Marsh Lights plays acoustic folk-grass music with a literate edge and beautiful execution. Colby Crehan and her band-mates have received accolades, including Vermont Vocalist of the Year and Vermont Song of the Year (Tammie Awards, Barre-Montpelier Times-Argus).
“the combination of talent, passion, and songwriting in the band is breathtaking.” -Mary-Nell Bockman, Manager, Whallonsburg Grange
an “immersion into American roots where there is little equal to the quintet in the Northeast.” -Valley Stage Productions
The group’s strong rapport built over years of performing together makes for a band that can go light and heavy, solemn and joyful, fast and slow.
“Colby Crehan is a powerful and magnificently talented musician.” –Robert Resnik, host, All the Traditions, Vermont Public Radio
“earthy layers of depth and dynamism. Even when the band leans into more traditional terrain…there’s slight deviation, like a new translation of an old book.” -Chris Farnsworth, Seven Days
Colby is joined by her husband, Ryan Crehan, who provides warm harmony vocals and banjo playing that is sometimes plaintive and other times hard-driving. Ryan also draws the audience in as front man for the group.
Also on the stage is Charley Eiseman, long-time friend and musical collaborator. Charley’s equally warm vocals join Colby and Ryan’s for hauntingly sweet three-part harmonies. Charley plays lead acoustic guitar with nuanced blues and jazz inflections.
Stephen Waud brings amazing mandolin chops to the stage, equally equipped to fire up the crowd or mine tender turns of musical phrase. Stephen previously performed with the Modern Grass Quintet.
Mitch Barron, a long-time essential presence in the Vermont folk music scene, brings his skilled upright bass playing to the stage, along with deep, rich vocal backup.
