WALTON — Music on the Delaware will bring the bluegrass band Della Mae to the Walton Theatre at 30 Gardiner Place, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11.
According to a media release, Della Mae is a Grammy-nominated all-woman string band founded by lead vocalist/guitarist Celia Woodsmith and two-time Grand National champion fiddle player Kimber Ludiker. Rounding out the touring lineup are guitarist Avril Smith and bassist Vickie Vaughn.
From the beginning, the band has been ahead of its time. Because the musicians hail from around North America with experience in diverse musical styles and genres, their performances blend many music traditions. Listeners may hear hints of rock, gospel, funk, swing, or honky-tonk, always in a bluegrass vein.
Della Mae’s mission as a band is to showcase top female musicians and to improve opportunities for women and girls through advocacy, mentorship, programming and performance. To that end, they have teamed up with the U.S. State Department to visit more than 30 other countries spreading peace and understanding through music.
The band’s first album, I Built This Heart, was released in 2011. In 2014, their album, This World Oft Can Be, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album at the 56th Grammy Awards. Their fourth album (2020), Headlight, is dedicated to celebrating powerful trailblazing women. Following up 2020’s Headlight, their new album Family Reunion captures the joy of the band reuniting after more than a year of virtual collaboration, Zooms and group texts.
Della Mae is described as one of the most charismatic and engaging bands touring today.
Tickets are available online at www.musiconthedelaware.org, and at select area retailers in Walton at the Walton Theatre, Moltomolto and Wayne Bank; and in Oneonta at Green Toad Bookstore. Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $40 for a family, and $15 for streaming.