Violet Bell’s original Americana is woven from threads of folk, soul, bluegrass, psychedelic, and classical music. On stage and in the studio, the energy between Lizzy Ross and Omar Ruiz-Lopez is fiery, intimate and intuitive. Based out of Durham, the pair have played shows from Montreal to Miami since forming in 2016, resulting in a strong onstage chemistry that’s evident in person and in videos of these live performances.
In 2016, singer-songwriter Ross recruited Ruiz-Lopez as a multi-instrumentalist for a live album recording show… two weeks before the show. Ruiz-Lopez slayed the performance and brought out a new dimension of beauty in the music. Violet Bell released their debut EP Dream the Wheel in 2017 and have been playing ever since. The two share a mutual love of rock, hip-hop, and R&B that finds its way into their traditionally rooted music. Combining Ross’ singer-songwriter prowess with Ruiz-Lopez’s orchestral technique affords them a freedom to explore the intersections of diverse styles of music. Their debut full-length album, Honey in My Heart, is set for release this year. The album was produced by Violet Bell and Jason Richmond (Avett Brothers, Steep Canyon Rangers, Nneena Freelon, Dom Flemons, Bombadil, Shana Tucker), and the songs were recorded live in single takes, without vocal tuning, isolation or click tracks. Full of personality, Honey in My Heart feels consistent with the duo’s true selves as opposed to hidden behind studio wizardry. Violet Bell was an official showcasing artist at Americanafest 2018, and has been presented at venues such as WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour, The Center for the Study of the American South, Rooster Walk Festival, Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, Ocrafolk Festival, the Charleston Bluegrass Festival, the Festival for the Eno, the Beaufort Music Festival, the Burlington Carousel Festival, Campfire Festival, the Haw River Ballroom, Folk Alliance International, and many more. Violet Bell has worked with KidzNotes, the Wake Forest Community Youth Orchestra, and others to engage local communities of all ages in educational and inspiring performances and workshops.
Sertoma’s stage was renamed in 2018 to honor musician Bill Leslie when he retired from WRAL. In addition, Sertoma was rennovated last year, and it now has wheelchair accessible seating, a paved pathway from the boathouse to the stage, and two new family restrooms at the Kiwanis Shelter. Assistive listening devices will be available at the PineCone information table. Accessible parking is located behind the stage and can be accessed via the greenway, located to the right of the boathouse. Limited parking is available. When possible, please drop off patrons with limited mobility, then park. Map of route to accessible parking and drop-off area
Bring your family, friends, cushions, picnics (no alcohol, please), and join us in Cary for an evening of beautiful music!
