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Grace Pettis
Grace Pettis & Zach Willdee at Arcata Playhouse
Arcata Playhouse
1251 9th St
Arcata, CA 95521
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About this concert
Acclaimed Americana meets raw outlaw country in an unforgettable co-headline run
Award-winning Americana singer-songwriter Grace Pettis and rising outlaw country artist Zach Willdee are teaming up for a powerhouse June West Coast tour, bringing their unique voices, compelling songwriting, and high-energy live shows to audiences across the region.
With roots in Alabama and Georgia and years spent cutting her teeth in the renowned Texas music scene, Grace Pettis has emerged as one of the most captivating voices in modern Americana. Her latest album, Down to the Letter (MPress Records), showcases her signature blend of folk, country, and roots-rock with songs that tackle love, loss, and identity with unflinching honesty. Praised by NPR, No Depression, and Rolling Stone, Pettis has toured internationally, appeared at AmericanaFest, Kerrville Folk Festival, and Mountain Stage, and has had her songs recorded by acclaimed artists like Ruthie Foster and Sara Hickman.
Joining Pettis on the tour is Zach Willdee, a Massachusetts raised outlaw country singer whose rootsy, road-worn songs and larger-than-life voice have captivated audiences from street corners to legendary venues like the American Legion Post 82 and Dee’s Country Lounge. Willdee, who began his career busking as the “Barefoot Brother” and later apprenticed under master songwriter Darrell Scott, channels the spirit of country greats like Johnny Paycheck and Waylon Jennings in songs that are as honest as they are gritty. The tour coincides with the release of his new single, “Thank You for the Memories,” ahead of his debut album By Stone River, arriving this fall.
With two powerhouse performers on one bill, the June West Coast tour promises an unforgettable night of music — from Pettis’ soaring, soul-stirring anthems to Willdee’s raw, confessional country ballads. Fans can expect plenty of new material, stories from the road, and the kind of intimate, electric performances that turn first-time listeners into lifelong fans.
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Grace Pettis Biography
New York City indie label MPress Records has just signed a multi-album deal with Austin singer/songwriter Grace Pettis. MPress, distributed worldwide by Caroline/Universal via SRG-ILS Group, also releases albums by Rachael Sage, Seth Glier, and A Fragile Tomorrow.
Grace Pettis is an award-winning songwriter from Austin, Texas who is a noted member of the South Austin scene. A little bit folk, a little bit country/Americana and with a whole lot of soul, Pettis has released two DIY albums and the Dallas Morning News has hailed her as "one of the most talented young singer-songwriters in America".
Pettis first came to the attention of MPress founder and President Rachael Sage at a SXSW party in Austin, where her voice and presence, even totally unplugged in a crowded room, commanded the spotlight. Sage gushes, "Grace Pettis is one of the best singers I have ever had the pleasure to hear. And when I say 'best', I don't mean that in a showy way -– although her voice is both powerful and beautiful. I mean that she can tell a story with her voice in a way that cuts right to the heart of our collective humanity, whatever the topic may be. Her songwriting is nothing short of masterful, and to see these timeless qualities in someone so young feels like discovering something akin to the magic of Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash or perhaps, Brandi Carlile. MPress Records is thrilled to be working with Grace!"
Pettis, who is repped by Chas Management, will be touring the southeastern US and Europe in winter/spring 2020. Her first release on MPress is expected later on in the year. In the meantime, she is eager to have found such a supportive new team. "Signing a record deal sounds pretty daunting", Pettis admits. "It's not a decision to take lightly. But from the first conversation with Rachael Sage and her wonderful team, I've felt like I've finally found my way home. After a decade of releasing my own music, I couldn't be more thrilled to announce that I'm partnering with MPress Records, a label that has built its unique reputation on championing and supporting artists and putting music with integrity out into the world. I'm so proud to be a part of the MPress family."
As a card-carrying member of the south Austin scene, Grace Pettis has amassed bragging rights to spare. She is the winner of many of the nation’s most prestigious songwriting contests, including NPR's Mountain Stage NewSong Contest, and has received grants from the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation. Grace’s songs have been recorded by other esteemed artists, including Sara Hickman and Ruthie Foster and she added to her songwriting accomplishments in 2019 by signing a publishing deal with BMG. Catch her with her band at an Austin club, headlining a festival with her trio Nobody's Girl, or on her own, trying out new songs in a little gem of a listening room, somewhere in America.
Read MoreGrace Pettis is an award-winning songwriter from Austin, Texas who is a noted member of the South Austin scene. A little bit folk, a little bit country/Americana and with a whole lot of soul, Pettis has released two DIY albums and the Dallas Morning News has hailed her as "one of the most talented young singer-songwriters in America".
Pettis first came to the attention of MPress founder and President Rachael Sage at a SXSW party in Austin, where her voice and presence, even totally unplugged in a crowded room, commanded the spotlight. Sage gushes, "Grace Pettis is one of the best singers I have ever had the pleasure to hear. And when I say 'best', I don't mean that in a showy way -– although her voice is both powerful and beautiful. I mean that she can tell a story with her voice in a way that cuts right to the heart of our collective humanity, whatever the topic may be. Her songwriting is nothing short of masterful, and to see these timeless qualities in someone so young feels like discovering something akin to the magic of Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash or perhaps, Brandi Carlile. MPress Records is thrilled to be working with Grace!"
Pettis, who is repped by Chas Management, will be touring the southeastern US and Europe in winter/spring 2020. Her first release on MPress is expected later on in the year. In the meantime, she is eager to have found such a supportive new team. "Signing a record deal sounds pretty daunting", Pettis admits. "It's not a decision to take lightly. But from the first conversation with Rachael Sage and her wonderful team, I've felt like I've finally found my way home. After a decade of releasing my own music, I couldn't be more thrilled to announce that I'm partnering with MPress Records, a label that has built its unique reputation on championing and supporting artists and putting music with integrity out into the world. I'm so proud to be a part of the MPress family."
As a card-carrying member of the south Austin scene, Grace Pettis has amassed bragging rights to spare. She is the winner of many of the nation’s most prestigious songwriting contests, including NPR's Mountain Stage NewSong Contest, and has received grants from the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation. Grace’s songs have been recorded by other esteemed artists, including Sara Hickman and Ruthie Foster and she added to her songwriting accomplishments in 2019 by signing a publishing deal with BMG. Catch her with her band at an Austin club, headlining a festival with her trio Nobody's Girl, or on her own, trying out new songs in a little gem of a listening room, somewhere in America.
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