Abbie Gardner will play virtually at the me&thee on October 30

The me&thee is extremely pleased to present a virtual concert with Abbie Gardner on Friday, October 30 at 8:00 pm. Abbie Gardner is a fiery dobro player with an infectious smile. Whether performing solo or with Red Molly, her acclaimed tales of love and loss, both gritty and sweet, are propelled by her impeccable slide guitar playing. Solo performances feature truly unique use of the dobro as a solo instrument, bouncing between a solid rhythmic backbone and ripping lead lines, all in support of her voice and songs.

An award-winning songwriter, Abbie's solo tour highlights include Falcon Ridge, Clearwater, The Kate, Club Passim, Godfrey Daniels, The Spire, and a formal showcase at the 2018 Folk Alliance Conference. She began touring nationally in 2018, heading to Oklahoma’s Woodyfest, Uncle Calvin’s in Texas, and a two-week tour of California.

No Depression says she displays “uncommon versatility” on her latest CD Wishes on a Neon Sign. The recording features 12 original songs and a co-write with Chris Stapleton. After his first listen, WFUV’s John Platt raves, “she’s not only a first-rate Dobro player, but a songwriter to be reckoned with.” It’s a career that didn’t come easily. Soon after quitting her day job as an occupational therapist, Abbie ended up with tendonitis from playing guitar. Continued heartbreak didn’t discourage her for long, though. Abbie found that playing lap-style slide was more ergonomic and easier on her hands that regular guitar. The dobro resonated with her on a deep level. She had the instrument just under a week when she formed Red Molly and soon traveled to Colorado and Nashville to study with expert players.

Abbie's first solo effort since 2011's Hope, Abbie's newest album Wishes on a Neon Sign, is also her first since taking a hiatus from full-time touring with her band Red Molly. Created in this space of transition, "Wishes" is a soulful examination of love and heartbreak, pain and strength, and the transformative power of hope. “The record feels like a love letter to NYC” says Gardner. “I love the contrast here- how darkness makes Times Square shine brighter, how New Yorkers can seem so gruff but will help you the instant you fall… And here I am, a contrast myself… a female singer/ songwriter playing the dobro, a traditionally male-dominated bluegrass instrument, taking the instrument pretty far from bluegrass and doing it in the city.”

Watch Abbie's personal invite to this show... she promises to make this a memorable show with some Halloween surprises!

Abbie's me&thee virtual show takes place on Friday, October 30 at 8:00 pm. Links for this show are available at https://meandthee.org/concerts/abbie-gardner-online-concert/. You can view the show on YouTube. You can also view the show on theme&thee Facebook page. The suggested donation is $20 and payment can be made securely via PayPal.

The me & thee is one of the oldest continually running acoustic listening rooms in New England, and probably the country. It has been and will always be a volunteer, non-profit organization sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead. For information and directions, call 781-631-8987 or check the website at www.meandthee.org.