Anna Moss & The Nightshades

When people talk about music being a religious experience, they are referencing the type of spiritual journey Anna Moss evokes throughout her performances. Moss’s vocal quality is so unique and deeply healing that crowds find themselves drifting in spaces beyond time and reason. It is in these moments that you can fully absorb not only the smokey, seductive and dynamic nature of her singing, but the cut-to-the-bone lyrics along with it. She takes you back in time to the speakeasys of yesteryear while carving out her own niche as one of the most empowered female artists of our day.

Anna is best known on the folk and festival scenes of North America as a front woman for the band Handmade Moments. She is a universally adored artist whose fans have every reason to relate to her like friend as well as an inspiration. Her multi-instrumental prowess – most notably on guitar and saxophone – propels her into rarified air. She’s a natural-born entertainer, a musical shaman, a renaissance woman, an activist for peace and justice and a freak of nature in the best possible way.

Moving to New Orleans several years ago has influenced Anna’s arrangements and style. This project was hatched in the darkest days of the pandemic while she fought her way through an overwhelming depression. It was in these bleak times that Anna saw the path into the light and honed in her signature “bedroom pop” style. If you watch this band’s debut video – “Slow Down Kamikaze,” it’s apparent to see how the musicians who became the initial incarnation of The Nightshades, defined the essence of the devastating emotion this band uniquely emanates. Fernando Lima, a local percussionist and drummer originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil is the backbone of this sound. His sparse, jazzy style punctuates every breath the music takes.

Her Handmade Moments running mate, Joel Ludford, anchors the groove on bass. Normally a jokester and larger-than-life persona, his low-key, down-to-business approach in this band reflects the passionate focus The Nightshades take to the stage. Versatile keyboardist Nat Lawrence brings an extra New Orleans type of flavor to the mix. Rounding out the group is Laurie Shook of the Shook Twins on vocals. She’ll also be treating the crowd to a little opening set to warm the room up!

Nevada City and the Crazy Horse Saloon are a home away from home for Anna. She and Joel used to live here for an extended period of time. As if this weren’t already exciting enough, we’ll all be gathered together on this occasion to celebrate the birthday of this otherworldly goddess! It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the band in an intimate setting before they take the big stages at High Sierra Music Festival later this summer.