Lissy Rosemont Spreads the Bluegrass Bug

(Video and story from Elisha Wood in the ABC News DC bureau)

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Lissy Rosemont, 28, is the front woman for the Washington, D.C. based Junior League Band. This rock inspired blue grass band has only been around for a few years, but their popularity is on the rise.

They've toured all over the country introducing audiences to their unique blend of rock and blue grass tunes. Despite the changes in band members, the group has managed to release three records in less than 18 months.

Soulful songs such as "South Carolina Blues" from their first album "Oh Dear" have major mainstream appeal. The song blends horns, guitars, and the fiddle, and with the addition of Lissy's sultry voice the song could be heard on pop radio.

When Lissy's not touring with the band, she's working on her solo career. In November she opened for Rosanne Cash, Johnny Cash's daughter. Lissy has already put together an E.P. album that's less rock and has more of a traditional blue grass sound. She plays the banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, and the harmonica, but some songs don't require any instruments, just the sound of her captivating voice.

Lissy has only been seriously pursuing her music career since 2006 when she traded her microscope for a microphone. Originally she planned to become a doctor. She attended Georgetown University where she earned a master's degree in physiology and biophysics. She had a fellowship at the National Institutes of Health working on breast cancer research, and was even accepted to medical school.

But her passion for music steered her down a different course, a course that was paved by her parents when she was just a kid. The Atlanta native grew up with many musical influences. From late at night when her parents would ask her to sing Hank Williams songs in her nightgown to the early morning when her mom would be playing hymns on the piano.

Lissy never thought she could make a full time career out of playing music, but she's having the time of her life playing in front of audiences around the country. She has no regrets, and hopes to keep singing, writing, and playing music.

The Junior League Band are headlining at the 9:30 Club in Washington,
D.C. on Friday, January 15, with Justin Jones and The Driving Rain. 
For more information on Lissy Rosemont and the Junior League Band, check out their website www.juniorleagueband.com.