E. Liz Downing is a painter, singer and songwriter who grew up in the family business, the Heart of Dixie Motel. There, she was influenced by the customers.  Those deserving mention are peeping toms and the ladies they peeped at, traveling Evangelists and her mother who sang constantly.   After moving to Baltimore for a painting education, E. Lizzie began a performance trio "Lambs Eat Ivy" with singer Michael Willis and film maker Nancy Andrews.  LEI created and toured plays described as "Mystic Hillbilly Theater."  Art Forum said "From the apocalyptic imagery of its sets and costumes to its eccentric hillbilly music, LEI seems to embody southern style outsider art.” 

"Lurch and Holler" is the current work of LEI members, Lizzie and Michael.  They accompany their careening vocals with banjo, piano, electric drums and monkey screams. In this Appalachian parlor style they perform operettas and parables scary and beautiful like a confessional at a family picnic.

“Lurch and Holler” is Liz Downing and Michael Willis performing Appalachian parlor operettas and parables.   Using careening vocals, piano and banjo, they bring shiny nuggets of songs , scary and beautiful, like confessionals at the family picnic.