music of Grace Mahar

hungry to meet other local musicians. Those supportive local jams helped her learn and strengthened her as a performer. She loved the challenge of playing with different people because it taught her the important lesson that musicians who don’t know all the rules break them, creating more intriguing music. Vulnerability is her strength in performing and writing. “It’s not about you, it’s about who’s listening,” she says. In her writing she relies mainly on her senses, what she can hear, see, and earnestly feel in those moments. Her original song, “No Good For Me,” always makes her emotional because “music is feeling” she says. Grace’s main influence in writing is 1920s Country Swing music such as Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, Hank Williams, and The Carter Family. She’s also fond of the classic fingerpicking style of guitar, using it often in her music. Grace has an old soul and a big heart for that aged twangy, romantic music. Initially inspired by The Cranberries, she’s currently learning yodeling to intertwine with her older music style and the music she writes with her local female-led folk group,

Cumberland Honey.

A little over a year ago Grace joined Cumberland Honey. The group consists of vocalists Virginia Masland (mandolin, fiddle), Steph Landis (bass), and Grace Mahar (guitar), and describes their sound as folk influenced with soul and a taste of bluegrass. Grace recalled first meeting them by seeing the duo play at Appalachian Brewing Company years ago and said after the set she wanted to play with them. She later got the chance to play as an opener for the duo, then ended up joining the group permanently after that. Writing and collaborating come naturally to the group. They seamlessly blend their unique vocal styles to create an authentic, one-of-a-kind sound. The trio’s power comes from the balanced and accented harmony in the group’s writing. Grace says that good harmony sounds like a train whistle and when the group’s harmonies are just right it’s “chu chu.”

Before Grace joined Cumberland Honey they released an EP, Stand Up, featuring 5 original songs. “Tonight You’re Mine” is my personal favorite for its beautiful and romantic orchestration. The group plays festivals, shows, and fundraisers all over PA with a focus on supporting their local community. Grace can also be found playing solo or with her partner, musician Shine Delphi, all over the Harrisburg area. You can follow Grace’s music on her Instagram @rahamecarg to find creative covers (featuring some snazzy kazoo) and also follow Cumberland Honey @cumberlandhoneypa, for new music and all upcoming show dates. 7