With music described as an "eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary Celtic-inspired music," Moonfire took home the 2001 Wammie for best recording in the Celtic/Irish folk music category in February. Jody Marshall, Elise Kress and Cathy Palmer sure have come a long way since they started out in 1996. The band believes that the reason why Celtic music is so popular is because it is so full of life. "When you listen to the music, it's impossible to sit still. You just have to tap your feet, " Elise said with a smile.
All three women grew up with music, so it was pretty obvious that they would end up in the music industry one way or another. The women did not form Moonfire until 1996, when violinist Cathy Palmer of Mount Airy, Md., was about to record her solo album. Jody, who was a good friend of Cathy's, was asked to join the project, and since they also needed a flutist, Jody brought along her good friend Elise, and the rest is history.
The women of Moonfire love what they do. "Our music is so expressive of the human condition. It's an endless source of pleasure and enjoyment," Kress explained. When asked to describe their music with only three words, they were fast to respond. "Power chamber folk," Marshall and Kress said at the same time.
<b>BUT LIVING OUT IN SUBURBAN VIRGINIA,</b> as far from "the Emerald Isle" as a person can be, where do they get their inspiration? "We get our inspiration from the environment we live in," Marshall, who lives in McLean, said. "On our latest album 'Present, Past and Future,' we even have songs dedicated to our pets, called ‘The Pet Set,’" Marshall added.
They came up with the name Moonfire because they wanted a name that would not just categorize them as another female band. They wanted a name with both a male and a female element, and that is why they decided on Moonfire. "To us, the moon represents femininity and the fire masculinity," Marshall and Kress, who lives in Arlington, said.
The trio is signed to record label Azalea City Recordings located in Takoma Park. "It's a very unique label," Kress said. "It's owned and managed by several local musicians, which is great."
The band has been performing for quite a while, but the women still enjoy being on stage. "We love the contact we have with our audiences," Marshall said. "There's no greater feeling than knowing that you have given them something worthwhile," Kress added.
<b>THE THREE WOMEN OF MOONFIRE</b> have come quite far since they started out six years ago, so what is next? "I just want to continue producing the best music I can," Marshall replied.
"I just want to bring our joy to as many people as possible, give them music that's beautiful and lasting," Kress added.
For more information, contact Jody Marshall at 703-917-4225 or Elise Kress at 703-522-2866 or visit <a href="http://www.moonfiremusic.com">www.moonfiremusic.com</a>.
Moonfire's music is available at Artisans Gifts and Apparel in McLean, Borders Books and Music at Bailey's Crossroads, House of Musical Traditions in Takoma Park and at <a href="http://www.amazon.com">Amazon.com</a>.
Moonfire's next public appearance will be at the State House in Historic St. Mary's City, Md. on April 6. For tickets or more information, call 240-895-4991 or visit <a href="http://www.stmaryscity.org">www.stmaryscity.org</a>.