CHARLESTOWN — Mary Pierce, an award-winning Celtic Folk singer and songwriter will perform with her band, Women Folk, and Massachusetts musician Erin Ash Sullivan Sunday as the first guest artists in “At The River Series — Charlestown,” an original monthly music series set to launch at The General Stanton Inn in Charlestown on Sunday.
Pierce, founder and producer of “At the River Songwriters Series,” said the inn will be the second venue for the series which began a little over a year ago at the Pettaquamscutt Lake Shores Clubhouse in Saunderstown.
In a statement to the Sun, Pierce — who has been compared to Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant, Enya, Joni Mitchell and the Irish Band The Coors — said she is very excited to the launch the second location.
“I look forward to continuing to share and listen to the music of such great talented local artists each month,” she said, music that connects our community and enriches our lives.
The series, with its “authentic, original music of talented singer/songwriters” from Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts, opened to glowing reviews a little over a year ago and has developed a “very dedicated and loyal following,” Pierce said.
Pierce, who is said to “bring the spirit of Ireland to life,” is known widely for her soothing, clear voice with “Celtic-type qualities,” lyrics that “connect you at the first phrase” and her artistry which “invites you on a journey of hope, strength and gratitude.”
With a mix of acoustic guitar, violin, piano and bodhran drum music, Pierce, has received “overwhelmingly positive reviews wherever she performs,” according to the statement.
Pierce was a recipient of the Singer/Songwriter Award from both the WICN Folk Revival Radio and The Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival.
Sullivan, the recipient of the “Singer/Songwriter Award” from WICN Folk Revival Radio and The Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival, is known for music “reflects a deep sense of place,” with lyrics that are “sometimes heartfelt, sometimes funny” but “always authentic” and able to “harness the power of story to build connection.”
Victor Infante of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette describes her music as “delicate and evocative” with songs full of “nuance and emotional resonance.”
Her 2021 debut solo album, “We Can Hear Each Other,” reached number 10 on the FAI DJ Chart, and in 2023, she was a “Most Wanted” selection from the Grassy Hill Emerging Artist Showcase at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. An award-winning songwriter, she has been the winner of the Rose Garden Coffeehouse Performing Songwriter Competition, the recipient of the Mark Erelli “Judge’s Choice Award” in the New England Songwriting Competition, and a finalist in the Great American Song Contest and the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. Her second full-length album, “Signposts and Marks,” has just been released.
The “At the River Songwriters’ Series” began with an idea 15 months ago has grown to include more than 600 attendees and 40 songwriters, Pierce said. “We are bringing people together again and building friendships with our neighbors and like-hearted songwriters.”
“I am excited to welcome At The River- Charlestown, to the General Stanton Inn,” said Inn owner David Moore. “Mary’s success with the At The River Series in Saunderstown has been very inspiring and has encouraged me to collaborate with her in this second location for the monthly Series.”
“We are fortunate to have such talented artists come and share their music,” Moore said. “We have a great intimate setting where the performances will take place, and attendees can enjoy dinner and a glass of wine while enjoying the show.”
The upcoming dates for At The River-Charlestown, held on Sundays at The General Stanton Inn, are Dec. 8 and Jan. 12.
The upcoming dates for At The River-North, held on Thursdays at The Pettaquamscutt Lake Shores Clubhouse, are Nov. 21, Dec. 19 and Jan. 30.
Tickets are $20 and available by calling the General Stanton Inn at 401-364-8888 or by visiting Eventbrite, search term, At The River- Charlestown.
