Pearl Theater to welcome The Sweet Lillies

The historic Pearl Theater will welcome The Sweet Lillies to the stage for the first time next month.

The group will perform at the Pearl at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14. 

The Sweet Lillies' music is, first and foremost, heartfelt and collaborative. Those defining traits are given life by the quartet who make up the Lillies, Julie Gussaroff, upright bass, vocals, guitar, and mandolin; Becca Bisque, viola, vocals, and percussion; Dustin Rohleder, guitar and vocals; and Jones Maynard, drums. 

The Sweet Lillies were born from Gussaroff’s desire to form a band in which each member would be an equal participant in terms of songwriting, singing, and creative input. After years of accompanying other artists, serving as a side player, and writing songs for others, the multi-instrumentalist and classically trained vocalist wanted to establish a musical-collective that would highlight the best qualities of all involved. In 2014, Gussaroff met Bisque, who was a classically trained violist. The two found an immediate and deep musical connection and The Sweet Lillies were born. 

In 2017, at a campground jam at the Hangtown Ball, they heard Rohleder. That night the three played for what they remembered as “ten magical hours.” The following year, in 2018, Rohleder joined The Sweet Lillies full-time. Most recently, Jones Maynard has come on board on drums, completing Gussaroff’s vision. 

The Sweet Lillies have incorporated all of their cumulative life-experiences into their music, their songwriting, and their artistry, crafting an uncommonly-beautiful style they have christened “String-Americana” - a nod to the band’s all-encompassing musical tastes and willingness to experiment with genres. 

“Some musicians learn from teachers, some learn from family members, and some are self-taught," Gussaroff said. "Some musicians are classically trained, some come up through folk, some draw from multiple springs, from hip hop through pop to bebop. In the Lillies' all of these skill sets are valuable, relevant, and appreciated.”

Nonrefundable will-call advance tickets are $12 online at thehistoricpearltheater.org or $15 at the door. 

Doors and the Pearl Cafe open at 6:30 p.m. The Pearl Theater is located at 7160 Ash St., Bonners Ferry.

Information: thehistoricpearltheater.org or call 208-610-2846