Press Release

July 15, 2014
Red Molly to Headline 1st Annual Tribes Hill Music Festival at John Jay Homestead

The Tribes Hill Music Festival at John Jay Homestead is on Sunday, September 14, 2014, from 11 am until 6 pm (rain or shine).  This event is the first collaboration of the Tribes Hill music community with the John Jay Homestead State Historic Site, located on Route 22 at 400 Jay Street in Katonah, NY.

The Festival headliner is Red Molly, the Americana powerhouse vocal trio known for their gorgeous harmonies, crisp musicianship, infectious songwriting, and warm, engaging stage presence. Laurie MacAllister (bass), Abbie Gardner (Dobro), and Molly Venter (guitar) weave together the threads of American music—from folk roots to bluegrass, from heartbreaking ballads to barn-burning honky tonk—as effortlessly as they blend their caramel voices into their signature three-part harmonies. Gracing stages from Denver to Denmark, from Australia to Austin, Red Molly is renowned for their live shows. Four-time featured artist at MerleFest, breakout stars at RockyGrass, and the darlings of the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, the "Mollies" bring audiences to their feet, whether it's on a grand festival stage or in an intimate concert hall. Their latest CD, "The Red Album", released on May 27, 2014, was featured in USA Today and CMT Edge. It debuted at #1 on the Folk DJ radio chart.

Also featured is the Sloan Wainwright Trio.   Defying standard categorization, Sloan demonstrates her easy command of a variety of American musical styles.  The New York Times noted her “earth mother voice that she pours into unexpectedly sensitive blends of folk, jazz, blues and funk.” Sloan has  7 original CD releases and continues to write, sing and perform live. In addition, Sloan has written numerous musical compositions for theater and dance and teaches at many of the best-known master songwriter series and workshops, such as Richard Thompson’s Frets and Refrains, The Swannanoa Gathering, Summersongs and Wintersongs.

Appearing in the round will be past Tribes Hill presidents James Durst, Fred Gillen Jr., Susan Kane, and Matt Turk, all distinguished singer-songwriters in their own rights.  James, also known as a founder of “Work o’ the Weavers”,  has performed for rapt audiences of every age in all 50 states and more than 200 cities in 45 countries throughout the world, while releasing 18 records since 1976.  Fred is a prolific songwriter, recording artist, and producer. Since 1997 he has released nine independent solo albums, two albums with Hope Machine, and one as half of Gillen & Turk, all to substantial critical acclaim.  He has traveled all over the U.S. and Europe singing his songs of hope and struggle. Susan released her third CD, “A World Child”, in November 2012.  Its eclectic tracks address timeless and universal themes of love, loss, and hope. It has received airplay on over 135 stations nationwide and around the world.  All Music Guide calls Matt "an artist to be reckoned with." A seasoned recording artist, multi-instrumentalist, eternal idealist and compassionate peace loving realist, he is a veteran performer who has engaged audiences around the world, both as a rocking bandleader and an acoustic folk troubadour.

Also performing on the main stage are:  The Levins (the hottest folk duo around), Larry Kolker (American roots musician with dozens of recent shows throughout the Hudson Valley) with Judy Kass  (whose new album, “Better Things”, has received strong airplay and critical acclaim), Pluck & Rail (featuring George Gierer of South County), Steven Frieder (young tenor sax virtuoso with a sensational new CD, “After Time”), M.R. Poulopoulos (hot singer-songwriter from the Albany area), and the EarthTones (a cappella group centered on protecting the environment).  Music on the main stage is from noon until 6 pm.

In the tradition of Tribes Hill, this festival will also feature a song circle and jam tent hosetd by The Shovel Ready String Band.  Everyone is invited to bring his or her own instrument (or sing, or just listen) and participate.

The festival, including free parking, will take place on the beautiful and spacious grounds of John Jay Homestead. In keeping with our themes of community and protecting the environment, the festival will also have locally-produced food and beverage vendors, arts & crafts vendors,  activities for children, sound engineering by Iris & Pete, solar power by Solar Punch, zero-waste stations, and a really big tent in case of rain. The festival still has openings for vendors, program advertisers, and sponsors.

Admission is $20 day of show, $18 in advance at www.TribesHill.com, $15 for students and seniors, and free for children under 12.  For further information, please contact Larry Kolker or Peter Shafran at festival@tribeshill.com.

About Tribes Hill: Tribes Hill is a nonprofit organization uniting musicians of the lower Hudson Valley region and their patrons in support of a music community that aspires to common goals and beliefs. It is a conceptual gathering place for people of all races, politics, and faiths coming together to explore and celebrate the human experience through song. Please visit www.TribesHill.com for further information.

About John Jay Homestead: John Jay Homestead State Historic Site is both a local gem and national treasure. Nestled in the rolling Westchester countryside, it is the gracious home and farm of John Jay (1745-1829), one of America's principal Founding Fathers. It now encompasses sixty-two acres, including lovingly-tended formal gardens, magnificent woodland walks, rolling meadows, and a cluster of 19th century farm buildings. An 1820's schoolhouse and an 1830s barn are open for touring. John Jay Homestead hosts special events throughout the year. The grounds are open for picnics and visits throughout the year.  Please visit www.JohnJayHomestead.org for further information.

Also please visit the websites of the performing artists. Their descriptions above are, of necessity, far too short to do them justice.  This music festival features an inspiring and eclectic cast of local, regional, and national acts.