MIDDLEBURY — From New Orleans jazz  and blues to rousing Americana and poignant folk, the Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio is a show you won’t want to miss. They’re coming to town to perform at the Middlebury Festival on the Green this Tuesday, July 9, at 8:30 p.m.
Hailing from New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley, the Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio features Healther Pierson, Davy Sturtevan and Shawn Nadeau. These three musicians, from three very different backgrounds, bring their skills, quiet charm, and down-to-earth honesty to songs that bring to life the sounds of the streets of New Orleans and the valleys of Appalachia and everywhere in between.
They burst upon the national folk scene with the release of their debut EP, “Still She Will Fly,” whose title track was the No. 2 single on the Folk radio charts for the year in 2015. The trio’s live performances feature Pierson’s multi-genre songwriting, their instrumental virtuosity, and their stirring three-part vocal harmonies. With their “traveling music store” of instruments, this trio delivers heartfelt music with brilliant musicianship, stellar three-part vocals harmonies, and earthy charm. Their latest CD, “2017’s Singin,’” debuted at No. 1 on the Folk radio charts and was the No. 11 album for the year. A new full-length recording is currently in the works and planned for a mid-2019 release.
Heather Pierson
Heather Pierson (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, tenor banjo, piano) is an award-winning singer/songwriter, pianist, and performer. From New Orleans traditional jazz to blues to rousing Americana and poignant folk, Heather’s songs and musicianship embody joy, honesty, and a desire to share from the heart.
Davy Sturtevant
Davy Sturtevant (cornet, dobro, fiddle, mandolin, harmony vocals) is a sideman extraordinaire and an accomplished singer/songwriter of his own, wielding both an arsenal of stringed and brass instruments and a gorgeous tenor voice. With wit and flair, Davy performs in a way that moves listeners to tap their toes, nod their heads, and raise knowing eyebrows.
Shawn Nadeau
Shawn Nadeau (bass, harmony vocals) is a self-taught phenom who brings an unassuming rock-solid foundation and a keen awareness to every moment of every song, informed by over two decades of wildly varying musical performances, from punk rock to reggae to jazz.
Together, these seemingly disparate voices draw on their respective experiences of the American musical voice — jazz, blues, folk — to create a unique and memorable experience.
See them in action on Tuesday night on the green. Middlebury Festival on the Green is located at 3 Park Street. Admission is free, donations appreciated. Support this year’s Festival and learn more at festivalonthegreen.org.