Kiara Lanier

Kiara Lanier is an interdisciplinary vocal performance artist who believes ‘the only purpose of the tongue is to teach and heal‘, as learned from her Grandfather. She embodies this mantra by incorporating sound healing, health and wellness, music education, and interactive performance art into her practice. She aspires to have her work become a platform that encourages audiences to uncover and live in their purpose while igniting their own creative ability.

Kiara currently teaches workshops to students from elementary through college on song writing, music production, sound design, artist entrepreneurship and positive self-image through her Tongues and Teaspoons workshop curriculum. Kiara draws her greatest inspiration from avant-garde performers and soulful musicians to include Lauryn Hill, Bjork, Meredith Monk, Sara Tavares and Bobbie McPherrin to construct her own artfully crafted yet conversational performance experience.

Kiara’s music and poetry has been heard at prestigious venues to include The Chicago Theater, The House of Blues, The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and festivals to include Summer Fest, Lollapalooza and HBO’s Brave New Voices International Poetry Festival. Kiara was also featured as a top forty female finalist on American Idol season 13 (2013). She recently had the honor of singing in contemporary artist, Theater Gates’, Black Monks of Mississippi ensemble. One of Kiara’s most cherished honors was performing for President Barack Obama’s Birthday Celebration in the fall of 2012, yet she believes her biggest moments are still yet to come.