Between putting out one of the hottest folk albums of 2009, Swan Feathers, to playing alongside the likes of Bob Weir and Roger Daltrey, Leslie Mendelson has proven to be a powerhouse with a dynamic vocal prowess and enough flair to fill a room. Now, you can witness her magic, live for yourself when she plays Garcia's on Thursday, Nov. 16 with Tom Hamilton (Joe Russo's Almost Dead, American Babies) and Christopher Brown.

1. It’s been eight years since the release of Swan Feathers, and now, you have given us Love & Murder, which has been critically lauded. How do you feel you’ve personally grown as a songwriter between those two records?

As time passes you have more experiences and more things to say. In the last eight years I've been through a lot, good and bad, and it's helped me to grow not only as a person, but as a writer. I think the songs reflect this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG3l13_7qCI

2. On Love & Murder, you recorded a cover of Roy Orbison’s “Blue Bayou,” which featured Bob Weir. On his Campfire Tour, you actually had the chance to play it with him. What have you learned from working with him since he tapped you for your “Friend of the Devil” rendition?

What I've learned from Bob is that just because you wore cut off jeans shorts in the 80s doesn't mean you can't be cool again. But seriously, Bob is a legend and has shown me that if you believe in what you do you can go on forever doing what you love.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMFfvL1ZDi0

3. As for the Grateful Dead, what allures you to their songbook, and specifically, what Dead songs do you look to for inspiration? Did you know Garcia's has Jerry Garcia's banjo hanging on the wall?

I'm a big fan of the ballads. 'Crazy Fingers' and 'Brokedown Palace' are a couple of my favorites. Also, 'Looks like Rain' off of Ace is a brilliant song. Can't wait to pluck that banjo!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwf_OakUN3I

4.We just saw that you were asked by The Who’s Roger Daltrey to open his show in Florida. Do ever feel starstruck that these pantheons of classic rock are asking you to play with them or have you mastered the art of staying cool, calm, and collected around them?

People are people. Yes obviously one can get a little star struck, but these guys are so comfortable in their own skin they are wonderful and inspiring to be around.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E27rlDVgUm0

5. Your show at Garcia’s with Tom Hamilton is probably one of the most talked-about shows we have coming. What will set your Garcia’s performance apart from other shows on your tour?

I'm very excited to bring some girl power up to Garcia’s. You guys don't get enough!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j72FfNC5noM