(Photo: Whitney Kidder)
Red Molly, a group known for American music ranging from blues and folk, to country and bluegrass, will perform at Berea College’s Stephenson Memorial concert on Thursday, April 11, at 8 p.m. in Phelps Stokes Chapel.
(Photo: Annabel Braithwaite)
Red Molly is comprised of three songwriters with their own unique styles who are especially known for their three-part harmony. Abbie Gardner, a dobro player, can sing spine-tingling high notes. A consummate performer, her songs and performance have the punch of rhythm and blues. Laurie MacAllister, who plays guitar and tambourine, draws inspiration from classic folk and singer-songwriters. Her voice stretches octaves, sounding warm and romantic one moment, playful and subversive the next. Molly Venter plays guitar and tambourine. Her voice has been described as “smoky and unforgettable.”
Formed in 2004, the group has inspired countless other female trios and reinvented itself as a five-piece band in 2017. Upright bassist Craig Akin and percussionist and electric guitarist Eben Pariser now fill out Red Molly’s sound, giving the show a broad range of musical options. The high energy, spontaneity and chemistry on stage are the main reasons Red Molly is described as “a dominant force in the American/Folk scene.”
Convocations, which are provided to both the campus and public communities, are a significant part of a student’s educational experience at Berea College. Red Molly is the final convocation this academic year. All convocations are free and open to the public.