Triple the Teen Talent: Jackson’s DellaValla Bluegrass Trio
By Christine Thompson
Looking for a musical experience that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step? Meet the DellaValla Trio: 12-year-old John, 16-year-old Joseph, and 17-year-old Molly, a dynamic bluegrass band whose family ties, musicianship, and youthful exuberance infuse their music with a warmth and effervescence that’s unparalleled in the Valley. Their origin story is one of family, tradition, tenacity, and community.
Undoubtedly, the DellaValla Trio has a plethora of natural talent, but none of that would be realized without an environment that allowed them to thrive. Parents Jess and Joseph Sr., shared the child-rearing philosophy of “Yes, and … .” Which means that they encouraged their kids to follow their passions and supported them in whatever way they needed, whether it was connecting them to a mentor or driving them to their next educational enrichment experience.
A pivotal experience was when the Trio was invited by Johnathan Sarty to perform on stage at the Majestic Theatre for the Cold River Radio Show. It was an electric performance that was both motivating and life changing for them.
Regarding musical education, the idea in the DellaValla family was that each child would start to learn the piano at age 6 and do it for a year. If, after one year, they didn’t like it, they could let it go. If they wanted to try a different instrument they could, or they could give up music altogether. Jess would often say to the kids, “We don’t care if you perform, but if you are committed to it, you’re committed to it. IF you want to do it, do it well.” Luckily for us, none of them gave up music, and they all took their mom’s advice and fully committed to their chosen instruments. After some experimentation with other instruments, Molly, the oldest, gravitated to the guitar, Joseph, the banjo, and John, the fiddle. They honed their skills with lessons, mentors, bluegrass camp, and a much hard work.
The pandemic also played a role in the genesis of the trio. During the lockdown, they found themselves with a desire to play music and a plenty of time on their hands. Joseph had become somewhat obsessed with the banjo, and had what’s lovingly called in blue grass lingo, “the itch.” What happens is, banjo players fall in love with playing, become completely obsessed, and if they go too long without playing, their hands start to tremble, twitch, and shake. Joseph’s “itch” prompted him to rally his siblings to play with him all the time—and gradually—the band started to take shape.
Although they regularly “performed” for the residents at the Merriman House and at Mount Washington Valley (MWV) Adult Day Center, their first official gig was busking on the boardwalk in Ocean City, MD, when they were 14, 12, and 9, respectively. Since it was a well-received performance (as Molly put it “they didn’t throw fruit at us”), they continued and found themselves performing at Hoot Night at the Wildcat Tavern in Jackson. It proved a pivotal experience, as Johnathan Sarty then invited them to perform on stage at the Majestic Theatre for the Cold River Radio Show. It was an electric performance that was both motivating and life changing for them. Since then, they have picked up more gigs, but they all feel that it’s important for them to continue with their visits to Merriman House and the MWV Adult Day Center as they get a tremendous amount of satisfaction out of the joy it brings the residents.
While their raw talent and drive belies their years, perhaps one of the most remarkable things about the DellaValla siblings is that they genuinely enjoy each other’s company and have the utmost respect for one another.
When asked to describe each other, the DellaVallas do not disappoint. The eldest two note that their younger brother John is “sweet, thoughtful, strong-willed, expertly cool, unabashed about his opinions—but not pushy—and a bit of a perfectionist.” Molly and John describe their brother Joseph as “creative, kind, decisive, and utterly authentic.” And the two boys affectionately declare that their big sister is, “cool, self-assured, a natural born leader, and intuitively empathic.” Not too shabby.
A FEW UPCOMING SHOWS for 2024 – Visit www.dellavallatrio.com for more dates
• July 19 – Believe in Books. Theater in the Wood – Sunset Concert Series Opening Act
• July 25 – Arts Jubilee 2024 Summer Concert Opening Act
• October 2 – Fryeburg Fair – Hayseed Theater
• October 4 – Fryeburg Fair – Draft Horse Park
If you’d like to experience the DellaValla Trio’s warmth and talent for yourself, check them out at any of their upcoming gigs, and keep up with them at www.dellavallatrio.com.
