When Lenka decided to pursue music over acting, she found influences through the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Led Zeppelin and Bjork.

"They stand out and have their own style," she said. "Especially with Bjork. She taught me that you didn't have to have a strong voice to sound unique. And I really like the way she uses art to enhance her music."

Lenka took a cue and now collaborates with visual artist James Gulliver Hancock.

"We work together on the CD art, the videos and the stage shows," she said. "I like to create a different world that is more cheery than the one we live in.

"I write songs that cheer me up," she said. "But I also want to cheer the listener. And I want my songs to be effective. My songs are autobiographical to a point. I try to make them universal."

If you go

What: The Hotel Cafe Tour: Rachael Yamagata, Meiko, Lenka, Thao Nguyen, Kate Havnevik

Where: Avalon, 3605 S. State

When: Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.

How much: $13

Phone: 467-8499, 800-888-8499

Web: www.smithstix.com

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E-mail: scott@desnews.com

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