NATIONAL HEADLINER
RED MOLLY
PLAZA STAGE
Saturday, April 6: 9 pm
“A blend of serious harmonizing chops and slick pop savvy.”
-Time Out NY
“[Red Molly has] cut a niche as sunnyside Americana … immaculate vocal harmonies.”
-The Guardian
Red Molly combines the forces of three songwriters with unique character and style, creating a show that is larger than the sum of its parts. Known for their 3-part harmony, their songs and arrangements lay bare a love of vocal blend. The band weaves together threads of American music—from country & blues to folk & bluegrass. Their innovative instrumentation is suited for roots-rock and heartful ballads alike, and the alchemy of their personalities onstage draws even back row listeners into a sense of intimacy. Red Molly is simply a joy to experience.
Singing spine-tingling high notes, Abbie Gardner is a dobro player and improviser from a musical family. A consummate performer, her songs and performance have the punch of rhythm and blues. Playing guitar and tambourine, Laurie MacAllister draws inspiration from classic folk and singer-songwriters. Her voice stretches octaves, warm and romantic one moment, playful and subversive the next. Molly Venter has a smoky voice that is unforgettable, and a moody approach to song-smithing. Quirky and fashion-forward, she moves in step to the music while playing guitar and tambourine.
Forming in 2004, Red Molly has inspired countless female trios and has since reinvented themselves as a high-octane five-piece band in 2017. They remain a dominant force on the Americana/Folk scene due in part to their laughter and spontaneity onstage. Upright bassist Craig Akin and percussionist and electric guitarist Eben Pariser fill out the sound, giving the show a broad range of musical options—from complex and hard-hitting to sparse and delicate.
LOCAL HEADLINER
HEATHER HARDY
PLAZA STAGE
Saturday, April 7: 8 pm
Heather Hardy has been playing the violin for 46 years!
She was a student at the Manhattan School of Music under Raphael Bronstein, as well as studying with well-known Jazz violinist and Author, Julie Lyonn Lieberman
Now based out of Tucson, Arizona, Heather was inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame in 2001, and was just inducted into the Tucson Musicians Museum, November 2016. This was certainly influenced by her 20-year collaboration with Sam Taylor, Jr. (“Legendary” Blues artist who was inducted into AZ Blues Hall of Fame in 2000, as well as The LI Music Hall of Fame in 2006). Heather spent a period of time performing with Allen Ginsberg, toured extensively throughout Europe and Canada, with The False Prophets punk band. She was also the “House” session violinist for Velvet Swan Studios in NYC for over 10 years.
To date, Heather has played on the recordings of over 200 artists in blues, folk, jazz, rock, bluegrass … you name it!
Being based out of Tucson, Heather performs continuously throughout Tucson and AZ, with her band and numerous other groups; as well as, a full career and a “NY” based “LIL ‘ MAMA Band, which she maintains in NYC . Approximately every 3 months, Heather tours throughout the metropolitan area and consistently tours internationally.
Heather’s 6 Releases:
Violins/ 1996
I Believe 2001
What this Xmas Needs is a Little More Music! 2002
Get Out of the Road 2011
Blue Silhouette 2016
and most recent release . . .
Heather Lil’ Mama Hardy LIVE in Tucson 2017
CLICK HERE for Heather Hardy’s latest video
Website: https://heatherlilmamahardy.com/
CHILDREN’S SHOW HEADLINER
MR. NATURE’S MUSIC GARDEN
WILDFLOWER STAGE
Saturday, April 6: 3-4 pm / Sunday, April 7: 2-3 pm
Anthony Marc Aldinger established Mr. Nature’s Music Garden, LLC in early 2013! He was born and raised in Tucson, AZ, and is known amongst friends and family as Mr. Nature! The Mr. Nature Garden Crew is made up of amazing creative multi instrumentalists Tom “Po” Privett, Eli “Brother Bear” Beren, Coppelia “Coco” Tarantal and Syndenn Sweet! Mr. Nature’s Music Garden facilitates playgroups designed to build and strengthen positive foundations for social interaction focusing on kindness, compassion and mindfulness engagement through song, dance, interactive music, instrument fun, storytelling and art! Mr. Nature’s Music Garden performs at birthday parties, celebrations, playgroups, in the classroom and elder jams! Mr. Nature fits in almost any situation providing Life Enrichment programing for all!
Anthony shared, “Ever since I can remember music, books and the great outdoors have been an incredibly strong and positive force in my life! I have had the privilege of creating and providing music, crafts and story time programs for children through my employment at different local businesses before taking a leap of faith and creating my own business providing interactive programs for the community! I desire to provide these fun and engaging programs for everyone, young and old. Music and storytelling are an incredible tool that promotes the building of strong social skills like kindness, sharing, teamwork, confidence, literacy and compassion! I am so humbled by the amazing community and local businesses that have helped me achieve so much and continue to contribute to Mr. Nature’s up-rising!”
Mr. Nature’s Music Garden has achieved “Best of Tucson” for Best Children’s Entertainer 2016 & 2017, and runner up in 2018, from the Tucson Weekly, as well as being “Belled” by Ben’s Bells for his kindness work in the community!
Anthony has two children and resides in a tiny home in NE Tucson with his wife, their dog Saguaro, cat Baily the Bathroom Bandit, Professor the Tortoise, Ire the red-ear slider, a bunch of fish and some packrats!