QUOTES

“Mark Erelli + His String Quintet put on a performance that effortlessly reaches across seemingly disparate demographics, blurring the boundaries between popular and classical music audiences.”

“Erelli’s evocative lyrics and soulful vocals are elevated by the lush, dynamic interplay of the quintet.”

“Whether he’s wielding a pen or a Telecaster, Mark Erelli’s music welcomes the casual listener, and richly rewards those who choose to dig deeper.”

ABOUT

Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Mark Erelli, known for his distinctive blend of folk, rock, and Americana, joins forces with a world-class string quintet to reimagine his celebrated songs. The result? A cinematic and breathtakingly intimate performance that never fails to leave audiences spellbound.

Erelli’s string quintet is helmed by double bassist Zachariah Hickman (Ray Lamontagne, Josh Ritter) and Annie Bartlett on viola (ROSIN, Hank Wonder). The reinterpretations of songs from throughout his catalogue present him in an expansive, visionary light, allowing Erelli’s voice to shine like never before.

A live album highlighting this extraordinary collaboration, recorded during the group’s July 20, 2024 performance at the Shalin Liu Performance Center, is due for release on April 16, 2025. Recorded live in front of a packed hall, the evening was a masterclass in musicianship. Erelli’s evocative lyrics and soulful vocals are elevated by the lush, dynamic interplay of the quintet.

More about Mark Erelli

Highlights from Erelli’s career include 13 solo albums; three records with his bluegrass band Barnstar!; sideman stints accompanying Marc Cohn, Paula Cole, and Josh Ritter; and a pair of records he produced for GRAMMY-winning songwriter Lori McKenna. Recent support dates include shows with Watchhouse, Amy Helm, Lori McKenna, and John Hiatt.

In the summer of 2020, Erelli faced a profound personal challenge when he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a degenerative eye disease. This diagnosis raised questions about how his diminishing eyesight might affect his songwriting and creative insight. These concerns and his quest for creative expression are central themes in his newest album, Lay Your Darkness Down.

Lay Your Darkness Down follows his 2020 album Blindsided, which received high praise from Rolling Stone Country, Associated Press, NPR, The Boston Globe, and other notable outlets. Folk Alley encourages people to “listen close; there’s sure to be something in there to break your heart a split second before it leads you straight to grace.” Whether he’s wielding a pen or a Telecaster, Mark Erelli’s music welcomes the casual listener, and richly rewards those who choose to dig deeper.