Showcase of the Berkshires and surrounding areas’ local music scene, curated by Jack Criddle
Through her haunting voice and etherial playing style, Connecticut-based singer Jen Vanderlyn makes the unreal real, bringing to life a world of Celtic old-world mythology through her music. For more great local music, watch WilliNet TV on Channel 1303.
Kimaya Diggs has mastered a genre-defying style. Inspired by the acrobatic folk renderings of Joni Mitchell, Ella Fitzgerald’s jazz stylings, and Lianna LaHavas’ soulful charisma, she draws skillfully from her lineage of musical pioneers, creating a musical lane all her own, backed by multi-instrumentalist Jacob Rosazza. With a playful presence and frank, transporting storytelling, Diggs’ mastery of her voice is the focal point of each performance, and a transfixing experience. Kimaya’s debut album, “Breastfed” (2018), is a bittersweet chronicle of growth toward the light. Recklessly urgent, irreverent and defiant in the face of the past, “Breastfed” boldly wrangles the pain and glory of a growing-up narrative, claiming its narrative with spirit and dark humor. The single “How Am I Sposta Know” made the top 10 in tastemaker radio station 93.9 The River’s Best New Songs of 2018. As a teaching artist and collaborator, Kimaya has captivated audiences around the world with her sister trio, the Diggs Sisters, and Northern Harmony, performing 21 international folk styles in 27 different languages. Kimaya has written soundtracks, libretti, and themes for several plays, operas, and podcasts.
The Moon Shells—Maggie Shar, Brian Slattery, Laura Murawski, Molly Merrett, and Charlie Shaw—draw from the traditional music of Appalachia, Louisiana, West Africa and elsewhere to try to make something new. Whether performing as an acoustic stringband, a stripped-down trio, or a five-piece making modern sounds on traditional instruments at clubs and festivals, the Moon Shells move hearts and feet. In 2019 they released two albums—Seaside Asylum, an album of original songs and tunes, and Screech Plank, an album of more traditional fiddle tunes. The Hartford Courant named Seaside Asylum one of its favorite regional albums of 2019. The Moon Shells are currently performing and recording their next album.
Musician type. Songs, thoughtfully placed wild guitar, sound sculptures, homemade gear. Traditional, weird—Weirditional. Highly Folkused. Underbilly.
Ciarra Fragale is an indie pop act born and raised in NY's Hudson Valley. By blending the nostalgic traditions of songwriting with unique new-wave sensibilities, she creates a sound all her own. Ciarra spent years playing solo, until early last year when she joined forces with Kingston drummer Eli Marzano. Since then they have brought their dynamic set all across the Northeast, opening for renowned acts like Sammy Rae & the Friends. Ciarra's second full-length release "Call It What You Will" is available on all streaming platforms.
