Sweet Yonder

Guts. Glory. Soul.  Sweet Yonder is a fired-up, all-women, americana/bluegrass band -- (think Steel Drivers meets the Carter Family).  They deliver a soulful punch in every tune, including straight up instrumental attitude and truly inspiring vocal harmonies. Audiences in bars have stopped talking to give this band their full attention. The driving mix of banjo, mandolin, guitar and bass combined with powerful vocals makes this a show you don't want to miss. From compelling originals to masterful covers of the great bluegrass classics, Sweet Yonder crafts a show tailored to each audience. They even include their own spin on American classic rock.

Recommended If You Like: Dolly Parton, Della Mae, Earls of Leicester, The Carter Family, Uncle Earl, The Steel Wheels, Emily Lou Harris, Rhonda Vincent

What People Are Saying:  "I love Sweet Yonder! You ladies are excellent musicians with great timing, phrasing, and harmony, and I appreciate that very much! I also enjoy your songbook; you are reaching way back while moving forward.  Thanks!"

"Keep an eye (and ear) peeled for Sweet Yonder!"

"...[the] Sweet Yonder performance was quite excellent"  ... " I love this music!"

“...they play a refreshing mix of traditional string-band tunes, new takes on classic rock-era songs, and good original music, too! "

BIO

Carolyn Eyerly Sagatov - Guitar, Vocals.

Carolyn grew up in Fairfax, Virginia in a musical family singing together and listening to Southern Rock and Bluegrass.  Her music career began with adult's and children's music programs at her church. She is a graduate of the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts where she studied voice as well as stage craft.  As an experienced vocalist with a three-octave range, she was selected to perform with the Maritime Voices Ensemble of the Washington Revels. Carolyn is widely recognized as the former lead vocalist for a popular Washington DC-based folk group. Sweet Yonder relies on Carolyn for her powerful lead vocals and sweet harmonies, all anchored by her rhythm guitar.  Carolyn also heads a Gospel ensemble of volunteer singers at the local homeless shelter.  

Mary DeGuire Romagnoli - Mandolin, Vocals.

Mary started playing guitar, piano and writing simple songs at age 12. She expanded to musical theater and vocal training at the University of Maryland. Her innate musicality compelled her to explore musical instruments of all sorts, including fiddle, ukulele, alto recorder, doumbek, and bass. The mandolin stole her heart and is the one she chose to master.  She performed for several years as a vocalist and mandolinist for a popular DC-based folk band. In late 2013, Mary was inspired to start an all-women bluegrass band.  She searched for musicians who could play and sing with passion and conviction and synergy.  In a few short months, Sweet Yonder was formed. Her creative mandolin leads, bluesy lead vocals, and dynamic harmonies contribute to band's signature sound. She is currently writing songs for the band's second album.

Rachael Hansel - Banjo, Guitar, Vocals.

Rachael has been playing guitar and banjo since 1993. An international tour brought Rachael and her banjo to the Netherlands where she accompanied traditional dance troupes. Her musical influences include Dolly Parton, Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, Amanda Vincent, Norman Blake and Doc Watson. Rachael grew up in eastern Tennessee. She relocated to the Washington, DC and began playing banjo in the local scene. Her strong banjo technique and authentic vocal style quickly landed her a spot in Sweet Yonder.

Sarai Heath - Bass, Vocals.

Sarai was raised in North Carolina. Her father and step mother played in a bluegrass band and taught her to play the bass in their kitchen.  She quickly picked up the bluegrass standards and soon after learned to sing lead.  

Sarai favors both traditional Appalachian bluegrass as well as slightly edgy, bluesy, progressive bluegrass styles.  A northern Virginia resident since 2006, Sarai was a favorite in the DC area bluegrass scene. Her effortless bass playing and haunting vocals quickly stood out from the crowd and Sarai found herself in demand as a musician.  Her driving musicality and authentic vocal phrasing give Sweet Yonder a genuine mountain sound.