Vancouver Farmer's Market
Misty Mamas blend refreshing acoustic sounds
On a summer weekend day, take a stroll in downtown Vancouver, Wash. and check out this city's farmers market. The streets are lined with vendors offering flowers, vegetables, fruits, food of all types, beverages, plants, artwork and more.
Misty Mama's (Photo by K.R. Laurent)
On this day, with the air filled with wonderful aromas, the stroll leads to a group of female musicians performing acoustic, home-style, bluegrass songs. The refreshing sounds of the acoustic guitars, upright acoustic bass, mandolin and well-crafted harmony vocals, make you pause and enjoy. This talented group of women, known as Misty Mamas, performs a blend of bluegrass, gospel and folk music. Among the quartet is a scattering of instruments ranging from guitar, banjo, mandolin ukulele, accordion and upright acoustic bass. When they sing together, the harmonies are angelic. Misty Mamas have been together four years as a group, but create the lasting impression they have done at this their entire lives.
The group consists of Carol Harley, vocals, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele; Katherine Nitsch, vocals, guitar, bass and ukulele; April Parker, vocals, mandolin and accordion; and Eileen Rocci, vocals and upright acoustic bass. Harley, a co-founding member of the local popular American Misty River Band, blended the name and talent to form Misty Mamas. They perform at a variety of events during the year, ranging from farmer's markets to community concert series and festivals.
Along with the music, they teach history with lyrics from the past and stories of historical eventts of the day. Additionally, Misty Mamas has original music to share as Nitsch, Parker, and Rocci are talented songwriters. The three each have one of their original songs featured on the group's new CD Wild Rose of the Mountain.
Featured on PE&D’s cover in May, this group connects with the audience with a joyful spirit and a deep desire to present a quality product. Misty Mamas is performing all around the region and is worth the stroll or drive to see them live in concert. For more information on the web, see: www.mistymamas.com and see ad and Bandstand.