Critics have reached for Joni Mitchell’s storytelling and Bruce Hornsby’s jazz-twinged rock ‘n’ roll hustle when trying to describe Sarah De Vallière & the Rhythmwell, which should tell you something about both the scope of the music and how seriously the band takes the stage. De Vallière brings that energy to Abilene Bar & Lounge in Rochester on Thursday, September 17.
About the Show
De Vallière grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, started piano at age three, and studied classical technique before following that ear to Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she earned a degree in Film Scoring. Her work spans from co-creating Fishwife Tales with poet Jennifer Jean to composing for YouTube animation (she collaborated with Alan Becker on “Animator vs. Animator”) before arriving at her current run of live shows. NYS Music has written that she “brandishes her flair for dramatic storytelling…a unique spin on Americana,” and her work has appeared at both the Rochester International Jazz Festival and the Rochester Fringe Festival. Her sound runs from cinematic folk rock with jazz and pop textures into Americana, blues, soul, and gospel, with critics drawing comparisons to Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, and Ben Folds.
Her most recent album, The Healing (June 2024), pulls that range together: the record features members of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra alongside musicians who have performed with Mary J. Blige and Mikaela Davis. She is currently recording with Chicago-based trumpeter Shane Jonas and drummer John Deitmeyer, with a new album targeted for early 2027. Thursday’s set falls between those two records, which is often the most interesting time to catch a band live.
Opener Katie Haverly has spent more than 20 years performing solo and with bands, releasing nine full-length albums including Triangulating Line (2023). Rochester-based and drawing comparisons to Fleetwood Mac and Joni Mitchell, she has opened for Macy Gray, Chris Isaak, and Loudon Wainwright III. One review landed on “soul meets indie pop with catchy melodies and soulful instrumentation” — which makes her a strong match for the top of this bill. Joining as special guests are Bill Tiberio and Vanessa Mangione.
Venue & Logistics
Abilene Bar & Lounge is at 153 Liberty Pole Way in Rochester, part of the western New York live music landscape. The 200-capacity room is a good fit for De Vallière’s layered sound. Doors open at 4 p.m.; music begins at 7 p.m.
Tickets
Admission is $10 at the door; no advance purchase is required. Buy tickets