Folk ensemble Rising Appalachia at Wachholz College Center

WCC welcomes Rising Appalachia to the Flathead Valley.

Rising Appalachia is an internationally touring folk ensemble steeped in the soul of the South. It is the brainchild of Atlanta-raised sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith, rooted in the rich musical traditions of their family and their journey into song as performers, writers, and song catchers. They have that touch that only siblings can have. And now, fresh off the press, they present their first album of cover songs Folk & Anchor, a carefully curated collection of remakes. From Bob Dylan to Hoizer, Erykah Badu to Beyonce, hear these songs in a voice uniquely their own. Recorded at Echo Mountain in Asheville North Carolina, the band has leaned into new renditions of old favorites, showcasing their wide range of style and sound.

Rising Appalachia makes music as a reflection of their times, blending Americana music with lyrics, rhythm and poetry of our times. The band’s unique sound was shaped by Leah and Chloe’s soulful vocals, simple instrumentation, and seamless harmonies, unique to siblings steeped in the multi-generational music of the South. They are joined by a host of incredible musicians who bring their own cultural influences, enriching the blend of Appalachian, Irish, Americana, Latin and world roots music that defines the smooth sound of Rising Appalachia.

Fronted by Leah and Chloe, and featuring full-time members David Brown (upright bass, baritone guitar), Duncan Wickel (fiddle, cello), and Biko Casini (drums and percussion), expect to be swooned into a tapestry of silky sounds. Their journey has taken them around the world, from sailboat tours across British Columbia to street theater festivals in Southern Italy, a full-time busking career in New Orleans, and traditional song studies in Ireland, Bulgaria, Latin America, and beyond.

They also continue to immerse in community building, cultural exchange programs, traditional folkloric studies, and music gathering everywhere that they go. Their dedication for nearly two decades to their craft has led them to acclaimed appearances (Telluride and Bluegrass Festival, Preservation Jazz Hall, Bob Boilen’s Tiny Desk Concert, Red Rocks, and many more) and sold-out concerts at venues across the world. Through their music, Rising Appalachia bridges culture and stories, creating connections that resonate deeply with their audiences of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Expect a boot-stomping banjo tune alongside an acapella ballad… all mashed up with breathtaking cello, a flatpicking guitar medley, and undeniable groove.

Eschewing established industry norms, Leah, Chloe, and their team have followed the invitation to intuitively and independently forge their own path. Sixteen years and seven studio albums in, this is their first full cover album and it welcomes you into an ambitious adventure that has already taken these medicine women around the world and back. Come and make this music your own.

Related Events

• 

  Mission Falls Market in Saint Ignatius

  June 26 @ 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
• 

  Area 406 Music & Art Festival at Flathead County Fairgrounds

  June 26 @ 4:30 pm – June 28 @ 5:30 pm
• 

  Live Music Fridays at Glacier Brewing Company

  June 26 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm