About

The Moon Shells—Maggie Shar, Brian Slattery, Laura Murawski, Molly Merrett, and Charlie Shaw—draw from the traditional music of Appalachia, Louisiana, West Africa and elsewhere to try to make something new. Whether performing as an acoustic stringband, a stripped-down trio, or a five-piece making modern sounds on traditional instruments at clubs and festivals, the Moon Shells move hearts and feet.

In 2019 they released two albums—Seaside Asylum, an album of original songs and tunes, and Screech Plank, an album of more traditional fiddle tunes. Their next album of original songs, House of Air, came out in 2020. In 2021 they released two more albums—Earth, an album of original songs and tunes, and Screech Plank II, an album of tunes written by contemporary, living traditional musicians.

Our albums have gotten radio airplay throughout New England and beyond and have garnered press notice. The Hartford Courant included Seaside Asylum and Earth in its list of best regional albums for 2019 and 2021, respectively. In 2022 they were nominated for Americana Band of the Year for the New England Music Awards.

The Moon Shells are currently lining up shows in 2024 and finishing their fourth album of original songs, Throwing Sparks.