MUSKEGON – Saturday, Sept. 8, The Block in downtown Muskegon brings the trio Harpeth Rising to the stage.
Using the term “chamberfolk” to describe their particular brand of music, the three classically trained musicians play original music, as intricately arranged as a string quartet, lyrically rooted in the singer/songwriter tradition and wrapped in three-part vocal harmonies reminiscent of both Appalachia and Medieval Europe.
Hailing from vastly different parts of North America, each member of Harpeth Rising brings different influences to the core sound. Building from the tonal depth of the cello, then layering in the shimmering sounds of a violin and the strikingly natural addition of banjo, the trio creates a sound at once familiar and impossible to categorize.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Maria Di Meglio (cello) was drawn to the music of her first generation Italian and Balkan roots, and grew up learning Eastern European folk songs alongside classical repertoire. She attended many classical programs throughout NYC, including LaGuardia High School (the “Fame” school), and Manhattan School of Music’s pre-college division.
Michelle Younger of Charlottesville, VA comes by her modern spin on old-time infused banjo authentically. Her family has been in the United States for generations and she is a descendant of Cole Younger, a member of the notorious bank-robbing James-Younger Gang and the inspiration of his very own banjo tune.
Jordana Greenberg (violin) grew up listening to the sounds of Stan Rogers, Leonard Cohen and Natalie McMaster in her native Canada before moving to Southern Indiana as a child. She studied classical violin by day through the pre-college program at Indiana University, and spent her nights learning the folk tunes and classic rocks songs that her family plays at the annual post-Passover jam session.
All three women began singing after they completed their instrumental studies and found a passionate new musical avenue. They developed their voices and arrangements to bring life to the lyrical expressiveness of their original songs. Hallmarks of their music include expansive three-part harmonies, consummate musicianship and a deft, yet soulful, lyrical perspective.
Unapologetic genre-benders, Harpeth Rising fuses folk, newgrass, rock and classical into something organically unique.
The Sept. 10 concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and the house and cash bar open at 6:45 p.m. The Block is located on the second floor of 360 W. Western Ave. in downtown Muskegon. Tickets can be obtained by calling 231-726-3231 or by going to The Block’s website.