The Umbrella Arts Center is excited to expand The Umbrella Concert Series to include casual and intimate shows spotlighting some of your future-favorite musical acts who are up-and-coming through the Salt Lick Incubator program. Up next: Grace Gardner, Sofia Lafuente, and Farayi Malek! Grace Gardner Raised on the outskirts of a Texas city and now living in New England, Grace Gardner is pushing the boundaries of the singer-songwriter genre. While their music adopts many of the genre’s characteristics, Grace has found inspiration in their parents’ taste in ’70s and ’80s rock, the folk roots of their Southern upbringing, the heart of the sounds of New Orleans—where they studied neuroscience in college—and the lyric-forward storytelling they always return to. Taking it one step further, producing all of their own music allows Grace to maintain a personal, authentic touch in each of their songs. Their lyricism is evocative and emotional, poignantly capturing the joys and tribulations of relationships, recovery, and identity—typically backdropped by thoughtful guitar and intricate production. Grace’s inspirations include eclectic powerhouse writers from the 1970s—Carole King, Stevie Nicks, Labi Siffre, and Joan Baez. As they honed their own musical style, finding the intersection between soft rock, indie, and folk, they’ve drawn further inspiration from artists like Madison Cunningham, Adrianne Lenker, Andy Shauf, and Madi Diaz. Grace plays ten instruments and incorporates orchestral, brass, percussive, and software-based elements into their work. Along with being a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Grace is also a producer and arranger. Grace’s debut EP, *Peach*, was released in March 2023, featuring the lead single “Deny Me.” They have joined artists such as Adam Melchor, Frances Forever, and Tiny Habits on their headline tours and will embark on their first headline tour in early 2025. Their sophomore EP, *Recovery Mile*, was released in February 2024, and their third project, *After Knowing*, is due at the very end of 2024, preceded by a co-release with Buffchick entitled “Big Picture.” Check her out on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @gracegardnermusic. Sofia Lafuente Sofia Lafuente is a Spanish-American artist and songwriter whose bicultural, bilingual upbringing shapes her introspective, emotionally charged music. Split between Miami and Madrid, she has quickly made a name for herself in the Latin alternative scene. Her ethereal vocals and evocative storytelling have earned her a dedicated following. Inspired by artists like Lana Del Rey, early Shakira, and Lizzy McAlpine, Sofia’s music resonates with listeners drawn to vulnerability and emotional depth. Beyond her solo work, she is a sought-after songwriter, known for her distinctive voice and introspective lyrics. With a growing industry presence, she continues to captivate audiences, solidifying her status as an artist to watch. Farayi Malek Farayi Malek has traveled the world through music as a Grammy-nominated vocalist with Danilo Perez’ Global Messengers; and now musically, she’s going back to her own roots. From the American folk music and hymns of her childhood, to the blues and jazz she studied, Farayi brings all of the diverse sounds and experiences of her life into resonant songs that allow her effortless vocals to shine. The Salt Lick Incubator award-winner will be releasing her debut EP March 27th, 2025. When she is not performing and recording, Farayi shares her vast musical knowledge as a professor at various esteemed institutions including Berklee College of Music, New England Conservatory. Check her out on Instagram @Farayi.Malek. Catch a sneak peek at the artists on WERS Salt Lick Sessions before catching them live at The Umbrella!