Paper Wings / Maddie Witler feat. Sean Watkins

Long-time friends and collaborators Emily Mann and Wila Frank, known together as Paper Wings, dream up warm, pastoral folk songs suited to wandering through a forest or field, quiet contemplation, and long winding journeys. Furnished with delicate banjo and spellbinding harmonies so close you often can’t tell their voices apart, Frank & Mann deliver dynamic performances emboldened by the strength of their sincere songwriting. The duo have an uncommon ability to tastefully reference nostalgic sounds of American folk music while maintaining their own compelling style of artful and unpretentious lyricism. The strength and solitude one finds in the wilderness is a theme throughout their writing, and they lovingly transport listeners to open landscapes in which to find comfort and ask the questions which we all have in common.

Los Angeles native and mandolinist Maddie Witler will be leading a set of music featuring original songs and instrumentals, as well as some classic folk and bluegrass. Known mostly for her mandolin playing with groups like the Lonely Heartstring Band and Della Mae, she can make meaningful and impressive music on a variety of string instruments. With a deep knowledge and respect for bluegrass, and an awareness of the world and music she grew up around, she synthesizes a sound true to herself, at once traditional and contemporary. Maddie’s 2022 album “Astronaut” showcases her ability as a songwriter.

Sean Watkins will be playing guitar and joining Maddie for her set. Sean is a founding member of the band Nickel Creek, as well as projects like Fiction Family and the Watkins Family Hour. An incredible guitar player with a deep mastery of bluegrass, and a unique sound and tone that is instantly recognizable.