Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light

Fresh off their first-place win at the 2023 Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival band competition, Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light have been captivating audiences across the Northeast. With songs that are both sweet and biting, Sumner’s lyric-forward writing and intricate, winding chord progressions push far beyond traditional folk conventions. Her powerful vocals are matched by the extraordinary talents of Kat Wallace (fiddle) and Mike Siegel (upright bass), whose dynamic performances elevate the music to breathtaking heights.

Sumner’s career began on the bluegrass circuit with the genre-bending Boston group Twisted Pine, but her solo work has earned her critical acclaim. She won the Lennon Award in the folk category of the 2021 John Lennon Songwriting Contest for her song "Radium Girls (Curie Eleison)," secured a spot in the Kerrville New Folk Competition, and was recognized four consecutive years as one of WBUR/NPR’s top Massachusetts entries in the Tiny Desk Competition.

Their latest album, Heartless Things, marks a bold evolution in Sumner's sound, blending elements of chamber-folk and indie-pop with Appalachian balladry and bluesy hooks. This immersive collection showcases her top-notch narrative songwriting while pushing the boundaries of contemporary folk music.

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of music that’s redefining what modern folk can be.

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.