Barbara Cohen & Little Lizard, the acclaimed 1990s’ band led by singer-songwriter Barbara Cohen performing with Twin Cities’ musical luminaries cellist Jacqueline Ultan, guitarist Jeremy Ylivisaker and percussionist Marc Anderson, reunites for a remarkable Dec 28th concert at the Hook & Ladder Theater with special guests, father-daughter duo, Adam and Ava Levy.Little Lizard offers a fresh and original, free-ranging blend of world-folk music, Americana and cinematic soundscapes. The ensemble revives fan favorites from Cohen’s previousindependent solo albums California and Black Lake, as well as offering new songs including her single “Let It Out” now available on Spotify.

“The really amazing thing about working together now, 25 years later,” remarked Cohen, “is that we still have this easy connection, but everyone’s artistry has jumped up twenty/thirty-fold. It’s such a blast to hear everyone’s ideas and sink into the sound that’s being created.”

Barbara Cohen blends musical genres from folk to electronica, and world to modern-classical. She recently returned to Minnesota after a decades-long sojourn in Los Angeles where she found success as a performer, recording artist, music educator and as an award-winning film composer. The initial L.A. move was prompted by a Virgin Records’ recording contract for Brother Sun, Sister Moon, a trip-hop duo she founded with Paul Robb (Information Society). In addition to solo albums, Cohen collaborated on hit singles with England’s prestigious band Orbital, and the French electronic duo Air. Before forming Little Lizard (TRG Records), Cohen earned an enthusiastic Midwest regional following with her debut group Farm Accident (Red House Records).

Ultan, Ylivisaker and Anderson are some of the area’s most talented and sought-after musicians. With decades of accolades and experience, each is known for an eclectic musical range. To name a few collaborations, Ultan has performed with Dan Wilson, Ondara and Soul Asylum; Ylivisaker with John Prine, Bon Iver and Bruce Hornsby; and Anderson with Max Roach, Angelique Kidjo, Steve Tibbetts and Taj Mahal.

Adam & Ava Levy
Father and daughter Adam and Ava Levy are songwriters. Adam has led the Honeydogs for over thirty years, as well as his recent psychedelic country three-part harmony group Turn Turn Turn. Ava has released a few singles, writing thoughtful tunes that employ her gorgeous, breathy voice with a mix of femme punk and Nick Drake guitar. They’ve shared a stage for years in the family music band Bunny Clogs. More recently they share songs and stories on stage as a duo, occasional covers, culling from dad’s deep catalogue and Ava’s fresh sounds.