Ariel Lawhon is the author of The Pirate Queen (Doubleday), a sweeping historical adventure inspired by the life of Grace O’Malley, the legendary Irish folk heroine who risked everything to defend her people.

Keenly observed and fiercely written, Ariel Lawhon’s new action-packed novel channels the untamed beauty and harsh realities – war and betrayal, to name two – of sixteenth-century Ireland, as seen through the eyes of an unforgettable heroine who rightly became “the Pirate Queen of Ireland.”

“Exhilarating . . . rewards attentive readers…” — Publishers Weekly

Ariel Lawhon is a critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction that includes the mega-seller, The Frozen River.

Her work has been translated into over thirty languages.

Lawhon lives in Nashville, TN.

Hope Clayburn’s saxophone, flute chops, and soulful vocals have vaulted her to the forefront of the diverse Memphis music scene.

Her extensive touring includes Brazil where she played a festival focused on African Women from around the world, the “Latinidades Festival” in Brasilia, Brazil.

She also appeared on the iconic music TV show, Austin City Limits, backing up Valerie June for the show’s 40th anniversary.

Her releases include a 6-song EP, Love Is On The Way and the grooving and moving live album, Y’all So Loud.

“Is there no Hope- there is, and she will funk you up!” -Relix Magazine

Bark is the alt-duo of husband/wife Tim Lee (Bass VI, Vocal) and Susan Bauer Lee (Drums, Vocal).

“… a lo-fi post-punk garage-rock combo inspired by American blues and roots revisionists like the Cramps, the Gun Club, and R.L. Burnside ….”
– Knoxville Mercury

The duo have won two Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters awards, both in the Music Composition (Contemporary) category.

The latest award was for their 2024 album, Loud, and the previous award was for their 2020 album, Terminal Everything.