DATE: Saturday - May 14, 2011
TIME: 8:00PM (doors open at 5:30PM)

TICKET PRICES:
   Members - $16.00
   Non-Member - $18.00



GENRE: Americana

BIOGRAPHY:

"Red Molly may be from New York, but their bluegrass and old-time gospel sounds and buoyant three-part harmonies are so down-home it's as if their notes are carried to you on the crisp air of the Ozarks." -The Boston Globe

On a July evening in 2004, at their campsite at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Laurie MacAllister, Abbie Gardner and Carolann Solebello harmonized for the very first time. As they sang their campmates off to sleep, they knew they had stumbled into something extraordinary. Audiences seem to agree. Since that summer night, Red Molly has consistently brought concert-goers to their feet with stunning three-part harmonies, crisp musicianship and a warm, engaging stage presence.

In July 2006, Red Molly released their first full length CD Never Been to Vegas, but it was their first studio release, Love and Other Tragedies (2008), that established Red Molly as one of the fastest-rising folk/bluegrass bands in the acoustic music scene. The album featured a fuller sound than their previous release. In addition, the ladies incorporated more originals into the mix. Laurie's "Beaumont Rest Stop" and Abbie's "Honey on My Grave" were both featured in Sing Out! Magazine. Carolann's "Summertime" was the #1 song on the Folk DJ chart in July 2008, and Abbie's "The Mind of a Soldier" won the 2008 John Lennon Songwriting Contest (Folk). Love and Other Tragedies spent ten weeks in the Top 15 on the Americana Top 40 and entered the Folk DJ Top Albums chart at #1 (July 2008).

With James (2010), their second studio release, Red Molly beautifully captures what their fans love about the band: dark and heart-wrenching one moment, soulful and uplifting the next. They deliver an eclectic, exciting mix of cover songs by well-known writers (Nanci Griffith, Steve Goodman, Bob Wills, Darrell Scott, etc.), originals, and songs by up-and-coming writers (Jonathan Byrd, Anthony da Costa). The Mollies opted to self-produce this album, with talented engineer Mark Dann at the reins. Tracks like the album opener "The Last Call" showcase the trio's soaring harmonies while "Jezebel" and "Can't Let Go" remind us that these ladies can rock. James peaked at #4 on the Americana Top 40 and was Folk DJ’s #1 Album for two months in a row. Maverick (UK) gave the new release 4 out of 5 stars, praising the band's " … glorious vocal harmonies."

With the critical success of James, the band is now drawing invitations from renowned historic national events like Merlefest and is winning over audiences in 250-500 seat theaters around the country. Spurred onward by an ever-growing and devoted fanbase, and the desire to commit themselves to touring farther from home, Red Molly is at the start of a new and exciting musical chapter.

As Carolann steps down to spend more time with family and pursue solo opportunities, joining Laurie (bass, banjo) and Abbie (Dobro, guitar) is the newest "Molly", Austin-based singer/songwriter Molly Venter (guitar). Molly first caught Abbie's attention as a New Folk Finalist at the 2008 Kerrville Folk Festival. When Molly opened for Red Molly in Arlington, VA later that month, the band was stunned by the beauty and power of her voice, which has drawn comparisons to Natalie Merchant and Patty Griffin. In the multiple opening slots that followed, Molly effortlessly turned listeners into fans, with her gorgeous singing, warm authenticity, and undeniable charm.

Over the last month of rehearsals and impromptu live performances in Hamilton Park, near their rehearsal space in Jersey City, the three women quickly nailed the essence of the Red Molly sound, while hinting at inspiring new musical possibilities in the months of touring that lie ahead. "This is an exciting time for the band; we're so thrilled that Molly has joined us", says MacAlllister. Gardner adds, "We couldn't have even hoped for a more perfect fit."