Della Mae
Della Mae is a Grammy-nominated, all women string band who hail from across North America. Reared in diverse musical styles, they are one of the most charismatic and engaging roots bands touring today, averaging 220 days per annum on the road in recent years. Requested by our festival-goers time and time again, we are absolutely thrilled that Della Mae will feature as part of our 40th line-up. They have traveled to over 30 countries spreading peace and understanding through music but this is their debut Shetland appearance!
Della Mae formed in Boston in 2009, spearheaded by 2-time national champion fiddle player Kimber Ludiker. As a bluegrass band that put high level picking and original song-writing front and centre, they were somewhat novel. They were named IBMA Emerging Artist of the Year in 2013, and went on to establish a reputation as an enigmatic live act comprised of some of the finest players in bluegrass, Americana and beyond. Originating from different musical backgrounds and states across the US and Canada, each member brings distinct elements that make Della Mae such a beloved band. Together they have a completely original style – sensitive yet assertive, intense yet playful, steeped in tradition yet undeniably current. Versatile instrumentalists and vocalists, they create vibrant original music with timeless lyrics and a stunning contemporary sound that will blow you away!
Following a short timeout to progress other projects, the Dellas found their way back to being busy together with the release of the 2019 Butcher Shoppe EP, featuring mostly covers including the Allman Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs and Merle Travis. In early 2020, Della Mae released HEADLIGHT - a studio album dedicated to celebrating powerful trailblazing women and they returned to touring in Summer 2021 with a new album release Family Reunion. Their newest record celebrates the bond they strengthened by surviving the challenging times of lockdown and captures a snapshop of the band's reunion after playing music together again for the first time in a year and a half.
The band appearing in Shetland will be made up of lead vocalist/guitarist Celia Woodsmith, the afore-mentioned fiddle player Kimber Ludiker, Avril Smith on guitar, mandolinist Maddie Witler and Vickie Vaughn on bass.
