Our host for the ultimate weekend in Mexico, Brandi Carlile, is a highly acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and emotionally resonant lyrics. Hailing from Washington state, Brandi has captivated audiences with her versatile sound, which blends elements of folk, rock, and Americana. Her breakout album "The Story'' catapulted her to fame, featuring the titular track that remains an anthem of authenticity and resilience. Beyond her impressive discography, Carlile is celebrated for her LGBTQ+ advocacy and philanthropic efforts, making her not only a musical talent but also a passionate advocate for social change.

Janelle Monáe is an immensely talented singer, songwriter, and actress revered for her genre-defying music and bold artistic vision. With her signature blend of R&B, funk, and pop, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity and self-expression. Monáe's concept albums, including "The ArchAndroid '' and "Dirty Computer," have garnered critical acclaim, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and empowerment. Beyond her music, she's celebrated for her impactful advocacy work, championing equality and LGBTQ+ rights.

Sarah McLachlan is a Canadian singer-songwriter with an ethereal voice and emotionally charged lyrics. With a career spanning decades, her introspective and heartfelt songs have touched the hearts of audiences worldwide. Hits like "Angel" and "Building a Mystery" showcase Sarah’s ability to convey deep emotions through her music. In addition to her chart-topping success, McLachlan is recognized for her philanthropic efforts, particularly her work in support of animal welfare.

Lucius is a dynamic indie pop band distinguished by their captivating harmonies and theatrical stage presence. Formed by Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, the duo's lush vocal interplay is at the heart of their music, creating a rich and mesmerizing sound. Known for their distinctive fashion sense and matching outfits, Lucius blends elements of folk, pop, and rock into a unique sonic experience. Their albums, such as "Wildewoman" and "Good Grief," have earned critical acclaim, making them a prominent act in the indie music scene.

Allison Russell is a gifted Canadian-American musician celebrated for her soul-stirring vocals and masterful songwriting. With a deeply rooted connection to folk and Americana music, she creates an intimate and introspective sound that resonates with audiences. Russell's lyrical storytelling delves into themes of identity, resilience, and the human experience, crafting songs that tug at the heartstrings. As a member of various acclaimed musical projects, including "Our Native Daughters" and "Birds of Chicago," she has showcased her exceptional talent and established herself as a respected figure in the folk and roots music world.

Celisse is a remarkable American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and actress known for her versatile talents and powerful voice. With a genre-spanning sound that fuses rock, soul, blues, and funk, she delivers electrifying performances that leave audiences in awe. Celisse's emotionally charged lyrics and soulful melodies tackle themes of love, empowerment, and personal growth, connecting deeply with listeners. Whether she's rocking out on her guitar or delivering a moving ballad, Celisse's artistry shines brightly, establishing her as a rising star in the music industry.

KT Tunstall is a Scottish singer-songwriter renowned for her distinctive blend of folk, rock, and pop music. With her raspy yet soulful voice, she's crafted numerous chart-topping hits, including "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" and "Suddenly I See," showcasing her knack for catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Tunstall's music often explores themes of love, self-discovery, and resilience, endearing her to a global fanbase. Her dynamic stage presence and exceptional guitar skills make her a captivating live performer, solidifying her status as a celebrated artist in the world of contemporary rock and pop.

Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman are an Emmy® Award winning musical composing duo based in Los Angeles. They both started their careers in one of the most successful rock bands of the 80s, Prince & the Revolution. They continued to work as a duo and released five original albums as well as pursuing a career path in scoring feature films and television. Since 1995's box office hit Dangerous Minds, Wendy & Lisa have set a successful track record scoring films such as Soul Food, Something New, television series' "Crossing Jordan," "Nurse Jackie," "Mercy" and the Emmy-nominated NBC series "Heroes," "Touch," "No Tomorrow," and "Shades of Blue." Since their breakout work in Dangerous Minds the duo have gone on to win numerous ASCAP Awards for Top TV Series (Heroes, Crossing Jordan and Carnivale) and Top Box Office Films (Dangerous Minds) and a 2006 Black Reel Award for Best Original Score for "Something New."

With hits like “Passionate Kisses” and “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” Mary Chapin Carpenter has won five Grammy Awards (with 18 nominations), two CMA awards, two Academy of Country Music awards and the ACM Honors Poets Award, and is one of only fifteen female members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Over the course of her acclaimed career, Carpenter has sold over 16 million records. In 2020, Carpenter recorded two albums - “The Dirt And The Stars,” released in August 2020, and “One Night Lonely,” recorded live without an audience at the legendary Filene Center at Wolf Trap in Virginia during the COVID-19 shut down, and nominated for “Best Folk Album” at the 64^th Grammy Awards in 2022.

An 11x GRAMMY-nominee and CMA Award-winning artist, Brandy Clark is one of her generation’s most respected songwriters and musicians who is preparing to release her highly-anticipated new self-titled album—out May 19 on Warner Records. Produced by 9-time Grammy winning Brandi Carlile, the album showcases Clark’s versatility with eleven songs that span the emotional spectrum, including the first single, "Buried." Moreover, adding to her work as a solo artist, Clark, together with longtime collaborator Shane McAnally, composed the music for the upcoming Broadway musical comedy, Shucked, which is set to open April 4 at New York’s Nederlander Theatre.

An Ohio native, Kim Richey is a Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter who’s made a name for herself after decades in Nashville. Through it all, Richey has worn her heart on her lyrical sleeve, revealing herself time and again. “I started writing songs because of Joni Mitchell, probably like most women songwriters of a certain age,” Richey confesses.

Corook aka Corinne Savage is a singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist. Born and raised just outside of downtown Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, where they grew up listening to Drake, Gwen Stefani and Mac Miller. They then went to Berklee College of Music and graduated with TWO degrees. Corinne currently resides in Nashville Tennessee where they spend most of their time writing and producing music. They’re co-written HIT songs like “this whole bio is a joke” and is an Award winning Person of Doing Things. They are 27 and they are VERY cute.

Monica Martin is an exceptionally talented American singer-songwriter celebrated for her captivating voice and emotionally charged lyrics. Best known as the former lead vocalist of the indie folk band Phox, she has since embarked on a solo career that showcases her unique artistry. Martin's distinctive vocals, often described as ethereal and haunting, bring a sense of depth and vulnerability to her music. Her solo work explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships, cementing her status as a respected artist in the indie music scene.

Milwaukee bred sisters, Monique and Chauntee Ross, spent their entire music education not quite fitting any particular mold. Raised by two ministers, enrolled in conservatory at young ages, Monique and Chauntee embraced what made them different. Their art is meant to reflect their varying musical interests in a way that draws the listener in. Music becomes a journey and SistaStrings invites you to find your path.

SmallTown Strings is who we are. A brother-sister duo from a tiny, rural Washington town called Curlew. We perform a mix of Folk, Americana, and Indie sounds across nine instruments from box drums to banjos. We thrive on bending genres and having fun while doing it. We also write, record and produce our own music, often from the backseat of our motorhome while we're on the road.