They croon. They scat. They swing and sing like Bing.
Think Bob Wills meets the Andrews Sisters.
The Cherokee Maidens and Sycamore Swing ride again with their signature western swing – following a seven-year hiatus.
One was a (Dixie) Chick. Two have appeared on A Prairie Home Companion. Two have sung at the Grand Ole Opry. And all share Native American heritage – hence their name, inspired by Cindy Walker’s 1941 country hit.
Local singer/songwriter and Bartlett Arboretum steward is thrilled to finally share the microphone again with Red Dirt Legend, Monica Taylor and bluegrass virtuoso and sis-in-law, Lauren White who hails from the hollers of Kentucky. In addition, original Maiden, Jennifer Melcher, will jump in for a few favorites when in Wichita.
Backed by a troupe of crackerjack musicians, led by Kentucky White, producer and guitar-slinger, Sycamore Swing keeps the classic genre authentic – featuring the best of the fabled Tulsa Playboys.
“Straight as an arrow flies,” as their signature song goes, The Cherokee Maidens deliver a charming, unabashedly throwback sound…”
The Daily Oklahoman
Their third recording, My Dixie Darling, was nominated for three Academy of Western Artists’ Awards including Group, Album and Best Song, Eicher/Macy’s original composition “Longing for Tulsa and You.”
Tour Dates
About
In 2008 they were all still Maidens, tethered by their Cherokee roots and love for western swing zing. Like all good ideas, begun as a lark sitting ‘round a kitchen table, Jennifer Melcher, Monica Taylor and Robin Macy memorized a few old chestnuts featuring tight female harmonies. They booked some juke joints up and down the Ol’ Chisholm Trail and got some lucky breaks along the way. The Cherokee Maidens and Sycamore Swing recorded two full-length CDs before young Jennifer, ahem, got knocked up.
She is now raising three kids, (born in 4 years) and vying for Mother-of-the-Century status.
Our Dixie Darling and Kentucky’s sibling, Lauren “Sis” White then joined the group, delivering her mighty talents curtesy of a formidable family lineage. Sis brings bluegrass pipes and Appalachian appeal to the tribe. The Maidens’ third release happened just before COVID and that’s sadly where the story stops.
Until now.
Well, they’re getting the whole band back together – not an easy thing to do as they are now far-flung ‘cross the country.
Come see them at these intimate venues during this imminent run of dates. The Cherokee Maids are happy to have the only real Maiden left standing, Jennifer, jump in while performing in Wichita.
Music
