The Wailin’ Jennys will be on familiar ground when they take the stage Friday in Sauder Concert Hall. For the second time in three years, the girl-trio known for their haunting acoustic harmonies is returning to Goshen College to give the Mennonites a run for their four-part chords.
The Wailin’ Jennys, also known as Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody and Heather Masse, are an internationally-known folk group who first began making music together in 2004. They have since released four albums, including their latest, Bright Morning Stars; several of them won Juno awards (Canadian equivalent of a Grammy). Their sound is described as a mix of pop, Americana and folk. The group first performed in Goshen in October 2010 to an estimated crowd of 750.“There’s a balance between bringing new groups but also beloved groups,” said Brian C. Mast, managing director for the Music Center. “Last time people loved the concert, but not everyone knew about them. We did kind of an experiment. We wondered, if we bring back someone not as well-known but really popular, in closer time, what would happen?”
The response was an overwhelming one; the show is currently sold out. Mast said tickets are sometimes returned and the box office will sell them to the first in line.
“Audiences love their harmonies and blend, especially in this community with a Mennonite singing tradition,” said Mast. “They’re also very personable. I think all audiences like to feel a connection with the performers, but especially this audience.”
The Wailin’ Jennys will perform at 7:30pm Friday at Sauder Concert Hall. Doors open at 7pm and the box office opens at 6:30pm. Tickets range from $10-40.
