Napa, CA – The Wailin’ Jennys, a stand-out among the new generation of Canadian roots music bands, perform at the Napa Valley Opera House on Friday, June 22 at 8 p.m. The trio of singer-songwriters makes powerful, lush music that resonates deep in the soul. With the emphasis on their beautiful three-part harmonies, Ruth Moody, Nicky Mehta, and newest member Heather Masse weave their voices and instruments into a shimmering tapestry of original and traditional tunes. Intelligent, dynamic stories and vivid imagery abound in their songs, which run the gamut of roots styles, from classic and contemporary folk to Celtic roots and country, with a few surprising covers thrown in for good measure. Tickets are $30 and $25.

Spurred onward by a growing fan base that swoons at their intuitive harmonies and revels in their engaging stage presence and uplifting repertoire, the Jennys embarked on a giddy blur of activity following the release of their second album, “Firecracker,” in August, 2006.

"One Voice," a live staple and highlight of the Jennys' Juno- winning debut album “40 Days,” remains a metaphoric statement of intent that to this day underlines the group's original mandate: three individuals with unique gifts combining seamlessly into a single beatific entity. Soprano Ruth Moody (guitar, banjo, accordion, bodhran) and mezzo Nicky Mehta (guitar, harmonica, ukulele, percussion) are charter members who've anchored the Jennys since the first line-up formed in their Winnipeg hometown. The critical third voice, an alto who fills out the chordal range of the group's vibrant three-part harmonies, has been filled in turn by Cara Luft, Annabelle Chvostek and, now that the latter has returned to her own solo career, new recruit Heather Masse.

Launching what fans are fondly calling version 3.0 of the Jennys, Heather is a New-York based singer and pianist who finds the middle ground between contemporary bluegrass (through her work with roots super-group The Wayfaring Strangers) and jazz vocals (which she studied at the New England Conservatory of Music). She gelled immediately with Ruth and Nicky during an impromptu audition in a bathroom backstage in Philadelphia. Singing raw versions of "Amazing Grace" and an old Hank Williams song, the three women quickly nailed the essence of the Jennys' exquisite sound while hinting at exciting new possibilities that will flower in the months of touring and studio sessions that lie ahead.

WHO: The Wailin’ Jennys
WHAT: Live Music
WHEN: Friday, June 22, 8 PM
COST: $30/$25
WHERE: Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559
PUBLIC INFO: (707)-226-7372, www.NVOH.ORG
CONTACT: Teri Stevens, teri@nvoh.org, 707-603-2338