Online Search Winner, Leslie Nuchow is a performer of immense power and sensuality, whose arresting voice Annie Lennox says "stands alone, in [its] own category." That voice, together with the poetic intensity of her songwriting, creates a moving connection with all of her audiences, which Leslie believes is a political act.

In keeping with her life of conscience, it was an act of personal conscience that brought Leslie to national prominence.  Leslie was approached to participate in a high-profile and lucrative promotion run by the Virginia Slims cigarette company.  She turned the opportunity down instead founded the Virginia SLAM!, an organization committed to keeping tobacco money out of the music business.

The SLAM! has sponsored two concerts, the SLAM!1, at the Wetlands last year, and the SLAM!2 in April '98, which featured the Indigo Girls, as well as a showcase for up and coming unknown acts.

Through the SLAM! and her own unmistakable talent, Leslie has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, the CBS Evening News, and Dateline NBC. She has sung for Nelson Mandela and other global dignitaries at the State of the World Forum in San Francisco.

Leslie's songwriting skills have won her accolades including the grand prize from the Thirteenth Annual Mid-Atlantic Songwriter's Contest and three times has been honored with the National Academy of Popular Music Best Songwriter National Search.