Rainbow Girls return, at last, to perform on Vashon

Rainbow Girls are known for shows that meld soulful harmonies, layered instrumentals and lyrical content with subject matter ranging from love, self-reflection and social justice.

By Elizabeth Shepherd • February 24, 2022 1:30 am
(Courtesy Photo) Rainbow Girls, a folk trio from northern California, were booked to play a show on Vashon when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Now, they’ll finally take the stage again on Vashon on March 7, at Vashon Theatre.
(Courtesy Photo) Rainbow Girls, a folk trio from northern California, were booked to play a show on Vashon when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Now, they’ll finally take the stage again on Vashon on March 7, at Vashon Theatre.

Rainbow Girls, a folk trio from California, will play a show at 7 p.m. Monday, March 7, at Vashon Theatre.

The show, presented by islander Debra Heesch, is a long-awaited return to Vashon for the trio, who had been booked to play a show on Vashon in 2020 during what turned out to be the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, it’s finally rescheduled, at Vashon Theatre, where audiences members can spread out in the 350-seat space to enjoy the show.

“They love Vashon and are thrilled to finally be coming back,” said Heesch.

Comprised of three musical talents — Vanessa May, Erin Chapin and Caitlin Gowdey — Rainbow Girls are known for shows that meld soulful harmonies, layered instrumentals and lyrical content with subject matter ranging from love, self-reflection and social justice. Their instruments and techniques include slide guitar, keys, upright bass, harmonica and beat-boxing and mouth trumpet.

Originally formed in 2010 in Santa Barbara, California, Rainbow Girls have performed internationally, from busking on the streets of Europe to playing pubs and theaters in the United Kingdom, to house concerts, festivals and shows in the United States. They have also burnished their reputation on National Public Radio’s Tiny Desk concert series and KQED’s “The California Report.” They’ve played alongside the likes of Hot Buttered Rum, The Brothers Comatose, ALO and John Craigie.

Anna Moss will open the show. Tickets, $15, can be purchased at vashontheatre.com. Doors to the show open at 6:30 p.m. Find out more about the trio’s music and shop for their albums and merch at rainbowgirlsmusic.com.