Three songbirds come together to sing originals and favorites interwoven with vocal harmonies, acoustic guitars, piano and fiddle. Anni, Elena and Heart are all Nevada County based award-winning songwriters who are longtime favorites on the local music scene. Their first and recent sold out concert at Besemer Hall received high acclaim, and soon these three generations of women will come together for a special evening of music on Saturday and Sunday at the Celtic Festival. Not to be missed!
Anni McCann, Elena Rayo, and Cherisha Heart
Three exceptional songbirds—Anni McCann, Elena Rayo, and Cherisha Heart—unite to deliver an unforgettable performance, blending original songs and beloved classics with exquisite three-part harmonies. Accompanied by acoustic guitars, piano, and fiddle, they bring a unique energy to the stage. All three are award-winning Nevada County-based songwriters, cherished for their long-standing presence in the local music scene.
Anni McCann is a multi-instrumentalist and international performing artist with a rich musical background. Holding a bachelor of music degree, Anni is trained in opera, musical theater, piano and vocal arranging. An accomplished and versatile vocal stylist, she is known for her work with the folk-jazz trio Backwoods Jazz and Supertramp’s Roger Hodgson. Her extensive career includes performances for luminaries such as the Queen of England. Anni is currently a featured vocalist in the 1,000 Kisses Deep Leonard Cohen tribute show, where her rendition of Hallelujah has captivated audiences. A seasoned studio musician, her own releases include 4 albums with Backwoods Jazz and two solo albums, This Moment and Open Page.
Elena Rayo is a seasoned musician and songwriter, equally skilled on violin and guitar. With six albums to her name and performances spanning across the globe, Elena is a master of her craft. Her recent tribute to Joni Mitchell showcases her depth and versatility as an artist, and she is currently recording a new album. Elena’s academic background includes degrees in Classical Languages from UC-Berkeley, Cambridge University, and UCLA. She is also the owner of Ancient Wave Studios in Nevada City, where she continues to inspire and create music.
Cherisha Heart brings a powerful voice and melodic indie rock sensibility to the stage, captivating audiences with her refreshing original songs and impressive guitar work. Her musical journey began at age three, and by nine, she was already learning chords and songwriting by twelve. Cherisha co-fronts the local country band Outlaws and Angels and plays guitar and sings for the New Zealand-based retro rock group Zephyr Love. Her solo debut album, Mountain Maiden(2011), was followed by singles and EPs, including Dreams (2019), The Good Life (2021), and Aniwaniwa (2024). Cherisha is currently preparing to take her original band on the road to promote her upcoming album, Slow Burn, set to be released soon.
Together, The Dolli Mamas bring a rare blend of talent, passion, and musical excellence that’s sure to leave a lasting impression wherever they perform.
