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, John Haley-Walker, Allowyn Price, Clayton Gibb, Anne Lamott, 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 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 also be heard these days playing with saxophonist Eddie Williams, electric guitarist Curtis Eley, bassist Dana Silvercloud, drummer Dan Martier and more.
This bi-coastal trio of Elaine Dempsey, Lawrence Lambert & Karl Werne, from California and Virginia, bring diverse backgrounds of experience, music and theater together to form a rich, soulful blend of character and deep harmony. It will move you to an understanding of their name: BIG WIDE GRIN.
They are constantly on the move- whether at festivals, concert series, shows, or select house concerts and have shared the stage, collectively, with such artists as Janis Ian, Harriett Schock, Lowen & Navarro, Richie Havens, Bruce Hornsby and toured with legendary blues man Keb' Mo'.
Their recent seasonal CD, “Holiday” features a wide variety of world class arrangers and studio musicians from both coasts, proving to be the most diverse self-produced musical endeavor from this group so far. Guest artists include ODU Jazz Professor John Toomey, former Kool and the Gang bassist, Dana Silvercloud and Dan Martier from Tim Reynolds’ TR3.
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 and Tracy Chapman to Sly & The Family Stone.
Their debut CD, "Live Simple, Breathe Deep" (released under previous group 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 is currently recording tracks for a new release expected this year.
Booking: Janet Hans janet@bigwidegrin.com (210) 824-1068
Management: Steve Garvan steve@garvanmanagement.com (208) 265-1718
“Big Wide Grin ... Good singing. Great songs and the hardest working band in folk music.”Keb’ Mo’
"Take three supremely talented performers, throw in a generous portion of intelligent and heartfelt songwriting, add a dash of wit and charm, then sit yourself down to a spellbinding evening of top-notch entertainment with Big Wide Grin ... guaranteed to put one on every face."BJ Leiderman, theme composer, National Public Radio
“Big Wide Grin is well named. Their groove and their vibe will put a big smile on your face and in your heart.”Freebo
“...authentic. The genuineness of the love they give to the audience and each other is captured on their new wonderful CD. I’m proud to be represented on the CD with a song, which they do so well, I’d rather hear them do it than sing it myself.”Harriet Schock, platinum songwriter/recording artist/author
“Elaine, Lawrence and Karl are blessed with the desire to make a difference, the gifts of charisma and talent that compel us to listen, and an understanding of music, song, life and art ... all of this they share with us ... joyously. Big Wide Grin is a delight."April Grace, actress.
We missed you at the Kerrville Folk Festival this year but we're so glad to see Big Wide Grin on the schedule for Kerrville Wine and Music! Saturday. Sept. 5. Yahooooooo!
Merry Christmas, my roaming friends. What you give to people at each performance is like having Christmas ALL year (and you don't even have to wear the funny red suit.)Sending lots of love your way. Hugs, Janet
As a writer I am never at a loss for words. But, how do I define such beauty as last night? The three of you together are so powerful and pure, it can only be expressed in the language of Love!
Well, AGAIN, a FANTASTIC nite at "Jew Momz" on last nite! The "whirlwind" rehersal as well as all the hard work done as a TEAM paid off N a BIG way!! So more than happy 2 have been a part of such a Gr8 nite of music & spiritual uplift! U, Karl & Lawrence along with "B.J." helped 2-1ce again show that "teamwork" workz! I love each of U-&-I look 4ward 2 the next time. Though tough 4 me 2 do @ timez having my own band, it is NOT, impossible! Thanx again 4 all U do! Take care & know that Love, PEACE & Music will alwayz Rule! Be safe! Dana
I'm still grinning. Miss you guys terribly. Thanks for a wonderful week. You sure know how to make a girl feel loved. thankyouthankyouthankyou Ya'll are the BEST!!!! Guess what we're having for Thanksgiving dessert? CREAM PUFFS!
Elaine Dempsey: 
L. E. Lambert: 
Karl Werne: 
