by photojournalist Jeffrey Moellering
At just 32, Molly Tuttle has already carved out a place as one of the most exciting voices in American roots music. With bluegrass as her foundation, she’s now stretching into broader horizons—blending pop, country, rock, and Americana into a sound that’s both adventurous and deeply authentic. On her latest stop at Clearwater’s Capitol Theatre, Tuttle arrived with a powerhouse all-female band to showcase her new album So Long Little Miss Sunshine, her fifth solo release and a bold step into new creative territory. Molly spoke about recently playing on Ringo Starr’s country album, and concluded, “If Ringo can play what he wants, why can’t I?”
The evening opened with Nashville’s Cecelia Castleman, a 24-year-old songwriter whose confessional ballads carried a maturity far beyond her years. Dallas native Joshua Ray Walker followed, bringing his larger-than-life presence, country grit, and yodel-tinged vocals to songs about love, hardship, and resilience after a recent battle with cancer.
By the time Molly Tuttle walked onstage, the crowd was ready—and she delivered. Molly’s ease and grace immediately shows that she’s an artist in full command of her gifts: dazzling flatpicking, boundless charm, and a voice as warm as it is clear. Imagine the fluid musicianship of Béla Fleck and Billy Strings wrapped in the charisma of a young pop star, and you’re somewhere close to Molly’s rare magic.
Her set proved why she’s earned accolades like the International Bluegrass Music Association’s first-ever female Guitar Player of the Year, Americana Music Association Instrumentalist of the Year, and back-to-back Grammy Awards for Best Bluegrass Album. Songs from So Long Little Miss Sunshine shimmered with fresh textures—banjo, fiddle, Telecaster, and drums intertwining into grooves that felt both modern and timeless. While some bluegrass purists may bristle at the electric expansion, Molly’s vision remains rooted, honest, and organic.
A highlight came when a fan held up a sign requesting Cold Rain and Snow, the traditional folk ballad famously covered by the Grateful Dead. Molly’s haunting, heartfelt rendition brought many to tears. Another standout was her kaleidoscopic take on The Rolling Stones’ “She Comes in Colors,” proof of her adventurous spirit.
Equally inspiring was her openness about living with alopecia universalis, a cause she brings awareness to in her performances. Halfway through the show, she removed her wig—a symbolic moment of freedom and acceptance that was met with thunderous applause. Through her music and her story, Molly champions the idea that beauty lies in authenticity and diversity.
The encore was a perfect closing gesture: a duet of Crooked Tree with opener Cecelia Castleman, turning the anthem about strength through difference into a communal celebration.
Molly Tuttle isn’t just preserving bluegrass; she’s reimagining it for a new era. With virtuosity, warmth, and fearless creativity, she connects across generations and genres, uniting her audience in joy. On this night in Clearwater, her music wasn’t just entertainment—it was a reminder of resilience, hope, and the power of togetherness.
