The Southern Maryland Bluegrass Concert Series is set to continue its 2024-2025 season with an exciting performance by Donna Ulisse and The Poor Mountain Boys on Sunday, March 23. The event will take place at the Calvert Elks Lodge in Prince Frederick and will be hosted by Jay Armsworthy, offering attendees a chance to witness some of the most talented female vocalists and instrumentalists in the bluegrass music scene.
Donna Ulisse, a renowned artist known for her exceptional songwriting abilities and powerful vocals, has a fascinating journey that led her from country music to the world of bluegrass. Starting as an Atlantic Records country artist in the early 1990s, Ulisse gained recognition for her album “Trouble at the Door” and made appearances on popular TV programs like Hee Haw, Nashville Now, and Crook & Chase.
Her transition to bluegrass music was a personal one, influenced by her husband Rick Stanley, a relative of the iconic Stanley Brothers. Their connection to bluegrass was so strong that their wedding reception featured a performance by Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys, setting the stage for their shared passion for mountain music.
Ulisse’s impact on the bluegrass and acoustic music scene is undeniable, with her single “It Could Have Been the Mandolin” reaching the No. 1 spot on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart for two months in 2016. Her album “Hard Cry Moon” also achieved the top position on the Roots Music Report chart, solidifying her reputation as a talented songwriter. In recognition of her talent, she was named the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Songwriter of the Year in 2016 and 2017.
Continuing her success, Ulisse has garnered accolades from the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA), being named Songwriter of the Year in 2018 and 2022, as well as Female Vocalist of the Year in 2022. Signing with Billy Blue Records in 2019 opened up new opportunities for collaboration, including working with bluegrass legend Doyle Lawson on projects like “Time for Love” and “Livin’ Large.” Their upcoming album, “Mountain Lily,” marks their fourth collaboration and Ulisse’s 14th overall production.
Ulisse’s songwriting prowess has attracted some of the biggest names in bluegrass music, with artists like Doyle Lawson, Claire Lynch, and The Grascals recording her songs. The Del McCoury Band even included one of her compositions on their Grammy-winning album “Streets of Baltimore.”
Beyond her musical endeavors, Ulisse is dedicated to nurturing young songwriters through exclusive workshops held at her home, Wee Farm, where aspiring artists can hone their skills alongside industry professionals.
The concert featuring Donna Ulisse and The Poor Mountain Boys will kick off at 2 p.m. on March 23, with doors opening at noon. Tickets are priced at $23 per person, and children under 12 can attend for free with a paying adult. The Calvert Elks Lodge will offer food options, including hamburgers and hot dogs, for purchase from noon to 2 p.m. Tickets can be bought at the door or in advance at www.somdbluegrass.com or by calling 301-737-3004.
The Southern Maryland Bluegrass Concert Series will conclude with a performance by Missy Raines and her band Alleghany, featuring the 10-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year. The concert series is sponsored in part by Bluegrass Country Radio, bringing top-tier bluegrass music to the local community.
