Della Mae
From songs that explore independence and urban adventure to timeless themes of love and loss, Della Mae brings acoustic grit and twang to town with no apologies.
Della Mae features the reigning National Fiddle Champion Kimber Ludiker, powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Laura Cortese, seasoned bassist Amanda Kowalski, accomplished guitarist Avril Smith and the driving banjo of Grace Van’t Hof. Formed during the Fall 2009 in Boston, Della Mae was born from a yearning for a traditional bluegrass sound in the heart of New England.
In July of the previous summer Avril, Amanda, and Kimber had the opportunity to spend a week playing together at the Mount Shasta Fiddle Camp. During that time together the three women enthusiastically made a pact to continue their musical relationship. Upon hearing the idea of a female-driven bluegrass band, Laura jumped in, bringing a refreshing vocal style and a healthy handful of exciting unrecorded material. Grace was brought on board to deliver the traditional banjo style that grounds the band.
Inspired by great American performers and songwriters like Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Martin, the Carter Family and Loretta Lynn, Della Mae strives to create music that tells a story while delivering a punch. Though distinctly bluegrass, their unique sound is the culmination of five diverse musical backgrounds.
From an early age Kimber excelled at Texas-style fiddling, she went on to win multiple fiddle championships including the Washington State Championship, Colorado State Championship and the Grand National Fiddle Championship. She has performed with Mark O’Conner, Mike Marshall, Darol Anger, and Hanneke Cassel and is considered a pillar in the next-generation fiddle scene.
Like Kimber, Avril began playing during early childhood. Avril is as capable on a Tele as she is on a Martin and has twice been the recipient of the Washington Area Music Association’s top honors for Best Contemporary Folk Instrumentalist. Both Grace and Amanda share a dual background in classical music and traditional bluegrass.
Della Mae – Sledd Ridin’
Amanda has recorded and performed with many notable artists including Bela Fleck, Tony Trischka, Roland White, Darol Anger and Abigail Washburn. From the Sydney Opera House to the Grand Old Opry, Amanda has performed on stages worldwide.
Grace built her first banjo at age fifteen and has since been in love with Bluegrass music. She received multiple scholarships to attend East Tennessee State University’s prestigious Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country Music program. As both a banjo player and vocalist, Grace has toured throughout the United States and Europe, including performances at MerleFest, the Ulster American Folk Festival (Omagh, Ireland) and the International Folkdance Festival (Palma De Mallorca, Spain).
With a background in Scottish music, Quebecois, and American song, Laura is a musical force. She has been featured at Madison Square Garden with Patterson Hood (Drive By Truckers) and Michael Franti (Spearhead) as part of Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday celebration. Laura has also performed to a sold out Carnegie Hall with indie rockers Band of Horses.
In the words of Mike Marshall, “These gals can get down and aren’t messing around.” Della Mae’s musical style seamlessly blends years of experience with traditional mountain music and modern singer-songwriter sensibilities. With energetic live performances and award-winning instrumental abilities, the five women of Della Mae are turning heads.
“Unwanted Love” Della Mae
Della Mae performance schedule
- May 13 — Club Passim, Cambridge, MA
- May 17 — The Red Door, Portsmouth, NH
- May 18 — Cantab Lounge, Cambridge, MA
- June 5 — Strawberry Park Bluegrass Festival, Preston, CT
- July 15 — Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Oak Hill, NY
- July 16 — Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Oak Hill, NY
- July 17 — Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Oak Hill, NY
- July 18 — Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Oak Hill, NY
- July 22 — Ossipee Valley Bluegrass Festival, Cornish, ME
- July 23 — Ossipee Valley Bluegrass Festival, Cornish, ME