Sometimes in California, where singer/songwriters thrive, we forget that the music we know as Americana really came from a time before Woody Guthrie, Bill Monroe and Leadbelly.  And while it first came from the mountains of West Virginia and Kentucky, the ancestors of Rita Hosking brought it to the mountains of eastern Shasta County, California over a century ago.  A descendant of Cornish miners who sang in the mines, Rita grew up with deep regard for American music and the power of the human voice and spirit.

Rita’s musical experience began as a child at church, and under the wings of an old time jug band made up of seasoned mountain characters.  On an old Gibson guitar her friends bought for her, she began composing songs at age 20.  With a bluegrass lilt along with a soulful view of mountain life, Rita paints a picture likely to be understood and appreciated by all of us.

Our friend Joe Craven said of Rita:  “From the first time I heard Rita sing, her voice gripped me and did not let go; a voice whose beauty speaks from a deep place of honest and raw and powerful emotion.  Rita’s messages are immediate yet patient and her quiet conviction most strong.”

Joining Rita, on her return to Música Del Río will be Sean Feder on banjo, bass and vocals.  Since the 1980's he has performed and recorded with many world, folk, and jazz groups.  In addition to the time he spends with Rita (and their children), Sean performs with Joe Craven’s Do-it-Yourselfers, the Irish band Driving with Fergus, and the Mad Cow String Band.

We are delighted Rita and Sean are going to be with us all again in May at Música Del Río.  Musicians like these two help remind us of why it is a true blessing to host concerts in our home.  Please join us on May 19th.