Sedona is the next stop of the T Sisters worldwide tour, which included shows in Egypt, Morocco and Israel as part of American Musicians Abroad, a program sponsored by the U.S. State Department to foster diplomacy through music.
The Oakland, Calif., trio — sisters Erika, Rachel and Chloe Tietjen — blends indie folk and Americana music but their message goes beyond, and so do their influences. They cite everything from the Beatles and Stevie Wonder to the Dixie Chicks and Lady Gaga as inspirations.
With this mix, it might seem hard to know what their concert at the Mary Fisher D. Theater on Thursday, June 13, will be like. So, Chloe Tietjen shared what to expect from the performance, as well as their experience playing in Africa and the Middle East and the role music plays in their lives.
- How did the band form? Was music a part of your household growing up?
We grew up in a very musical family. Our dad is a singer/songwriter who plays guitar and piano, and we grew up with the soundtrack of his music. We did a lot of musical theater growing up but didn’t really delve into musical collaboration until college. One summer we decided to write a musical together with a couple of friends. It was based on the original “Little Mermaid” by Hans Christian Andersen and featured original script, music and costumes. After a successful showcase with friends and family, Rachel decided to take on the production as her art school senior thesis. After the success of that collaboration we were invited to do a residency at a small theater in San Francisco and that is what began our performing careers. Following that, we started collaborating more on original music and performing around town. We had a great response and eventually decided to quit our day jobs to make space for our music to develop.
- Why did you decide to explore more political themes on your latest release, “We Are Bound”? What do you think is the role of music in activism?
I think as we have matured as artists, we have broadened our themes and subject matter beyond the personal and into issues about which we care deeply. Political and humanitarian issues feel as personal now as a heartbreak may have a few years ago. We believe music is a great way to connect people and while we don’t want to alienate folks who hold different political beliefs from us, it is important to us as songwriters to explore the issues with which we grapple daily.
- You played in Egypt, Morocco and Israel as part of American Musicians Abroad. How was the experience?
Our trip with American Music Abroad took place in March. We had an amazing experience in all three countries. It was very powerful to see how music truly can connect people across cultures and has not only value as entertainment but also as a tool for diplomacy. We found that although we were bringing a style of music that was unfamiliar to the audiences, they responded very positively and that our music resonated across cultural boundaries.
- What can people in Sedona expect from the concert?
They can expect some fun sister dynamics, a lot of vocal harmony, original songs and a generally light and uplifting atmosphere. We try to have a good balance of gravity and levity and not take ourselves too seriously.
Tickets are available at SedonaFilmFestival.org or at the theater’s office at 2030 W. SR 89A in West Sedona. Call 282-1177.
Natasha Heinz can be reached at 282-7795 ext. 117, or email at nheinz@larsonnewspapers.com
