Folk duo Stand and Sway (comprised of Beth Wood and Ara Lee James) are playing a show at the Cary Theater on October 11^th supporting their forthcoming record Deep Blue.

Beth Wood and Ara Lee James have followed meandering paths through the worlds of song and poetry, unknowingly being drawn to their seemingly inevitable convergence. In Stand and Sway these two fierce creatives twist and weave strands of shared inspiration together to create a deep, lush sound that is profoundly captivating and timeless. Deep Blue, most simply put, is a record bursting at the seams with the raw, kaleidoscopic essence of being human.

Texas-raised, Oregon-based singer-songwriter Beth Wood has won almost every major songwriting competition in the United States, and with 20 years of touring and 11 studio albums under her belt, she’s done. With anything that doesn’t bring her joy. So she’s added publishing poetry now, and tortilla making, and teaching songwriting and poetry to pass the torch of music for music’s sake. Beth’s mission is to communicate and share the joy she feels through singing – through music as a spiritual practice. When you see her live you’ll taste this, and you’ll understand why Beth has long been one of the most beloved singer-songwriters in the industry.

Appalachia-raised, Washington-based Ara James (formerly Ara Lee) is a singer, poet, and activist with an unmistakable sound, commanding presence, and a voice that will leave you speechless. Ara has been singing professionally for over 20 years as an award-winning soloist, studio vocalist, and songwriter (formerly Ara Lee). Rooted in the traditions of gospel and deep South soul, Ara holds court on stage like a modern-day mystic. When you see her live you’ll wonder what just happened to you, and you will understand why Beth grabbed her after a show and said “We have to work together.”