Tallahassee's New 76ers

From left to right, Danny Goddard, Kelly Goddard, and Brian Durham

A band to watch:

The  New 76ers, who hail from festgrrl headquarters in Tallahassee, Florida,  are one of the best emerging Americana bands working the southeast scene today. The New 76ers hit a trifecta with inspired songwriting, soaring harmonies and a sweet family connection.

Kelly Goddard -- What a voice!

Lead singer Kelly Goddard's voice is clear, dynamic, and has real star quality.  (Have a listen in the video at the bottom of this post.) She holds down lead vocals on most songs, with her husband, Danny (guitar), and her brother, Brian (upright bass) delivering tight, sweet harmonies. They all know their way around bluegrass tunes for sure, and their big strength is vocals as lush and rich as a pecan grove in late summer light.

The band delivered a stellar show Saturday night at The Mockingbird in Tallahassee to a packed house, with an especially gorgeous cover of Peter Rowan's Dustbowl Children.

They have a new 8-song EP out, Demolition Man, available at their website. The official Demolition Man release happens  Aug. 17 at a show at the American Legion Hall, where Belmont & Jones and Bedhead Betty round out the bill.

The New 76ers are on the roster for Suwannee Springfest, March 20-24 at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park  in Live Oak, Fl. along with heavyweight newgrass headliners The Avett Brothers, The Punch Brothers, Sam Bush Band, and others.

You can keep up with the band's latest at the The New 76ers Facebook page. 

And check out this YouTube video of the title track of one of their excellent CDs, Superhighway: