WALTON — Music on the Delaware brings bluegrass band Della Mae to the Walton Theater, 30 Gardiner Place, on Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Della Mae is a Grammy-nominated all-female string ensemble founded by lead vocalist and guitarist Celia Woodsmith and two-time Grand National Champion fiddler Kimber Rudyker, according to a media release.・It's a band. Rounding out the tour lineup are guitarist Avril Smith and bassist Vicki Vaughan.
The band has been ahead of its time since the beginning. The musicians hail from all over North America and have experience with a variety of musical styles and genres, so their performances blend many musical traditions. Listeners may hear hints of rock, gospel, funk, swing, or honky-tonk, but it's always in the vein of bluegrass.
As a band, Della Mae's mission is to showcase top female musicians and improve opportunities for women and girls through advocacy, mentorship, programming, and performance. To this end, they work with the U.S. Department of State to visit over 30 other countries to spread peace and understanding through music.
The band's first album, “I Built This Heart,” was released in 2011. In 2014, the album “This World Of Can Be” was nominated for Best Bluegrass Album at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. Their fourth album (2020) Headlights is dedicated to celebrating powerful, trailblazing women. Family Reunion, the band's follow-up to 2020's Headlights, captures the joy of the band's reunion after more than a year of virtual collaborations, Zooms, and group text messages.
Della Mae is said to be one of the most charismatic and engaging bands currently touring.
Tickets are available for purchase online at www.musiconthedelaware.org and at select Walton area retailers: Walton Theatre, Maltmalt and Wayne Bank. Located at Green Toad Bookstore in Oneonta. Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $40 for families, and $15 for streaming.