By John D. Gonzalez, WKTV Contributing Writer
It happened by chance.
But things are still going strong for Alison Lynn and Diana Ladio, the two masterminds behind the popular Celtic duo better known as The Moxie Strings.
That chance was at a Michigan chapter of the American Strings Teachers Association String camp in Howell, Michigan.
“We were co-counselors in the same cabin,” said electric cello player Alison Lynn in an email to WKTV Journal. “We still say the band started the week we met! 16 years ago in 2006!”
Along with Ladio, who plays a five-string fiddle, the duo has had great success over the years with a dedicated following from multiple tours here and abroad, as well as five CDs.
No.1 on Billboard Classical Crossover Charts
Their latest project, and first live recording, “Live & Plugged In” just reached No.1 on the national Billboard Classical Crossover Charts.
A big crowd is expected when the duo performs Thursday, Aug. 4 as part of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series.
Lynn said fans can expect a “polished, high-energy show.”
It’s a show that “continues to redefine strings’ role in contemporary music, and offers audience members a diverse, fun, musical experience,” she said.
According to their bio, they use a variety of audio effects pedals, as well as compose the majority of their pieces and “arrange melodies from many countries, resulting in a genre-blurring blend of ear-catching, mainstream melodies and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms.”
It’s no surprise the duo draws influences from “all genres”
“You will hear us perform songs by Nirvana, Eurythmics, Beach Boys, Oasis, even Elvis,” Lynn said.
They’re excited to play as part of the outdoor concert series in Kentwood.
“We of course love performing anywhere at any time,” Lynn said.
“But, performing outside has been a game changer in the times of COVID. We are so happy that live music can happen in a safe environment.”
Fans will see that excitement on stage. They like to have fun with the audience, as well as each other.
“Performing and touring the world with your best friend…what could be better?” Lynn said.
The Moxie Strings also perform at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at Kollen Park in Holland, as well as the Emerald Isle Irish Feile on Beaver Island and Michigan Irish Music Festival in Muskegon in September, followed by a return trip to Ireland in November.
Learn more about the group at themoxiestrings.com or to order the new CD.
“Live & Plugged In” features six original songs, two traditional fiddle tunes, and four cover songs including Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams” and Nirvana’s “Smells like Teen Spirit.” All songs recorded live at Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake.
Kentwood Summer Concerts
All shows take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Admission is free. A variety of food trucks also will be on hand.
Parking for shows will be limited at both City Hall and the Library, according to the city’s website. Additional parking is available at the Kentwood Justice Center (4740 Walma SE), Kentwood Public Works (5068 Breton SE), Kentwood Baptist Church (2875 52nd St), and there is street parking in nearby neighborhoods.
The Kentwood Farmers Market takes place next door from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind City Hall.
Get more information at kentwood.us.
The remaining lineup includes:
- August 4 – The Moxie Strings
- August 11 – Brena
All concerts will be live streamed by WKTV Community Media. Watch the events live at: https://www.wktv.org/live25.html. If you miss a show you can watch it here at WKTV On Demand.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com
