January 30, 2025
The Annie Moses Band, a genre-defying family ensemble, returned to Pearl River Community College’s Ethel Brownstone Center for the Performing Arts on January 27 for their highly anticipated second performance since 2014. From the first draw of the bow across their violins and viola, the audience was entranced and offered energetic responses to each piece.
“We are thrilled to have the Annie Moses Band return to our stage,” said Dr. Trevor Hunt, Fine Arts and Communications Department Chair and Director of the Brownstone Center for the Arts. “Their unique sound resonates deeply with our community.”
Known for their eclectic sound, the Annie Moses Band showcased a unique blend of classical music with American folk, jazz, pop, and bluegrass. “Rhapsody in Bluegrass” reimagined Gershwin’s iconic “Rhapsody in Blue,” blending its classical roots with electrifying layers of drums and guitar to create a dynamic bluegrass twist. Original pieces were layered into their set, including “In the New World” and “Shenandoah” from their American Rhapsody album. They also performed the moving piece “Heaven’s a Heartbeat Away.”
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, they performed selections from their PBS special, “The Art of the Love Song.” Musical genres were eclectic with the soothing tune, “The Very Thought of You,” a slightly upbeat “L-O-V-E,” Al Green’s soulful “I’m So in Love with You,” and the band’s dreamy, romantic song “Blush.”
Named after their music-loving great-grandmother, Annie Moses, the band is a family affair featuring several siblings, their father, and occasionally the next generation. The concert featured family members Bill Wolaver on piano, Annie Wolaver Dupre on violin and vocals, Alex Wolaver on viola and vocals, Benjamin Wolaver on cello, Gretchen Wolaver on guitar, mandolin, violin, and vocals, and David Dupre (Annie’s thirteen-year-old son) on drums. Family friend Daniel Mandrychenko played both acoustic and electric guitars.
Many attendees had been eagerly awaiting the Annie Moses Band’s return to PRCC after seeing their previous performance. PRCC alum Renay Rigney, originally from Poplarville, returned to the Brownstone with friends for the concert.
“My husband and I saw them back in 2014 and I was very much looking forward to seeing them again,” said Rigney. “They are extremely talented both for singing and instrumental performance. I am grateful to be able to see this kind of talent in Poplarville and such a gorgeous facility.”
Rigney’s friend, Anita Pendarvis of Petal, enjoys all types of music and was thrilled with her experience hearing the Annie Moses Band.
“I had never seen them before and I was expecting complete bluegrass,” said Pendaras. “I had no idea they could do everything they do. I was very impressed and loved it.”
ABOUT THE ANNIE MOSES BAND
The Annie Moses Band is a family of Nashville raised and New York trained performers. Genre-defying and unforgettable, the group has been thrilling audiences for over a decade with a sweeping virtuosity and musical spirit that is both fresh and poignant. These are true musicians of the highest caliber drawn together by the bonds of family, faith, and love for their audience.
Raised by award-winning Nashville songwriters Bill and Robin Wolaver, this band of Juilliard-trained siblings have graced the stages of Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry House. Their PBS specials, “Christmas with the Annie Moses Band” and “The Art of the Love Song,” broke records and have been nominated for an Emmy. Their 2021 project, “Tales From My Grandpa’s Pulpit,” topped Billboard charts.
Alongside performing, the family operates The Annie Moses Foundation, whose mission is “Godly excellence in the arts transforming stages, screens, and souls.” The foundation supports television programming, live performances, and The Conservatory of Annie Moses.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE BROWNSTONE
The spring semester has several performances scheduled. Ticket sales are currently open for:
International Championship of High School A Cappella (ICHSA) South Quarterfinal 1 — Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.
International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) South Quarterfinal 3 — Feb. 8 at 7 p.m.
Variety Show — Feb. 25 at 7 p.m.
Clue — April 3 & 4 at 7 p.m.
Symphonic Band — April 10 at 7 p.m.
JazzCats — April 15 at 7 p.m.
Spring Pops featuring The Voices, Currents & Rapids — April 22 at 7 p.m.
Tickets are available at prcc.edu/brownstone/upcoming-events/ with seats assigned at purchase. Groups of 11 or more people are eligible for a discounted rate.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Laura O’Neill and River Roderick.
