Sleder’s is pleased to announce a special Mother’s Day Concert featuring the music of Stella!, a talented trio of women who combine songwriting with three-part harmonies and fine musicianship on guitar, banjo, bass, and percussion.  This collaboration creates the music of Stella! and their music will surely bring some Mother’s Day Magic to the Sleder’s Porch.  The show is set for Sunday May 12th, 2019 at 3 p.m.

Stella! was founded by singer-songwriter Jo Serrapere to showcase country-roots songwriting and three-part harmonies.  Under the guidance and patronage of Dave March (co-founder of Creem Magazine and a Rolling Stone contributor), Jo recorded and released the band’s debut album Sorry, Stella with Jen Sygit in 2011.  The band has performed for numerous folk festivals and concert series in the Great Lakes region and in March 2017, was invited to record a LIVE performance for Backstage Pass on WKAR/PBS.

Jo Serrapere credits songwriter Tom Waits, early blues, jazz, and old-time country as her strongest influences.  Her voice is a curious combination of sweet innocence and wry humor.  She was a founding member of the old-time string band, Uncle Earl, and has appeared twice on National Public Radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion.”  In addition to Stella!, Jo has recorded several solo albums and plays regularly as, Jo Serrapere and the Willie Dunns or Jo Serrapere and the LaFawndas.  Her solo discography includes Love Going South (2009) and Dollar Store Nation (2016).  It was a conversation Jo had with music writer Dave Marsh that sparked the idea to form Stella!  In Stella! Jo plays acoustic guitar or provides percussion.

Jen Sygit is inspired by gritty lyrics and acoustic soul from the likes of Gillian Welch, Bob Dylan, The Wood Brothers, Mavis Staples, Buddy Miller, Michael Kiwanuka, and Patty Griffin.  She provides the deep bluesy low end to Stella!’s three-part harmonies.  In addition to performing with Stella!, Jen has three solo albums to her credit, including Leaving Marshall Street (2006) and So Long Pollyanna (2009).  In 2018, Jen released a new album, It’s About Time.  Jen also performs with the Americana band The Lincoln County Process.  In Stella! Jen plays banjo and acoustic or electric guitar – providing the majority of instrumental solos.

Julianna Wilson takes her cues from swing-era and early jazz vocalists and crooners such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra.  She contributes the high end in many of the three part harmonies in Stella! with a voice that is smooth and timeless.  Julianna also plays ukulele and performs as a duo with her husband in their band The Springtails.  The Springtails have recorded two albums, Because We’re In Love (2013) and Rain or Shine (2016).  In Stella! Julianna plays the upright bass.

The Sleder’s Family Tavern Victorian-style Porch is an ideal acoustic listening room and lovely setting to share some special moments with moms.  The music of Stella! will be enchanting.  

Tickets for Stella! are On Sale Now

$20 in advance  | $25 at the door

• Sleder’s Tavern,  717 Randolph St., Traverse City, MI 49684
• Oryana Food Coop, 260 E Tenth St, Traverse City, MI 49684
• Brilliant Books, 118 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684
• For more info or to reserve tickets by phone with a credit card ($1 surcharge), call Sleder’s at 231-947-9213. 

Showtime: Sunday, May 12, 2019 at 3:00 pm ET

Venue: The Porch at Sleder’s Family Tavern, 717 Randolph, TC, MI.

Sleder’s indoor porch is an ideal, acoustic listening room and intimate concert setting with table service for drinks and dining.

The On the Porch Concert Series is a monthly showcase featuring performers singing their original work in a concert in a club atmosphere.  It is a commitment to allow artists to perform their music in a concert setting and the series focuses on performers who write/sing/perform their own material.