Dear Ella at Institute for Musical Arts

**Join Dear Ella trio for a wonderful night of 3-part harmony vocals playing Folk, Swing, Blues, and Gospel music with themes of love, peace, hope, and social justice.**

**Annie Patterson, Mary Witt, and Ann Percival** are “**Dear Ella**”, a trio from Western Massachusetts whose repertoire includes Folk, Swing, Blues, Americana, Gospel. The band’s name, inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, is a nod to the many women singers who have inspired them. Singing in harmony is something these three highly accomplished musicians have been doing their whole lives. Now, as “Dear Ella”, Ann, Mary & Annie bring their individual musicianship and talents together to form a dynamic trio. Come sing with them, dance to their songs, and enjoy their uplifting and beautiful harmonies with guitars, ukelele, bass, snare drum, cajón, and banjo. Peace, love, and social justice are strong themes throughout their repertoire and mission, bringing people together through harmony and understanding.

**Members:**

**Annie Patterson** (vocals, guitar, banjo, cajón, & snare drum) co-created the world renowned songbook *Rise Up Singing* with her partner Peter Blood. She sings with the swing band Girls From Mars. She is a music educator, artist, and premiere song leader, and has led singing with communities around the world for over 3 decades. https://www.riseupandsing.org/annie/music-bio

**Mary Witt** (vocals & bass) is a critically acclaimed singer and bass player for the Swing and Motown band The O-Tones. She is also a music producer, painter, and art educator. Inspired by multi-discipline artists like Joni Mitchell, Mary enjoys the conversation between music and visual art. Her German parents, early activists and social justice advocates, exposed her to both all her life. Her passion for music and social justice shines through her work. http://theotones.com/" target="_blank">http://theotones.com/

**Ann Percival** (guitar, ukelele, rhythm & vocals) is a member of the iconic contra dance band Wild Asparagus. She also sings and plays guitar with the New England Swing and Motown band, The O-Tones. She is an artist, visionary, and educator. Music is in her blood. Ann used to spend time with her Norwegian grandparents including trips to the local Sons of Norway hall where everyone danced to and played traditional music. http://band.wildasparagus.com/about-us/" target="_blank">http://band.wildasparagus.com/about-us/