music and theater together to form a rich, soulful blend of character and harmony so deep and dynamic, it will move you to an understanding of their name, BIG WIDE GRIN.

Usually on the move, they are no strangers to national tours and folk festivals and have shared the stage with such artists as Janis Ian, Harriett Schock, and toured with Legendary blues man Keb' Mo'.

Their debut CD, "Live Simple, Breathe Deep" (released under the name "E.L.K.") was produced by Clayton Gibb (Keb' Mo' band) and features Mark Andes (Spirit, Canned Heat), Rob Hooper (Jimmie Dale Gilmore), Cha Cha Friedken (Keb' Mo' band) and Eddie Williams.

BWG's "Live" release is a collection of original and cover material that have become trademark favorites of their live performances from the likes of Steve Earle to Sly & The Family Stone.

Their most recent project is a Christmas CD scheduled for the holiday season of '07, featuring a wide variety of world class arrangers and studio musicians from both coasts, proving to be the most diverse musical endeavor from this group so far.

� Peace-It-Together Presents
PO Box 435 * Mill Valley, CA 94942

Elaine Dempsey

Born on the Mississippi, raised on the James, educated on the Appomattox and the Boneyard; Elaine has lived most of her life on the the Chesapeake and San Francisco Bays. She moved to the San Francisco Bay area from her home in Virginia with a desire and dedication to write. As a singer, songwriter and performer Elaine blends a background of folk, rock, gospel and blues to create a dynamic vocal and acoustic guitar style truly her own. Her music has received international airplay and won repeated recognition in various national songwriting contests. Her musical guides have included: Keb’ Mo’, Harriet Schock, Dr. Ysaye Barnwell, Karl Werne, Lawrence Lambert, Janis Ian, Rev. Ann Jefferson, Anne Lamott, John Haley-Walker, Allowyn Price, Clayton Gibb, Bill Spooner and Jackson-Ray-Charles-Kendal-Brown-Cat.

L. E. Lambert

Raised on a farm in rural Virginia, Lambert started singing as a child with his twin brother and older twin brother and sister. Although the group could never replace the "Jackson Five," it was a great way to spend those quiet nights in Pungo, Virginia. Music has always been a big part of Lambert's life. Early piano lessons lead to the tenor sax and finally the show choir in high school. He found his voice again and the power of a well written song. Lambert continued to pursue his interests in music and theater at the University of Virginia. Although Lambert has developed the nickname "the Voice" for his unique vocal style; he wants nothing more than to write the kind of music that 'helps someone to get over that broken heart; music that will make a difference and make the world better place.' But, if you asked his mother, she would say that he should sing more in church.

Karl Werne

Karl Werne has been entertaining the Hampton Roads area of Virginia Beach since he was 16 years old. Eight years with The Lewis McGehee Group and four years with his own Instant Karma have made Karl a local favorite with his versatile guitar work and smooth hypnotic vocals. Highlights of those years include touring as the opening act for Bruce Hornsby's Grammy winning 'The Way It Is Tour' and numerous recordings still receiving airplay. When not on the road with BWG, Karl can be heard these days playing with saxophonist Eddie Williams and electric guitarist Curtis Eley.