Delta Rae, the North Carolina-based Americana band built around the masterful songwriting, emotive vocals and sublime harmonies of 4 ‘Til Dawn alums, just signed a record deal with Warner Brothers.  Siblings Ian, Eric and Britanny Hölljes grew up together in San Rafael, but through ‘Til Dawn met, befriended and formed a durable musical kinship with Liz Hopkins, another ‘Til Dawn alumna from San Rafael.  Long before Delta Rae’s existence, they sang together on ‘Til Dawn’s award-winning CD, Songs in the Key of AWESOME.   They talk in a recent Washington Post article about what it is like for them to work all in the family. Grant Emerson and Mike McKee are the rhythm section.

Austin Willacy, `Til Dawn Director states, “Delta Rae’s songs, voices and live show are so undeniable that a record deal was inevitable.  They are some of the hardest working, most talented and grounded people I know.”

Delta Rae was  signed by Seymour Stein, Vice President of Warner Brothers who signed The Ramones and Madonna and recently received a lifetime achievement award from billboard.

“Their music touches on all aspects of Americana – Gospel, Country, Bluegrass, and Blues. That said the songs are strong pop and have wide appeal.”
- Seymour Stein, co-founder Sire Records and VP at Warner Bros. Records

On February 12 Mill Valley’s famed Sweetwater Music Hall reopens its doors with youth performances including `Til Dawn.  From 5-8pm, don’t miss the excitement!

`Til Dawn Director Austin Willacy’s House Jacks’ just won 3 contemporary a cappella recording awards!

Best Pop/Rock Album

Winner: level by The House Jacks

Best Pop/Rock Song

Winner: “Red Dress”  on level by The House Jacks

Best Professional Original Song

Winner: Austin Willacy’s “You Were Everything” on level by House Jacks

Way to go Austin for continuing to give back to the community and our `Til Dawn Students! You can see `Til Dawn in action with the Marin Symphony on Sunday April 14 4pm.

Visit `Til Dawn’s page on the YIA Website to Order Now

Here’s “You Gotta Be,” the first track off the new CD. Enjoy!

`Til Dawn 2010

`Til Dawn Director Austin Willacy will receive a 2010 Avanti Award from the Joseph and Frances Brucia Foundation. Granted in the field of performing and visual arts, the Avanti Awards enable outstanding artists to pursue their dreams. Austin’s award will provide much-needed scholarship funds for `Til Dawn students.

The 2010 Avanti Awards will be presented on Friday, January 15 at a dinner celebration at the Mill Valley Community Center with `Til Dawn performing. Tickets are required.

Earlier the same evening, `Til Dawn will open a performance at 142 Throckmorton by Austin and his award-winning a cappella rock band The House Jacks.

Initiated in 2007, the Avanti Awards carry forward a Brucia family legacy of support for the arts. Giuseppe Brucia, in his desire to bring opera to San Francisco, generously financed the founding of the San Francisco Opera in 1919. Years later, Joseph and Frances Brucia funded the first free simulcast of the San Francisco Opera in Civic Center Park.

Austin Willacy

For tickets to the 2010 Avanti Awards dinner, contact the Joseph and Frances Brucia Foundation at 415-456-8611.

Tickets to 142 Throckmorton are available online or call 415.383.9600