Poor Lisa

Meet Poor Lisa, your local go-to band for live music that feels as good as your favorite playlist. The band began thanks to a mix of chance and fond memories one evening when guitarist Jeff Ledbetter caught Brian Beathard playing his signature red piano at the monthly downtown Franklin Art Crawl. After Jeff's wife, Jaclyn gave him a little nudge, Jeff soon reached out to Brian about playing music together. One thing led to another, and the two decided to team up and start weekly jam sessions at Brian's home. Poor Lisa's musical journey is as diverse as that of its members, Jeff, Brian, and Patrick Jackson. Their name, "Poor Lisa," has a charming origin! It all began during rehearsals at Brian's house, where the band took over the front room and to the enduring patience of Lisa, Brian's wife. Jeff often was found apologizing to Lisa for all the noise and disruption they'd caused during practice, where he frequently joked, "Poor Lisa has to put up with this!" Over time, it became the running theme. Even after tossing around several band names, many of which didn't quite fit, someone suggested the obvious: why not just call the band "Poor Lisa"? It was perfect, and the name has stuck ever since. It's a tribute of sorts and a slightly cheeky one! If you've never heard their music, the band's style can be summed up as classic rock with a fresh twist. They have a knack for avoiding the typical "wedding band" songs and favoring unique songs that stand out. Their sound is a collection of "songs you forgot you remembered," says Brian—gems from the '70s and '80s that everyone knows but rarely hears live, along with iconic songs from Elton John and Billy Joel for a mix of nostalgia and surprise. The cherry on top is Brian's bright candy-apple-red piano! You'll also find that the band loves supporting non-profit organizations, which comes from a genuine desire to give back in meaningful ways. Jeff sees it as a way to use their talent to make an in-kind donation, helping to raise funds while balancing their paid gigs. For Brian and his wife, Lisa, this effort represents a continuation of their two decades of support for non-profits. The band's involvement in everything from historic preservation to child advocacy and senior causes is a testament to their open mindset and enthusiasm for helping wherever possible, hoping to create a ripple effect. Their passion for giving back is as important as their love for performing while balancing paid gigs. Jeff sums it up beautifully: "Every experience leaves its mark, and they find joy in giving back through what they love most: music." Poor Lisa regularly graces the stage at The Legendary Kimbro's Pickin' Parlor, but you may have also seen them at The Franklin Theatre, Liberty Hall, or one of the downtown Franklin festivals.