Annoucements

von Grey in Concert on December 15th

December 7, 2011

Four sisters, twelve instruments, family-harmonies, and captivating performances all come together to define von Grey – a musical experience that feels bigger than life.   This Atlanta-based musical group is including Frederick as an early stop in a month-long tour of the northeast, performing a concert at the Cultural Arts Center on Thursday, December 15th.  The concert starts at 7:00 p.m.

 von Grey is what happens when you take talented, classically trained young string musicians and let them explore new boundaries in rock, pop, and country.  The band seamlessly integrates tight guitar licks, smoking violin and rich cello solos, all fused with the youthful energy of four sisters ages 10-16.  The group’s inaugural CD is appropriately titled “Make Some Noise,” as the group of four sisters is creating some amazing sound and generating chatter amongst fans and critics.

 They began making music before many children can ride a bicycle and persist in expanding their boundaries and testing their potential.  Each of the four sisters began classical instruction at age five.  In 2007, they began playing chamber music, under the name Kannafitra.  By 2008, they had expanded into Celtic, folk, and Bluegrass – adding vocals and several traditional instruments.  In early 2009, they formed the band “von Grey” and the girls have been rocking-out ever since.  The past years of practice and exploration have finally “led us to the right place,” says 14 year old Annika Von Grey.

 As the band’s body of original work has increased, von Grey has definitely managed to create a sound of its own.  Although seeing themselves very much as a country act, they cite a diverse range of influences – from Lady Antebellum, Ben Harper & Sheryl Crow, to Nickel Creek.  von Grey’s original works are rooted in country, yet they manage to weave in creative elements from across musical genres. Being able to create music from within has brought a passion that’s apparent in their recorded music and live performances.  Kathryn (16), Annika (14), Fiona (13) and Petra (10) abandon the teen norm of conformity – charting their own path with original ideas, and being comfortable with their individuality. 

 These young ladies represent a new breed of American teenager.  They have found a balance in being cool while still being accomplished; sober about the need for hard work and discipline, yet able to keep their sense of humor and youth.  Their focus and commitment has paid clear dividends.  In 2008, Annika won the top prize in the U.S. 12-and-under Irish fiddler’s competition.  In 2009, Annika and Fiona shared the stage at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre with world famous Irish fusion band, The Chieftains.  In 2010, von Grey won the LilithFair “Local Talent Search” and opened for Sarah McLachlan.  Since then, the band has worked with notable musicians, such as Ed Roland from Collective Soul, and racked up fans and public recognition for their musical talents. 

 These four sisters have vastly different personalities, but their passion for music ties them together in a tapestry of creativity, radiating from their souls.  They strike an attractive balance, combining a youthful and even elegant femininity with an ability to be assertive and daring – about social causes, teen advocacy, and the pursuit of musical excellence.  Their music is equally at home with tight guitar licks, smokin’ violin solos, and rich cello sounds – all combined with 3- and 4- part harmonies and a lyrical dimension embodying a maturity of thought, intellect & expression, while also maintaining down-home accessibility.

 Tickets for the concert are $10 per person and advance purchase is suggested.  To purchase tickets, or for more information, call (301) 662-4190.  More information about the band can be found at www.vonGrey.com.