Leslie and the LY’s set off on tour

By Vincent Geerts
Ames247 Staff Writer

It as been two years since Ames pop diva Leslie Hall toured with her band Leslie and the LY’s, but after the release of her latest record, “Destination Friendship,” she’s set to hit the road.

“We wanted to get out there and promote the new album and some new dance moves,” Hall said. “People kept telling me to come and play a show in their city.”

In the theme of friendship, Leslie and the LY’s will perform with friend bands Pennyhawk and Ramona and the Swimsuits throughout the month and a half tour. The first tour date, or “pre-tour rehearsal” as Hall called it, takes place Wednesday at the Ames Pantorium.

For this show only, Maximum Ames will offer Hall’s new dance remix on 7” vinyl for $5. After Feb. 15, the price will raise to $7. Both the record and tickets can be preordered from Maximum Ames’ website. Hall will offer $5, $10 and $15 tickets for each show on the tour. She said the idea came from her tour with Yo Gabba Gabba! last year, and each level up from general admission will warrant a little more attention from her during the show.

The tour will take the bands from coast to coast and many places between. Ramona and the Swimsuits will see its first road time after only a few practices, though its members are touring veterans.

“By teaming up with such a talented crew we are able to come up with great songs,” said front woman Ramona Muse.

Muse is also happy to back Hall during her performances as one of the LY’s. Alongside Muse, Kate Kennedy will perform as one of the LY’s, and will also play drums for the new group and front Pennyhawk.

“She’s amazing and a bag of tricks,” Muse said. “Both [Hall and Kennedy] have talent.”

Derek Lambert, of Derek Lambert and the Prairie Fires, is also a member of the “Swimsuits.” He said the group’s “easy and fun” music “is a good way to go.” He did not hesitate to accompany Hall and friends.

“I love going on the road. … [Leslie and the LY’s] being one of my favorite bands, it was an easy decision,” Lambert said.

With so many friends on the road with her, Hall expects the tour to be highly enjoyable.

“It’s like a slumber party, road-trip, get-to-know-you event when you bring friends on the road,” Hall said.

Leslie and the LY’s w/ Pennyhawk, Ramona and the Swimsuits
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15
Where: The Ames Pantorium
Cost: $5, $10 or $15

Full tour schedule here.