Red Molly @ Bridge Street Live

After six years of touring and establishing themselves as one of the fastest-rising folk/bluegrass bands in the acoustic music scene, Red Molly announces that guitarist Carolann Solebello will leave the group in August 2010, to spend more time with family. Carolann's final performance with Red Molly will take place at the 2010 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. The band that began as a happy accident around a campsite (at the 2004 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival) is now drawing invitations from renowned historic national events like Merlefest and is winning over audiences in 250-500 seat theaters around the country.

Spurred onward by an ever-growing and devoted fanbase, and the desire to commit themselves to touring farther from home, Red Molly is at the start of a new and exciting musical chapter. Laurie MacAllister (bass, banjo) and Abbie Gardner (Dobro, guitar) are founding members of this upbeat, energetic female trio. Joining Laurie and Abbie, filling out their lush, distinctive three-part harmonies, is the newest "Molly", Austin-based singer/songwriter Molly Venter (guitar). Molly first caught Abbie's attention as a New Folk Finalist at the 2008 Kerrville Folk Festival. Laurie met Molly in June 2008, when she opened for Red Molly in Arlington, VA.

The band was stunned by the beauty and power of Molly's voice, which has drawn comparisons to Natalie Merchant and Patty Griffin. In multiple opening slots for the band, Molly effortlessly turned listeners into fans, with her gorgeous singing, warm authenticity, and undeniable charm. Over the last month of rehearsals and impromptu live performances in Hamilton Park, near their rehearsal space in Jersey City, the three women quickly nailed the essence of the Red Molly sound, while hinting at inspiring new musical possibilities in the months of touring that lie ahead. “This is an exciting time for the band; we're thrilled that Molly has joined us”, says MacAlllister. Gardner adds, "We couldn't have even hoped for a more perfect fit."