Jennifer Lynn Conlee-Drizos (born December 12, 1971) is an American musician, best known as the accordionist, pianist, organist, keyboardist, melodica player, and occasional backup singer and harmonica for the indie rock quintet the Decemberists.
Musical career
Aside from her work with the Decemberists, Conlee has made guest appearances on several records by other artists, including
Hush Records artist Reclinerland, Lewi Longmire,
Jerry Joseph, Buoy LaRue and others. Before the Decemberists, she played piano for the 1990s Portland, Oregon, band Calobo. She is also a member of Portland-based
Casey Neill & the Norway Rats where she plays keyboards, accordion, and
glockenspiel. Her most recent project is the acoustic band
Black Prairie, in which she plays with a number of other Portland artists. She also founded the band KMRIA (Kiss My Royal Irish Arse), a
the Pogues cover band.
Conlee's Accordion include a Paolo Soprani, which was on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Her solo debut was released in 2023.
Television
In 2011, she appeared on
Portlandia in comedic skits with
Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein. She played a musician who unsuccessfully tries to play at every venue at Blunderbuss, a fictional citywide Portland, Oregon, festival, as a member of the band Sparkle Pony, and is turned away as she is not on the line up of any of them.
She also appeared on Parks and Recreation when the Decemberists performed at the Unity Concert.
Personal life
She is married to drummer Steve Drizos.
In May 2011, Conlee was diagnosed with breast cancer.
said that a full recovery was likely, but that she would miss some concerts.
On October 20, 2011, Meloy announced via his Twitter that Conlee's cancer was in remission.
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